Developmental Psychology Concepts

Stages 3 and 4: Involves viewing problems from the perspective of being a good, responsible member of society.

Stages 5 and 6: Involves invoking universal moral principles that transcend specific societal norms.

Industry vs. Inferiority (Erikson's Stages): Development of skills and competence vs. feelings of inferiority during elementary years.

Puberty:
- Onset of reproductive capability.
- Characterized by growth spurts and secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., body hair, voice changes).
- Triggered by hormones, primarily testosterone in males and estrogen in females, leading to physical changes and reproductive maturity.
- Primary Cause of Death in Adolescents: Accidents.

Formal Operational Stage (Piaget):
- Ability to think abstractly and hypothetically.
- Development of future planning and predicting potential outcomes.
Cognitive Changes: Transition from conventional to postconventional moral reasoning as per Kohlberg's model.

Marcia's Identity Statuses:
- Identity Diffusion: Lack of commitment or exploration.
- Foreclosure: Commitment without exploration, often influenced by authority figures.
- Moratorium: Active exploration without making a clear commitment.
- Identity Achievement: Committing to a chosen identity after exploring options.
Identity Formation:
- Personal Fable: Sense of being unique in experiences.
- Imaginary Audience: Belief that others are highly attentive and focused on them.

Adolescents typically question family beliefs and values.
Peer groups significantly influence behavior and identity.
The quest for independence from parents often leads to conflicts due to students asserting their individuality.

Identity vs. Role Confusion (Erikson): Adolescents explore different roles and beliefs to achieve self-discovery.

### Early Adulthood:
- Intimacy vs. Isolation (Erikson's stage): Focused on forming intimate relationships.
- Peak physical abilities followed by gradual decline with age.
### Middle Adulthood:
- Generativity vs. Stagnation (Erikson): Emphasis on contributing to society and guiding future generations.
- Onset of primary (natural) and secondary (lifestyle-influenced) aging.
- Commonly experienced changes include menopause (permanent end of menstruation).
### Late Adulthood:
- Integrity vs. Despair (Erikson): Reflecting on life and achievements.
- Common health issues include osteoporosis (fragile bones) and heart disease (leading cause of death).

Fluid Intelligence: Declines with age; relates to problem-solving and adaptability.
Crystallized Intelligence: Remains stable or improves; relates to accumulated knowledge and verbal skills.
Memory and processing speeds may decline in later adulthood, while wisdom and knowledge often remain stable.

A strategy for older adults to focus on maintaining strengths while compensating for declines due to aging.

Aging Terms:
- Primary Aging: Natural, biological process of aging.
- Secondary Aging: Influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors.
Cognitive Decline: Issues such as dementia and memory loss.
Psychosocial Aspects:
- Hospice care provides emotional support for end-of-life.
- Grief is a common emotional response to significant loss.
- Euthanasia: Assisting terminally ill patients to end life swiftly.

Nature vs. Nurture: Debate regarding hereditary vs. environmental factors in development.
Erikson's Psychosocial Theory:
- Outlines eight stages of psychosocial development influencing personality, including:
- Trust vs. Mistrust (0-1): Development of trust in caregivers.
- Autonomy vs. Shame (1-3): Fostering independence leads to confidence.
- Initiative vs. Guilt: Encouragement promotes confidence in initiatives.