Chapter 5: Life Span – Infancy Through Middle Adulthood

Growth

Physical change over time

Nosocomical

Infection acquired by healthcare setting

Development

Adapting to the environment over time

Cephalocaudal growth

Head to toe

Cephalocaudal development

infants to use their arms before their legs

Proximodistal growth

baby’s central body is formed before the limbs

Proximodistal development

focus the eyes, then lift the head, ect…

What are general principles of development?

Simple → complex

Cognitive development theory

Pigiet

Psychoanalytic theory

Freud

Developmental task theory

Havighurst

Psychosocial development theory

Erikson

Moral development theories

Kohlberg and Gilligan

Spiritual development theory

Fowler

Who identified the three core competencies of adaptation, assimilation, and accommodation?

Piaget

What is Erikson’s psychosocial stage for adolescence?

Identity vs. role confusion

What are key features of middle adulthood (40–64 years)?

Menopause/andropause, balancing aspirations with reality, caring for children and aging parents.

What are common health problems in middle adulthood?

Cancer, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease.

What are two positive health habits nurses should teach middle-aged adults?

Routine screenings/diagnostic tests and regular exercise

According to Havighurst, which stage contains the most complex developmental tasks?

Middle adulthood – balancing multiple roles (career, family, personal growth).