HSC Chapter 1 Notes

Domains of Development

  • Physical: Growth of the body and brain, motor skills, sensory capacities, and health.

  • Cognitive: Learning, attention, memory, language, thinking, reasoning, and creativity.

  • Psychosocial: Emotions, personality, and social relations.


Western concepts of the life span

  • Prenatal (conception to birth)

    • Physical- fertilization, basic body structures and organs form, the most rapid growth

    • Cognitive- the ability to learn and memory form

    • Psychosocial- response and developed preference for mothers voice

  • Infant to Toddler (0-3)

    • Physical- brain development, physical growth, and development of motor skills.

    • Cognitive- the ability to learn and remember, ability to solve problems, comprehension, and use of language develop.

    • Psychosocial- Attachment to parents and others, self-awareness develops, interest in other children, and a shift from dependency to autonomy.

  • Early Childhood (3-6)

    • Physical- appearance becomes more slender and adult like. Appetite diminishes and sleep problems can occur, motor skills and strength improve.

    • Cognitive- Egocentric thinking, but also develops empathy, memory and language improve, and intelligence becomes more predictable.

    • Psychosocial- Independence, initiative, and self control increase, gender identity develops, imaginative play, more social, aggression, fear, and importance of family relations.

  • Middle Childhood (6-11)

    • Physical- Growth slows, strength and athleticism grow, respiratory illnesses are common, but generally best health in the lifespan

    • Cognitive- Egocentrism diminishes, more logical thinking, memory and language increase. Some children begin to show special needs.

    • Psychosocial- Self-concept starts to affect self-esteem and peers are of central importance.

  • Adolescence (11-20)

    • Physical- Physical growth and changes are rapid, reproductive maturity, major health risks can arise from behavioral issues.

    • Cognitive- ability to think abstractly and use scientific reasoning, immature thinking in attitude and behaviors.

    • Psychosocial- Search for individual and gender identity, greatly influenced by peers.

  • Emerging/Young Adulthood (20-40)

    • Physical- physical condition peaks then slightly declines, lifestyle choices influence health.

    • Cognitive- thought and moral judgement are more complex, educational and occupational choices are made.

    • Psychosocial- Life stages and environment affect changes in personality, intimate relationships establish, some marry and have kids.

  • Middle Adulthood (40-65)

    • Physical- Slow deterioration of health, stamina, and strength

    • Cognitive- Mental abilities peak, expertise and problem solving skills are high

    • Psychosocial- continued sense of identity, caring for children and parents can cause stress

  • Late Adulthood (65+)

    • Physical- Health and physical abilities continue to decline and reaction time slows

    • Cognitive- Intelligence and memory begin to deteriorate

    • Psychosocial- Personal losses, impending death, and search for meaning


Influences of Development

  1. Heredity: inborn, traits, genetics, biological

  2. Environment: out of body/experience

  3. Nature v Nurture (1v2)

  4. Maturation Level: Naturally occurring changes due to age


Normative: experienced in a similar way by people in a particular age group (schooling, retirement, puberty)

Historical Normative: common to generations experiences

Non-Normative: unusual experiences for an individual (birth defects, death of family, injury)

Critical Period: time when an event has a great impact on an individuals growth.

Imprinting: Instinctive form of learning


Life-Span Developmental Approach

  • Development is lifelong

  • Multi-dimensional, involves a loss and a gain

  • Shows plasticity

  • Influenced by biology and culture