Lifespan Development - Practice Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary terms covering life expectancy, growth patterns, family structures, developmental stages across the lifespan, and theories of aging based on Chapter 24 lecture notes.

Life expectancy

The average number of years an individual will probably live, which was $47.3$ years in the United States at the start of the 20th century and is $77$ years today.

Infant mortality

The number of deaths that occur before the first year of life.

Proximodistal

Growth and development that proceeds from the center or midline of the body toward the periphery (the outside).

Cephalocaudal

Growth and development that proceeds from the head toward the feet.

Chromosomes

Structures that contain the blueprint for all inherited traits.

Teratogen

Any substance, agent, or process that interferes with normal prenatal development, resulting in one or more developmental abnormalities in the fetus.

Family

The basic unit of society composed of two or more people united by marriage, blood, adoption, emotional bonds, and/or social roles.

Family Patterns

The ways in which family members relate to each other, categorized as Autocratic, Patriarchal, Matriarchal, or Democratic.

Engagement/commitment stage

The initial stage of family development.

Senescence stage

The final stage of family development.

Infancy period

The developmental stage from $1$ to $12$ months of age.

Trust vs Mistrust

Erikson’s psychosocial developmental stage associated with Infancy ($1$ to $12$ months).

Sensorimotor stage

Piaget’s cognitive and intellectual development stage associated with Infancy.

Lumbar lordosis

A physical characteristic of a toddler ($1$ to $3$ years) featuring a convex lumbar curve and a protruding abdomen (potbelly).

Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt

Erikson’s psychosocial developmental stage associated with the Toddler period ($1$ to $3$ years).

Preoperational thought stage

Piaget’s cognitive stage (Toddler and Preschooler) where the child uses symbols to represent objects and experiences magical thoughts.

Initiative vs Guilt

Erikson’s psychosocial developmental stage associated with the Preschooler period ($3$ to $5$ years).

Industry vs Inferiority

Erikson’s psychosocial developmental stage associated with School Age ($6$ to $12$ years).

Concrete operational stage

Piaget’s cognitive stage for School Age children ($6$ to $12$ years) where thoughts become more logical, coherent, and organized.

Puberty

The period of physical development that occurs during Adolescence ($12$ to $19$ years).

Identity vs Role Confusion

Erikson’s psychosocial developmental stage associated with Adolescence ($12$ to $19$ years).

Formal operational thought stage

Piaget’s cognitive stage during Adolescence where function reaches maturity, including abstract reasoning and scientific problem solving.

Intimacy versus isolation

Erikson’s psychosocial developmental stage associated with Early Adulthood ($20$ to $40$ years).

Ageism

A form of discrimination and prejudice directed against older adults.

Autoimmunity theory

A theory of aging stating the body becomes less able to recognize or tolerate \text{self}.

Free radical theory

A theory of aging suggesting that the accumulation of free radicals accelerates the aging process.

Wear-and-tear theory

A theory of aging suggesting that aging is accelerated by abuse of the body.

Biologic programming theory

A theory of aging suggesting that the way we age is hereditary or genetic.

Disengagement theory

A theory of aging suggesting that a natural withdrawal between the individual and society is the best course of action.

Activity theory

A theory of aging suggesting that older people who remain more socially active adjust better to aging.

Continuity theory

A theory of aging suggesting that adjustment depends on previously learned coping abilities and the ability to maintain previous roles.

Ego integrity versus despair

Erikson’s psychosocial developmental stage associated with Late Adulthood ($65$ years and older).