Developmental Psychology: Stages, Theories, and Parenting Styles

Zygote

fertilized egg, rapid cell division.

Embryo

developing organism, organs begin forming.

Fetus

distinct human features appear, growth and refinement until birth.

Teratogens

Harmful environmental agents that disrupt prenatal development.

Examples of Teratogens

alcohol, marijuana, lead, pesticides.

Sensorimotor Stage

experience world through senses/reflexes, develop object permanence (age < 2 years).

Preoperational Stage

symbolic thought, theory of mind, conservation begins (age 2-7 years).

Concrete Operational Stage

logical thinking, reversibility develops (age 7-11 years).

Formal Operational Stage

abstract, complex reasoning (age > 11 years).

Assimilation

fitting new info into existing schemas.

Accommodation

altering schemas to fit new info.

Object permanence

knowing something exists even when out of sight.

Conservation

understanding quantity remains constant despite shape changes.

Theory of mind

knowing others' thoughts/experiences differ from your own.

Reversibility

understanding objects/numbers can return to their original state.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A developmental disorder involving challenges with social interaction, communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors.

Attachment

emotional bond between infant and caregiver.

Importance of Touch in Attachment

touch is critical in forming attachment, though other senses (sight, sound, smell) also matter.

Authoritative Parenting Style

warm, responsive, set clear rules (best outcomes).

Authoritarian Parenting Style

strict, less warmth.

Permissive Parenting Style

indulgent, few rules.

Neglectful/Uninvolved Parenting Style

little warmth, little guidance.

Erikson's Psychosocial Stages

Each stage = conflict to resolve.

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Preconventional - avoid punishment, gain reward; Conventional - uphold rules/laws, seek approval; Postconventional - abstract ethical principles, justice.

Emerging Adulthood

A newer stage seen in Western cultures: late teens to mid-20s.

Older Adulthood

Physical: decline in strength, senses, reaction time; Cognitive: some slowing, but wisdom/knowledge often improve.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy, leading to growth issues and cognitive delays.

Marijuana

Impacts brain development and can lead to attention problems when used during pregnancy.

Lead/Pesticides

Can cause neurological and physical defects when exposure occurs during prenatal development.

Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory

Piaget believed kids actively build knowledge through stages.

Parenting Styles

Authoritative: Warm but firm. Set rules, explain them, encourage independence. Best outcomes (kids are confident, responsible).

Authoritarian Parenting

Strict, little warmth. Emphasize obedience. Kids may be obedient but less happy or independent.

Permissive Parenting

Warm, few rules. Kids may struggle with self-control.

Neglectful/Uninvolved Parenting

Low warmth, low control. Kids often feel insecure, struggle academically and socially.

Infancy Stage (0-1)

Trust vs. Mistrust - if needs met, trust develops.

Toddler Stage (1-3)

Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt - independence (toilet training, feeding).

Early Childhood Stage (3-6)

Initiative vs. Guilt - learn responsibility, leadership.

School Age Stage (6-12)

Industry vs. Inferiority - compare self with peers, develop competence.

Adolescence Stage (12-18)

Identity vs. Role Confusion - explore identity, values, career.

Young Adulthood Stage (20s-30s)

Intimacy vs. Isolation - form close relationships.

Middle Adulthood Stage (40s-60s)

Generativity vs. Stagnation - contribute to society, raise family.

Late Adulthood Stage (65+)

Integrity vs. Despair - reflect on life with satisfaction or regret.

Kohlberg's Moral Development

How reasoning about right/wrong changes.

Preconventional Morality

Focus on punishment/reward. ('I won't steal because I'll get in trouble.')

Conventional Morality

Focus on social rules/laws. ('I won't steal because laws say it's wrong.')

Postconventional Morality

Abstract moral principles. ('It's wrong to steal, but saving a life may justify it.')

Cognitive Ability in Emerging Adulthood

Peak levels of abstract reasoning, memory, and problem solving. Generally sharper than adolescence, before decline in later adulthood.

Older Adulthood Physical Changes

Declines in muscle strength, reaction time, hearing, and vision. Higher risk of illness.

Older Adulthood Cognitive Changes

Some slowing of processing speed and memory, but wisdom and vocabulary often increase.

Older Adulthood Social Changes

Retirement, possible loss of spouse/peers, need to adjust to new roles. Positive aging linked to social connection and purpose.