Human Development Notes

Human Development Overview

  • Growth: Generally refers to changes in size.
  • Development: Occurs through maturation of physical and mental capacities, as well as learning.

Importance for Mental Health Workers

  • Familiarity with each developmental stage is essential to recognize maladaptive behaviors and provide quality healthcare.

Life Stages of Development

Infancy
  • Language: Newborns primarily communicate by crying.
  • Feeding: Newborns usually eat every 2 to 3 hours.
  • Physical Abilities:
    • Uncoordinated movements.
    • Toothless with poor vision (focusing range of 8 to 12 inches).
    • Typically doubles in weight by 9 months.
    • Responds to human voice and touch.
Early Childhood

  • One-Year-Old:

    • Changes from a plump baby to a leaner, more muscular toddler.
    • Begins to walk and talk.
    • Develops passive language skills (better understanding of spoken language).
    • Exhibits tentative independence and explores surroundings.

  • Two-Year-Old:

    • Begins to communicate verbally using names and simple phrases.
    • Typically can speak in 3 to 4 word sentences.
    • Known for negative behavior, often saying “NO!” to everything.
    • Experiences temper tantrums; plays side by side with other children without direct interaction.
    • Great at imitation.

  • Three-Year-Old:

    • Desires to emulate parents.
    • Vocabulary and pronunciation continue to improve.
    • Can climb stairs using alternating feet and briefly stand on one foot.

  • Four-Year-Old:

    • Constructs more complex sentences; understood by strangers.
    • Possesses vivid imagination; blurred line between reality and imagination.
    • Develops fears, such as fear of the dark, animals, and death.

  • Five-Year-Old:

    • Can hop on one foot and skip.
    • Able to accurately copy figures.
    • May begin reading.
    • Socializes with peers of similar age.
Late Childhood: Preadolescence
  • Both large and small muscles are well-developed.
  • Complex motor skills advance from independent activities to same-sex group interactions.
  • Peer acceptance becomes crucial; parental approval remains important.
Adolescence
  • A traumatic life stage for both child and parents.
  • Puberty occurs, leading to heightened concern about appearance.
  • Trying to establish a self-identity; confrontations with authority figures increase.
Young Adult
  • Physical development is usually complete, while emotional maturation continues.
  • Learns to accept responsibilities and criticism, usually gains insights from mistakes.
  • Social interactions evolve from age-related peer groups to relationships based on shared interests.
Middle Adulthood
  • Physical changes start occurring: thinning and graying hair, wrinkles, decreased hearing and vision, and loss of muscle tone.
  • Main concerns include children, health, job security, aging parents, and the fear of aging.
  • Love and acceptance continue to play significant roles in life.
Late Adulthood
  • This age group is the fastest growing segment of society.
  • Experiences physical deterioration: brittle bones, coordination issues, and memory problems.
  • Coping with retirement and seeking forms of entertainment become essential.
  • High concern for health and financial stability; mental health challenges, including depression and a high suicide rate, can emerge.

Individual Differences to Consider

  • Cultural & Subcultural Differences: Variations in value systems, rites of passage, and rituals.
  • Ethnic Differences: Variations in skin tones, facial features, and languages.
  • Religious Differences: Influence behaviors and perspectives on development.
  • Physical Differences: Attributes such as size, shape, disabilities, and anomalies.
  • Personalities: Inherent tendencies towards being outgoing, shy, or creative, among others.