Stages of Human Development and Developmental Tasks

Vocabulary flashcards covering major stages, concepts, and tasks of human development presented in the lecture notes.

Pre-natal Period

Stage of human development before birth, encompassing germinal, embryonic, and fetal phases.

Germinal Stage

First two weeks after conception; involves conception, implantation, and formation of the placenta.

Embryonic Stage

Weeks 2–8 of pregnancy; vital organs and body systems begin to form.

Fetal Stage

From 2 months to birth; rapid bodily growth, movement capability, brain-cell multiplication, and age of viability.

Age of Viability

Point in prenatal development when the fetus can survive outside the womb, typically after 24–28 weeks.

Infancy

Birth to 2 years; extreme dependence on adults, sensorimotor coordination, early language, and social learning.

Passive Language

Ability of infants (around 1 year) to understand words and phrases before they can speak them.

Early Childhood

Ages 3–5; rapid language expansion, vivid imagination, emerging independence, and improved motor skills.

Middle and Late Childhood

Ages 6–12; development of complex motor skills, peer acceptance, and growth of academic abilities.

Adolescence

Ages 13–18; marked by puberty, identity formation, heightened self-consciousness, and authority challenges.

Puberty

Biological process during adolescence when sexual maturation and rapid physical changes occur.

Early Adulthood

Ages 19–29; physical development complete, emotional maturity grows, and career/family foundations laid.

Middle Adulthood

Ages 30–60; onset of physical aging signs, focus on children, career stability, and aging parents.

Late Adulthood

Age 61+; fastest-growing age group, physical decline, retirement adjustment, and health/finance concerns.

Developmental Task

A challenge that arises at a specific life stage; successful completion leads to happiness and smooth progression to later tasks (Havighurst).

Robert Havighurst

Psychologist who defined developmental tasks as age-linked challenges critical to personal success.

Sexual Modesty

Middle-childhood task of learning appropriate behavior regarding sex differences.

Wholesome Self-Attitude

Positive self-concept developed during middle childhood as part of developmental tasks.

Conscience

Sense of right and wrong that begins forming in early childhood and refines through middle childhood.

Masculine or Feminine Social Role

Adolescent task of adopting culturally appropriate gender roles.

Emotional Independence

Adolescent achievement of reduced reliance on parents for emotional support.

Selecting a Mate

Developmental task of adolescence leading into early adulthood, involving choice of a life partner.

Civic Responsibility

Early adulthood task of participating responsibly in community and society.

Career Achievement

Middle-adulthood goal of attaining satisfaction and stability in one’s occupation.

Leisure Time Activities

Middle-adulthood developmental task of developing meaningful, enjoyable non-work pursuits.

Retirement Adjustment

Late-adulthood task of adapting to reduced income, changed identity, and increased free time.

Age-Peer Group

Group of individuals of similar age; importance peaks in middle childhood for social acceptance.

Negative Behavior Phase

Common two-year-old trait characterized by frequent use of “NO!” and temper tantrums.

Imaginary Play

Early-childhood activity where vivid imagination blurs lines between reality and fantasy.

Age-Related Physical Changes

Physical alterations such as graying hair, wrinkles, and sensory decline beginning in middle adulthood