Introduction to Human Development and Developmental Transitions

Vocabulary flashcards covering human development definitions, processes, developmental periods, basic concerns, and transition factors from Life and Career Skills Lessons 1 and 2.

Human Development

A constant pattern of change starting at conception and lasting throughout a person's life.

Biological Processes

Key developmental processes involving genetic inheritance, brain and physical growth, and hormonal changes.

Cognitive Processes

Key developmental processes involving learning, memory, language development, and problem-solving.

Socioemotional Processes

Key developmental processes involving emotional regulation, personality, identity, and relationships.

Puberty

A biological process marked by hormonal shifts, growth of sexual characteristics, and changes in voice.

Prenatal Period

The developmental period from conception to birth.

Infancy

The developmental period from birth to $18$–$24\,\text{months}$.

Early Childhood

The developmental period from the end of infancy to age $5$–$6$.

Middle and Late Childhood

The developmental period spanning ages $6$–$11$.

Adolescence

The developmental period marked by rapid physical, cognitive, and socioemotional growth, spanning ages $10$–$12$ to $18$–$22$ (or ages $12$–$18$).

Early Adulthood

The developmental period spanning from late teens/early twenties to the $30\text{s}$.

Middle Adulthood

The developmental period spanning ages $40$–$60$.

Late Adulthood

The developmental period spanning ages $60$ and beyond.

Nature vs. Nurture

The developmental debate centering on how biological inheritance (nature) and environmental events (nurture) respectively contribute to shape human development.

Stability vs. Change

The developmental concern regarding whether people keep their early characteristics or change over time.

Continuity vs. Discontinuity

The developmental concern regarding whether development is a gradual, continuous process or happens in separate stages.

Metacognition

The cognitive process of considering or reflecting on one's own thinking.

Postformal or Reflective Thinking

A cognitive process where a person considers context and consequences before making decisions.

Risk Factors

Internal or external factors that raise the possibility of unfavorable outcomes such as mental health problems, behavior disorders, and educational failure.

Protective Factors

Personal qualities, encouraging relationships, or environmental surroundings that help minimize the negative consequences of risk and foster resilience and healthy development.