Chapter 11 - development

Development

The pattern of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth and change that begins at conception and continues throughout life.

Zygote

A fertilized egg formed when a sperm and egg cell unite, containing all genetic information for development.

Prenatal period

The period of development before birth, from conception to birth, including germinal, embryonic, and fetal stages.

Germinal stage (0–2 weeks)

First prenatal stage where the zygote divides rapidly and implants in the uterus.

Embryonic stage (3–8 weeks)

Prenatal stage where major organs, brain, and body systems begin forming.

Fetal stage (9 weeks–birth)

Prenatal stage where the fetus grows rapidly and organs mature.

Stage theories of development

Theories that describe development as a series of distinct stages with specific changes in each stage.

Erik Erikson

Psychosocial theory developer who described 8 stages of social and emotional development across the lifespan.

Psychosocial crisis

A conflict or challenge at each Erikson stage that must be resolved for healthy development.

Trust vs Mistrust (0–1)

Infants learn whether caregivers and the world are safe.

Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt (1–3)

Toddlers develop independence or feel doubt about abilities.

Initiative vs Guilt (3–6)

Children learn to take initiative or feel guilt for actions.

Industry vs Inferiority (6–12)

Children develop competence in school or feel inferior.

Identity vs Role Confusion (12–18)

Adolescents form identity or feel confused about self.

Intimacy vs Isolation (young adult)

Adults form close relationships or feel isolated.

Generativity vs Stagnation (middle adult)

Adults contribute to society or feel unproductive.

Integrity vs Despair (late adult)

Adults reflect on life with satisfaction or regret.

Jean Piaget

Cognitive development theorist who described how thinking develops in stages.

Sensorimotor (0–2)

Infants learn through senses and actions.

Preoperational (2–7)

Children develop language and imagination but lack logical thinking.

Concrete operational (7–11)

Children develop logical thinking about concrete objects.

Formal operational (12+)

Teens develop abstract and hypothetical thinking.

Object permanence

Understanding that objects still exist even when not seen.

Conservation

Understanding that quantity stays the same even when appearance changes.

Irreversibility

Inability to mentally reverse actions (common in young children).

Egocentrism

Inability to see things from another person’s perspective.

Lawrence Kohlberg

Psychologist who studied stages of moral reasoning development.

Moral development

The process of learning right vs wrong and moral reasoning.

Preconventional level

Moral reasoning based on rewards and punishments (typical of children).

Obedience and punishment orientation

Behavior driven by avoiding punishment.

Individualism and exchange

Behavior driven by self-interest and rewards.

Separation anxiety (6–8 months+)

Distress when a child is separated from caregiver.

Attachment

Emotional bond between infant and caregiver that supports security and development.