Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development - Revision Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, development areas (PIES), life stages, physical concepts, emotional terms, and developmental factors from Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development.

Growth

An increase in physical size.

Development

Changes in skills, abilities and understanding.

Lifespan

The whole of a person's life, from birth to death.

Life stage

A period of life with common characteristics.

Life event

An important event or significant occurrence that can change a person's circumstances, feelings, responsibilities or relationships.

Holistic development

Development of the whole person, considering how different areas connect and influence one another.

Physical development

Changes to the body, including growth, movement, strength and the senses.

Intellectual development

Changes in thinking, learning, memory, language and problem-solving.

Emotional development

Changes in feelings, self-confidence, self-esteem and relationships with ourselves and others.

Social development

Learning how to communicate, interact with other people and build relationships.

Infancy

The life stage from $0\text{--}2\text{ years}$ characterised by rapid growth, developing movement, speech and attachment.

Early childhood

The life stage from $3\text{--}8\text{ years}$ where learning, language, play and independence develop.

Adolescence

The life stage from $9\text{--}18\text{ years}$ characterised by puberty, identity, emotional changes and stronger peer relationships.

Early adulthood

The life stage from $19\text{--}45\text{ years}$ characterised by physical maturity, work, relationships and possible parenthood.

Middle adulthood

The life stage from $46\text{--}65\text{ years}$ involving possible menopause, ageing changes, caring responsibilities and career changes.

Later adulthood

The life stage from $65+\text{ years}$ characterised by possible sensory loss, reduced mobility, retirement and bereavement.

Gross motor skills

Large body movements using large muscle groups, such as crawling, walking, running and jumping.

Fine motor skills

Small, controlled movements, particularly using hands and fingers, such as holding a pencil, fastening buttons and using cutlery.

Puberty

The period when a child's body changes and develops sexual maturity.

Primary sexual characteristics

Changes involving the reproductive organs and their functions, such as the maturation of ovaries and onset of menstruation in females, or the maturation of testes and start of sperm production in males.

Secondary sexual characteristics

Physical changes that develop during puberty that are not reproductive organs themselves, such as breast development, voice deepening and growth of body hair.

Menopause

When menstrual periods permanently stop because of changes in reproductive hormones, usually during midlife.

Attachment

A strong emotional bond with another person.

Security

Feeling safe, protected and supported.

Self-image

How a person sees or describes themselves.

Self-esteem

How much a person values themselves.

Contentment

Feeling satisfied, comfortable or at peace.

Physical and genetic factors

Factors connected with the body, inherited characteristics, health or disability.

Lifestyle factors

Choices and habits that influence health and wellbeing.

Emotional factors

Feelings and emotional experiences that affect wellbeing.

Social factors

Relationships and interactions with other people.

Cultural factors

Beliefs, values, traditions and practices associated with a person's culture or community.

Environmental factors

The surroundings in which a person lives, learns and works.

Economic factors

Factors relating to money, income, employment and financial resources.