Chapter 1: Theoretical Perspectives of Lifespan Development

Lifespan development focuses on ____ ___.

human development

Some specialists may explore ___, ____, or ___ as it pertains to lifespan development.

• universal principles of development

• cultural, racial, and ethnic differences

• individual traits and characteristics

True or False: Lifespan development is a lifelong process from birth to death.

true

What do developmental psychologists examine?

patterns of growth, change, and stability in behavior that occur throughout one’s life

What are the four main areas of lifespan development?

• physical development

• cognitive development

• social development

• personality (emotional) development

Physical development

focuses on the changes in the body, including growth and motor skills

Cognitive development

focuses on intellectual abilities, such as learning and memory

Personality Development

focuses on the development, stability, and evolution of an individual's character and emotions over time

Social development

focuses on how relationships grow, change, and remain stable over time

Prenatal period

conception to birth

Infancy and toddlerhood age range

birth to age 3

Preschool period

ages 3 to 6

Middle childhood age ranges

ages 6 to 12

Adolescence age range

ages 12 to 20

Young adulthood age range

ages 20 to 40

Middle adulthood age range

ages 40 to 60

Late adulthood age range

ages 60 and older

Both ___ and ___ influence how we develop over our lifespan.

nature and nurture

What does nature consist of?

genetic information that we inherit from our parents

How does our genes influence lifespan development?

it predisposes us to certain traits and health conditions, affecting our physical and mental well-being throughout life

What does nurture consist of?

the environmental influences and experiences we encounter as we grow, including family upbringing, culture, and life events

How does nurture influence how we develop over our lifespan?

it influences our behaviors, attitudes, and overall well-being

The Psychodynamic perspective

• proposed by Freud and Erikson

• advocates that behavior is influenced by inner forces (such as memories and conflicts) that may be outside of one’s control

• and that early childhood experiences help shape personality and behavior.

Psychoanalytic Theory: According to Freud, everyone’s personality has three aspects:

• Id

• Ego

• Supergo

Id

• develops at birth

• follows the pleasure principle

• represents innate drives and instincts (ex: hunger, aggression, sex drive)

• seeks immediate gratification and operates unconsciously.

Ego

• develops around 6 months of age

• follows the reality principle

• represents the rational part of personality that mediates between the desires of the Id and the constraints of the Supergo

Superego

• develops around ages 5-6

• follows the morality principle

• represents a person’s conscience and makes distinctions between right and wrong