Life Span Development

Life span development

The study of changes and growth that occur throughout a person's life, from birth to old age.

Anatomy and physiology

How the body is structured and functions.

Pathophysiology

The study of how diseases and disorders affect body systems.

Cognitive development

The process of growth and change in intellectual capabilities.

Emotional regulation

The ability to manage and respond to an emotional experience.

Scaffolding

The support provided by caregivers to help a child learn new skills.

Trust versus mistrust

A fundamental psychosocial stage during infancy where the child learns to trust caregivers.

Temperament

The individual differences in emotional and behavioral responses evident from early life.

Infancy

The first year of life characterized by rapid physical growth and developmental changes.

Toddler phase

The developmental stage from 12 to 36 months marked by increasingly assertive behaviors and personality development.

Preschool age

The developmental stage from 3 to 5 years characterized by social interaction and further cognitive development.

School age

The developmental stage from 6 to 12 years with important growth opportunities and educational experiences.

Adolescence

The developmental stage from 13 to 18 years involving significant physical and emotional changes.

Early adulthood

The developmental phase from 19 to 40 years characterized by identity and career establishment.

Middle adulthood

The developmental stage from 41 to 60 years often marked by self-reflection and consideration of life goals.

Late adulthood

The final stage of development starting at 61 years and characterized by significant health changes.

Vital signs

Measurements of physiological functioning, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.

Developmental milestones

Key skills or behaviors that most children can do by a certain age.

Psychosocial changes

The emotional and social development that occurs over the lifespan.

Infectious diseases

Illnesses caused by pathogens, more common in developing bodily systems like those of infants.

Peer influence

The effect that peers can have on an individual's behaviors and decision-making.

Magical thinking

A stage of cognitive development where a child believes their thoughts can influence the world.

Empty-nest syndrome

The feelings of sadness or loss parents may experience when their children leave home.

Midlife crisis

A period of self-reflection that occurs during middle adulthood, often involving personal re-evaluation.

Elder abuse

Intentional harm or neglect of older adults, sometimes requiring emergency intervention.

Coping strategies

Techniques a person uses to handle stress and challenges.

Self-destructive behaviors

Actions that are harmful to oneself, often emerging during adolescence.

Bonding

The formation of emotional attachments between infants and their caregivers.

Identity formation

The developmental process of forming a distinct personality and sense of self, often occurring in adolescence.

Reflexes

Automatic responses crucial for survival that infants exhibit, such as the Moro and rooting reflexes.