Human Development and Life Span

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to human development and life span, focusing on psychological theories, developmental stages, and related concepts.

Human Development

The way people grow and change across the life span, including biological, cognitive, psychological, and social functioning.

Individualistic Culture

A culture that emphasizes independence and self-expression.

Collectivistic Culture

A culture that emphasizes obedience and group harmony.

Traditional Culture

A rural culture that adheres more closely to historical traditions than urban cultures.

Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory

A theory that focuses on social and cultural environment, consisting of eight stages of development characterized by crisis and resolution throughout life.

Trust vs. Mistrust

The developmental challenge in infancy (birth to 18 months) to establish a bond with the caregiver.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

The developmental challenge in toddlerhood (18 months to 3 years) of developing a healthy sense of self.

Initiative vs. Guilt

The developmental challenge in early childhood (3 to 5 years) of initiating activities purposefully.

Industry vs. Inferiority

The developmental challenge in middle childhood (5 to 12 years) of learning the knowledge and skills of culture.

Identity vs. Identity Confusion

The developmental challenge in adolescence (12 to 18 years) of developing a secure and coherent identity.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

The developmental challenge in early adulthood (18 to 40 years) of establishing a committed, long-term love relationship.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

The developmental challenge in middle adulthood (40 to 65 years) of contributing to the well-being of the young.

Ego Integrity vs. Despair

The developmental challenge in late adulthood (65 and over) of evaluating and accepting one's life.

Nature

The influence of genetic inheritance and biological factors on development.

Nurture

The influence of external factors and life experiences on an individual after conception.

Apgar Scale

A measure used to assess the health of newborns based on Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration.

Gross Motor Skills

Large movements that involve the entire body, such as walking, running, and jumping.

Fine Motor Skills

Movements that involve the small muscles of the hands and wrists.

Sensorimotor Skills

Abilities to receive sensory messages and produce a response.

Self-Concept

How one views and evaluates oneself, including psychological and physical characteristics, qualities, and skills.

Self-Esteem

A person's overall sense of worth and well-being.

Puberty

The period of physical development during which a person becomes capable of reproduction.

Imaginary Audience

The psychological state in which an adolescent believes they are constantly being watched and evaluated by others.

Personal Fable

The belief in one's uniqueness and exemptions from life’s problems common in adolescents.

Formal Operational Thought

Piaget’s theory stage beginning at age 11 where individuals learn to think systematically about possibilities.

Cognitive Dissonance

A psychological state where inconsistency among cognitive elements causes discomfort, motivating change.

Emerging Adulthood Characteristics

Identity explorations, instability, self-focus, feeling-in-between, and possibilities/optimism.

Resilience

The ability to overcome adverse circumstances and achieve healthy development despite challenges.

Drive-Reduction Theory

The theory that motivation arises from the need to fulfill physiological requirements to maintain homeostasis.

Meaning Making

The process through which individuals make sense of their experiences and reduce cognitive dissonance.

Primary Aging

Biological changes that occur naturally with aging.

Secondary Aging

Changes resulting from lifestyle choices, such as exercise and diet.

Stages of Dying

The emotional and psychological stages individuals go through when facing death, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Wisdom

The combination of insight, knowledge, strategies, values, and awareness accumulated through experience.

Leisure Activities in Late Adulthood

Activities enjoyed by older adults that promote engagement and quality of life.