MA

Recording-2025-03-13T02:52:21.186Z

Introduction to Human Development

  • Also known as developmental psychology, lifespan psychology.

  • Covers the entire lifespan from conception to death.

  • Focuses on unique individual developments, inconsistencies, and universal developmental consistencies across cultures.

Purpose of Developmental Psychology

  • Provides foundational knowledge about the human experience and the aging process.

  • Prepares individuals for personal and professional interactions.

Key Concepts in Development

Continuity and Change

  • Examines the pattern of continuity and change in human capabilities throughout life.

  • Growth occurs in skills and capabilities as one ages, leading to decline eventually.

Perspectives in Developmental Psychology

Physical Processes

  • Overview from conception, gestation, childhood, puberty, maturation to aging and death.

  • Highlights the developmental milestones at each stage.

Cognitive Processes

  • Development of cognitive abilities and how it varies across ages.

  • Shift in capabilities from childhood to adulthood.

Socio-emotional Processes

  • Examines social interactions and emotional development through the lifespan.

  • Notable example: children’s transition from parallel play to preference for peers over family.

Nature vs. Nurture Debate

  • Ongoing discussion regarding the influence of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) on development.

  • Complexity of polygenic traits makes the issue intricate.

  • Environmental factors encompass socialization, toxins, nutrition, and educational experiences.

Self Development

  • Focus on individual identity and self-perception.

  • How genetics and environment shape one’s self-understanding and interactions with the world.

Importance of Childhood

  • Critical time for physiological, socio-emotional, and cognitive development.

  • Resilience in children aids their capability to recover from difficulties.

  • Childhood experiences can impact adulthood, but there is potential for growth and change.

Prenatal Development

Stages of Prenatal Development

  1. Germinal Period: First two weeks post-conception.

  2. Embryonic Period: Weeks three to eight; organ formation begins.

  3. Fetal Period: Months two to nine; further development in length.

Impact of Teratogens

  • Teratogens (toxins) can affect fetal development; examples include alcohol, drugs, infections.

  • Timing of exposure to teratogens matters greatly; early exposure is often more harmful.

Brain Development

  • Rapid myelination and synaptic density increase during infancy.

  • The importance of interaction and exploration in nurturing cognitive development.

  • Brain functioning is influenced by the level of early stimulation.

Cognitive Development

Piaget’s Stages of Development

  1. Sensorimotor Stage (0-2 years): Coordination of sensory experiences and motor actions.

  2. Preoperational Stage (2-7 years): Development of symbolic thought and language.

  3. Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 years): Logical thinking in concrete contexts, understanding of classification.

  4. Formal Operational Stage (12+ years): Abstract thinking and idea exploration, potential for identity crisis if development stalls.

Attachment Theory

Importance of Attachment

  • Establishes a close emotional bond between an infant and caregiver, leading to secure or insecure attachment styles.

  • Ainsworth's Strange Situation test explores these attachment styles.

Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Stages

  1. Trust vs. Mistrust: Establishing trust in infancy.

  2. Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt: Self-exploration and independence in early childhood.

  3. Initiative vs. Guilt: Taking initiative to explore the world.

  4. Industry vs. Inferiority: Mastery of skills during school age.

  5. Identity vs. Role Confusion: Differentiate and establish identity during adolescence.

Adolescence

  • Transition phase marked by puberty and vast physical, emotional, and cognitive changes.

  • Identity exploration is central; varies culturally and within family structures.

Adulthood Transition

Emerging Adulthood

  • Ages 18-25; a phase of exploration in identity and career choices.

  • Often characterized by instability across various domains.

Early Adulthood

  • Peaks in physical ability; gradual decline begins.

  • Career responsibilities increase, societal expectations influence development.

Middle Adulthood and Beyond

  • Generativity vs. Stagnation: Focus on legacy and contributions.

  • Integrity vs. Despair: Reflection on life and personal legacies.

  • Importance of engagement in lifelong learning and social connections.

Conclusion

  • Lifespan development involves complex interplay of physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional dimensions.

  • Challenges within each stage can impact future development but resilience plays a significant role in positive outcomes.