Understanding and Strengthening the Self: Developmental Tasks and Influencing Factors

Vocabulary flashcards based on Robert James Havighurst's Developmental Tasks Theory and the physiological, psychosocial, and emotional aspects of adolescent development.

Developmental Task

Responsibilities and challenges individuals are expected to accomplish during a particular stage of development; success contributes to healthy growth and well-being.

Robert James Havighurst

An American Educator and developmental psychologist known for creating the Developmental Tasks Theory.

Developmental Tasks Theory

A theory explaining that individuals go through specific challenges at different life stages; successfully completing these tasks leads to happiness and success in later stages.

Infancy and Early Childhood

The developmental stage from $Birth-6$ years; tasks include learning to walk, talk, eat solid foods, toilet training, and developing basic reading readiness.

Middle Childhood

The developmental stage from $6-12$ years; tasks include learning physical skills for games, getting along with peers, and mastering reading, writing, and mathematics.

Adolescence

The developmental stage from $12-18$ years; tasks include accepting physical appearance, achieving emotional independence, and preparing for an occupation or career.

Early Adulthood

The developmental stage from $19-40$ years; tasks include selecting a life partner, starting a family, beginning a career, and establishing financial independence.

Middle Adulthood

The developmental stage from $40-65$ years; tasks include guiding the next generation, maintaining a career, and adapting to physical changes of aging.

Late Adulthood

The developmental stage from $65$ years and above; tasks include adjusting to retirement, adapting to declining health, and coping with the loss of loved ones.

Physical Maturation

An influencing factor on developmental tasks related to body growth and biological changes.

Physiological Development

The biological growth and transformation of the body during adolescence which prepares an individual for adult roles.

Protective Factors

Healthy habits and supports, such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and supportive family, that improve immunity and promote wellness.

Risk Factors

Negative influences or behaviors, such as poor nutrition, substance abuse, or bullying, that can lead to health problems or social isolation.

Psychosocial Development

Development focusing on how individuals form relationships, social skills, identity, and self-understanding.

Self-concept

How individuals see and understand themselves, including their abilities, appearance, personality, and values.

Identity

A person’s sense of who they are and what they believe in.

Emotional Development

Development involving understanding, expressing, and managing emotions effectively, including building resilience and empathy.

Self-regulation

The ability to control emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations.