Human Growth and Development ch1

Things i need to know

What is meant by the concept of development?

Development is the pattern of movement or change that begins at conception and continues throughout life. It includes growth, decline, and aging.

Why is the study of life-span development important?

It shows how people change over time and helps improve health, learning, and relationships at every age.

What are the eight main characteristics of the life-span perspective?

Lifelong, Multidimensional, Multidirectional, Plastic, Multidisciplinary, Contextual, Involves Growth, Maintenance, and Regulation of Loss, Co-construction

What are three sources of contextual influences?

Normative age-graded influences – Common to people of a particular age group (e.g., puberty, retirement).

Normative history-graded influences – Affected by historical events (e.g., COVID-19).

Nonnormative life events – Unique events not experienced by everyone (e.g., early parental death)

What are some contemporary concerns in life-span development?

• Health and well-being

• Parenting and education

• Technology’s role in development

• Social policy (child care, elder care)

• Cultural and gender diversity issues