Human Development and Cognitive-Social-Emotional Theories

  • Developmental Psychology: An Overview

    • Defined as the subfield of psychology that studies physical and mental changes from birth until death (old age).

    • Focuses on how individuals grow and change across the lifespan, encompassing cognitive, social, and emotional development.

  • Cognitive Development (Jean Piaget)

    • Cognition deals with thoughts and thinking processes.

    • Schemes: Mental frameworks that help interpret information.

    • Assimilation: Mental process modifying new information to fit existing schemes.

    • Example (Child): A child breastfed or bottle-fed sucking a nipple/bottle may apply this scheme to sucking a toy or thumb for gratification.

    • Example (Dog/Giraffe): A child knows what a dog is; upon seeing a giraffe for the first time, they may call it a "dog" because it has four legs, focusing on similarities but not understanding differences.

    • Represents a beginning level of thought, recognizing similarities.

    • Accommodation: Mental process restructuring existing schemes to better understand new information; thinking evolves.

    • Example (Flying): A child distinguishes that a butterfly and a bird can both fly but are not the same.

    • Example (Dogs): A child recognizes that a Rottweiler and a Chihuahua are both dogs but have different sizes and temperaments.

    • Child is able to recognize both similarities and differences among concepts.

    • Piaget's Cognitive Stages of Development:

    • 1. Sensorimotor Stage (BirthBirth to about 22 years)

      • Child relies heavily on innate motor responses to stimuli.

      • Learning occurs through crawling, exploring the environment (e.g., putting things in mouth).

      • Object Permanence: Develops after 66 months.

      • The understanding that an object still exists even when it's out of sight.

      • Example: Before 66 months, if a parent hides a toy, the child may think it's gone. After 66 months, the child will look for it (e.g., reaching behind the parent's back).

      • Related to playing "peek-a-boo."

    • 2. Preoperational Stage (Age2Age 2 to 77)

      • Marked by well-developed mental representation and basic use of language.

      • Egocentrism: Focus solely on themselves.

      • Examples: A child closing their eyes and thinking they disappear; putting on shades and believing they are invisible; asking if they have siblings ("Yes"), but if asked if their brother/sister has siblings ("I don't know").

      • Animistic Thinking: Belief that inanimate objects have feelings.

      • Examples: Kicking a table after running into it and saying "Bad table"; treating stuffed animals as if they have feelings or can talk.

      • Basic Language Use: Simplistic (e.g., "laster day" for "yesterday").

      • Lack of Conservation: Inability to understand that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or arrangement.

      • Example (Sandwich): A child might think a sandwich cut in half is more than a whole sandwich.

      • Example (Liquid): A child might think a tall, slender glass of liquid contains more than a short, round glass, even if quantities are equal.

    • 3. Concrete Operational Stage (Age7Age 7 to 1111)

      • Child understands conservation (e.g., the equivalency of sizes and proportions).

      • Capable of basic mental operations and calculations in their head (e.g., simple arithmetic).

      • Thinking starts to advance beyond simplistic reasoning.

    • 4. Formal Operational Stage (Age12Age 12 into adolescence and beyond)

      • Logic and reasoning appear; abstract thinking develops.

      • Abstract Thinking: Deeper level of thought beyond concrete observations.

      • Example (Statue of Liberty Non-Abstract): "Woman holding a torch, located in New York City."

      • Example (Statue of Liberty Abstract): "Woman holding a torch, representing equality, opportunities, and freedom for immigrants."

      • Thinking evolves and becomes much deeper.

  • Social and Emotional Development

    • Temperament: An individual's characteristic manner of behavior or reaction; often seen as the "window of our personality" in early childhood/toddlerhood.

    • Some children are easygoing and pleasant; others are moody, irritable, and difficult.

    • Example: A cousin with a moody, irritable temperament in childhood carried these traits into adulthood, affecting social skills and job maintenance despite being college-educated.

    • Temperament can persist into adulthood and influence other aspects of personality.

    • Socialization: Lifelong process of shaping an individual's behavior patterns, values, standards, skills, and attitudes to conform to societal norms.

    • Involves developing healthy interaction, social, and communication skills within an environment.

    • Parenting Styles (Diana Baumrind's Research):

    • 1. Authoritarian Parents:

      • All discipline, no warmth, no love; instill fear.

      • Described as "military-style" parenting with no compassion.

      • Outcomes: All discipline, no warmth, no love; instill fear.

      • Described as "military-style" parenting with no compassion.

    • 2. Authoritative Parents:

      • Balance of discipline with warmth and love; a "give and take" approach.

      • Outcomes: Research suggests this is the most effective parenting style; fosters respect and love.

    • 3. Permissive Parents:

      • Hands-off approach; spoil the child, letting them do what they want.

      • The child often seems to be the "parent."

      • Outcomes: Children may grow up expecting the world to cater to them, struggle with failure or setbacks, and have difficulty overcoming obstacles as the world doesn't always provide everything.

    • 4. Uninvolved Parents:

      • Reasons: May be working long hours/multiple jobs (absence) or lack commitment/seriousness about parenting.

      • Outcomes: Children may engage in risk-taking behaviors (drugs, alcohol, early pregnancy) due to lack of monitoring, or older siblings may be forced into parenting roles prematurely, creating problems for all involved.

    • Historical Viewpoint of Parenting (Emphasized Traits):

    • 1920s (19291929): Loyalty to the church; religion was heavily emphasized.

    • 1970s (19781978): Independence; parents instilled critical thinking and not being dependent on government/news due to questioning of elected officials, unnecessary wars, and misuse of finances.

    • 1980s (19891989): Frankness and honesty.

    • Late 1990s: Willingness to work hard.

    • 20022002 / 20112011 Survey: Economy and money matters (post-housing market crash); academic achievement (firm foundation, resources).

    • Present Day (Current):

      • Mental health: Heavily emphasized, with current generations being more open to discussion and treatment compared to previous generations who sacrificed well-being for work.

      • Financial stability: Still important, relating to economic ups and downs (e.g., pandemic's impact, need for "rainy day" savings).

      • Job satisfaction: Being happy and fulfilled in one's career; contrasts with previous generations enduring miserable but high-paying jobs.

      • Recommendation: Find a passion/joy; if good at it, money will follow.

    • Historical Viewpoint of Parenting (Least Important Traits Now):

    • Parents not married: Less emphasis than in the past on specific marital status.

    • Going to college: Some negativity due to misinformation.

      • Cons: Not all individuals are suited for college (trade/technical skills can be more beneficial, e.g., AC repair in Florida); high student loans for majors that don't lead to high-paying jobs.

      • Pros: College-educated individuals are more likely to be financially stable and provide for families; higher education often leads to higher career advancement (e.g., less than 1%1\% unemployment for PhDs in psychology/medical doctors).

      • Gender Differences: More women attend college today than men, giving men who pursue higher education an advantage.

    • Early Factors in Social-Emotional Development:

    • Daycare, preschool, school influences (clubs, organizations, youth sports) are very important.

    • Leisure Influences (Play): Crucial for developing social, emotional, and communication skills.

      • Preventing children from playing with others can lead to them becoming socially awkward and lacking vital socialization skills.

  • Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Stages

    • Focuses on the principal challenge (name of the stage) rather than strict age ranges, acknowledging limitations of age rigidity.

    • 1. Trust versus Mistrust (BirthBirth to 1.51.5 years)

    • Trust: Develops when caretakers (typically mothers at this age) provide consistent nurture (feeding, holding, changing diapers).

    • Mistrust: Arises from inconsistent care.

    • Example (Trust): A child holding onto a parent when approached by a distant relative, showing a healthy sense of trust in their primary caregiver and not readily going with strangers.

    • 2. Autonomy versus Self-Doubt (1.51.5 to 33 years)

    • Centered on toilet training and issues of control.

    • Autonomy: Child has freedom to explore and independently manage toilet training (within a routine).

    • Self-Doubt: Results from overly controlling, demanding, or hands-on parenting in this area.

    • 3. Initiative versus Guilt (33 to 66 years)

    • Initiative: Child takes initiative to do age-appropriate things (e.g., excelling in math, science, physical activity, or even surpassing peers).

      • Leads to confidence.

    • Guilt: Arises when a child is not able to compete with peers at the same level or falls below expectations.

      • Guilt: Arises when a child is not able to compete with peers at the same level or falls below expectations.

    • 4. Industry versus Inferiority (66 years to puberty)

    • Industry: Child is able to compete with peers at the same level, developing confidence in their abilities.

    • Inferiority: Occurs when a child struggles to compete, falling below expectations in academic or social settings, potentially leading to teasing from peers.

    • 5. Identity versus Role Confusion (Adolescence, extending into young adulthood)

    • Identity: Formation of a clear sense of self, career path, and place in society (e.g., choosing a college major, military service, trade).

    • Role Confusion: Lack of understanding about who one is, where one is going, or how one fits into society.

      • Example: College students changing majors multiple times; young adults unsure of their career path.

    • 6. Intimacy versus Isolation (Young Adulthood)

    • Intimacy: Desiring to settle down, form deep relationships, and start a family after establishing a career.

    • Isolation: Choosing self-isolation (focus on career, not ready for commitment), inability to find a partner, or struggling to balance career and personal life.

    • 7. Generativity versus Stagnation (Middle Adulthood)

    • Generativity: Maximizing one's talents in a field, mentoring younger individuals, volunteering, or active involvement with grandchildren.

    • Stagnation: "Midlife crisis"; unhappiness with aging, job, or career; seeking change (e.g., returning to school).

    • 8. Ego Integrity versus Despair (Older Adulthood)

    • Ego Integrity: Looking back on life with pride and a sense of accomplishment (e.g., a grandparent feeling proud of their family).

    • Despair: Unhappiness with life choices, realizing little time remains for change, social isolation due to family absence, death of spouse/friends, or facing one's own mortality.

      • Examples: Frustration/anger from declining abilities (hearing, vision, memory), dependence on children.

  • Adolescence: A Closer Look

    • Developmental period beginning at puberty (typically around 121312-13 years) and ending at adulthood.

    • Rites of Passage: Social rituals marking transitions between childhood and adulthood.

    • Examples: Sweet 1616 (or 1515 in other cultures), obtaining a driver's license, reaching legal drinking age.

    • Physical Maturation (Puberty): The onset of sexual maturity.

    • Girls: Menstruation signals puberty.

    • Boys and Girls: Go through hormonal and physical changes, leading to increased awareness of physical attractiveness.

    • Growth Spurt: Girls, on average, have a 22-year growth spurt advantage over boys; boys catch up or surpass girls in height around middle school.

    • Cognitive and Hormonal Interactions: Rising hormones and physical changes impact cognitive processing and behaviors.

    • Sexual Issues in Adolescence:

    • Masturbation: Often misunderstood; when done privately, it is safe and healthy.

      • Misconceptions: Negative views can lead to acting out sexual urges inappropriately (e.g., sexual aggression in a correctional facility setting, where masturbation could have safely relieved aggression).

      • Does not lead to unwanted pregnancies or STDs.

    • Same-sex orientation/Dating: Mate selection and dating interests emerge.

    • Risky Sex and Experimentation: Newfound independence in college (away from parental monitoring) can lead to engagement in risky behaviors (drugs, excessive drinking, unprotected sex).

      • Students need to balance fun with responsibilities and safety while in college.

  • Older Adulthood: Developmental Problems

    • Physical Decline: Decline in vision, hearing loss.

    • Cognitive Decline: Thinking, learning, and problem-solving become more difficult.

    • Memory impairment, potentially leading to Alzheimer's and dementia.

    • Sexual Function: Misperception that older adults don't have sex.

    • Research in assisted living facilities shows instances of STDs, indicating continued sexual activity.

    • Decline in sexual function varies; some experience it, others maintain activity due to scientific advancements.

    • Social Interaction and Emotions:

    • Limited interaction due to family absence, death of spouse/friends.

    • Frustration and anger result from losing abilities (hearing, memory) and becoming dependent on children.

    • These issues directly relate to Erikson's stage of Ego Integrity versus Despair, particularly the feeling of despair.

    • Importance of maintaining social interaction within their age group for those who remain relatively healthy.

    • Aging is highly variable (e.g., a 9090-year-old still driving vs. a 7070-year-old with dementia).

  • Video Review Summary (Reinforces Piaget's Concepts)

    • Emphasizes that cognitive development is a continuous process influenced by genetics and environment.

    • Defines maturation as a sequence of behavioral and appearance changes (e.g., sitting before standing).

    • Reaffirms Piaget's contributions: proposing cognitive stages, schemas (mental frameworks for interpreting information), and the striving for cognitive equilibrium.

    • Reviews assimilation (interpreting new experiences with existing schemas, e.g., calling a deer a "horsey") and accommodation (adjusting schemas for new experiences, e.g., differentiating deer from horses).

    • Highlights key concepts in Piaget's stages:

    • Preoperational Stage: Mentally representing objects with words/images, pretend play, animism, egocentrism.

    • Lack of Conservation and Reversibility due to centration (fixating on one aspect of a problem).

    • Later in this stage: Theory of mind (understanding others' feelings/thoughts, predicting behavior, showing empathy).

    • Concrete Operational Stage: Logical thinking about concrete events, decentration (seeing beyond one aspect), solving conservation/reversibility problems.

    • Formal Operational Stage: Abstract thinking, problem-solving, hypothetical questions.

    • Critiques of Piaget: Oversimplification, rigid age classifications (some abilities observed earlier than he proposed, e.g., object permanence in 33-month-olds), and development being more continuous.

    • Mentions that Vygotsky (another contemporary) focuses on language development, which was not the focus of this lecture.

  • Course Schedule Updates

    • Human development complete.

    • Review for the exam will be held early on Tuesday (October2October 2).

    • No class on Thursday (October4October 4).

    • Study Habits Assignment due: Sunday, October 5. Late assignments will not be accepted (due to class cancellation).

    • Midterm Week: No regular class meetings.

    • Exam date: October 9. Will be taken remotely, adhering to first exam protocol.

    • Students are not expected to attend class during midterm week unless specified by professors.

    • Next class after the midterm will be on October 1414.

    • The exam will only be open on October 99 (Thursday).

  • Developmental Psychology: An Overview- Defined as the subfield of psychology that studies physical and mental changes from birth until death (old age).

    • Focuses on how individuals grow and change across the lifespan, encompassing cognitive, social, and emotional development.

  • Cognitive Development (Jean Piaget)- Cognition deals with thoughts and thinking processes.

    • Schemes: Mental frameworks that help interpret information.

    • Assimilation: Mental process modifying new information to fit existing schemes.

    • Example (Child): A child breastfed or bottle-fed sucking a nipple/bottle may apply this scheme to sucking a toy or thumb for gratification.

    • Example (Dog/Giraffe): A child knows what a dog is; upon seeing a giraffe for the first time, they may call it a "dog" because it has four legs, focusing on similarities but not understanding differences.

    • Represents a beginning level of thought, recognizing similarities.

    • Accommodation: Mental process restructuring existing schemes to better understand new information; thinking evolves.

    • Example (Flying): A child distinguishes that a butterfly and a bird can both fly but are not the same.

    • Example (Dogs): A child recognizes that a Rottweiler and a Chihuahua are both dogs but have different sizes and temperaments.

    • Child is able to recognize both similarities and differences among concepts.

    • Piaget's Cognitive Stages of Development:

    • 1. Sensorimotor Stage (BirthBirth to about 22 years)- Child relies heavily on innate motor responses to stimuli.

      • Learning occurs through crawling, exploring the environment (e.g., putting things in mouth).

      • Object Permanence: Develops after 66 months.

      • The understanding that an object still exists even when it's out of sight.

      • Example: Before 66 months, if a parent hides a toy, the child may think it's gone. After 66 months, the child will look for it (e.g., reaching behind the parent's back).

      • Related to playing "peek-a-boo."

    • 2. Preoperational Stage (Age2Age 2 to 77)- Marked by well-developed mental representation and basic use of language.

      • Egocentrism: Focus solely on themselves.

      • Examples: A child closing their eyes and thinking they disappear; putting on shades and believing they are invisible; asking if they have siblings ("Yes"), but if asked if their brother/sister has siblings ("I don't know").

      • Animistic Thinking: Belief that inanimate objects have feelings.

      • Examples: Kicking a table after running into it and saying "Bad table"; treating stuffed animals as if they have feelings or can talk.

      • Basic Language Use: Simplistic (e.g., "laster day" for "yesterday").

      • Lack of Conservation: Inability to understand that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or arrangement.

      • Example (Sandwich): A child might think a sandwich cut in half is more than a whole sandwich.

      • Example (Liquid): A child might think a tall, slender glass of liquid contains more than a short, round glass, even if quantities are equal.

    • 3. Concrete Operational Stage (Age7Age 7 to 1111)- Child understands conservation (e.g., the equivalency of sizes and proportions).

      • Capable of basic mental operations and calculations in their head (e.g., simple arithmetic).

      • Thinking starts to advance beyond simplistic reasoning.

    • 4. Formal Operational Stage (Age12Age 12 into adolescence and beyond)- Logic and reasoning appear; abstract thinking develops.

      • Abstract Thinking: Deeper level of thought beyond concrete observations.

      • Example (Statue of Liberty Non-Abstract): "Woman holding a torch, located in New York City."

      • Example (Statue of Liberty Abstract): "Woman holding a torch, representing equality, opportunities, and freedom for immigrants."

      • Thinking evolves and becomes much deeper.

  • Social and Emotional Development- Temperament: An individual's characteristic manner of behavior or reaction; often seen as the "window of our personality" in early childhood/toddlerhood.

    • Some children are easygoing and pleasant; others are moody, irritable, and difficult.

    • Example: A cousin with a moody, irritable temperament in childhood carried these traits into adulthood, affecting social skills and job maintenance despite being college-educated.

    • Temperament can persist into adulthood and influence other aspects of personality.

    • Socialization: Lifelong process of shaping an individual's behavior patterns, values, standards, skills, and attitudes to conform to societal norms.

    • Involves developing healthy interaction, social, and communication skills within an environment.

    • Parenting Styles (Diana Baumrind's Research):

    • 1. Authoritarian Parents:- All discipline, no warmth, no love; instill fear.

      • Described as "military-style" parenting with no compassion.

      • Outcomes: Children may rebel, have anger issues, act out, or avoid returning home as adults due to lack of bond/connection with parents. Emphasizes fear over respect and love.

    • 2. Authoritative Parents:- Balance of discipline with warmth and love; a "give and take" approach.

      • Outcomes: Research suggests this is the most effective parenting style; fosters respect and love.

    • 3. Permissive Parents:- Hands-off approach; spoil the child, letting them do what they want.

      • The child often seems to be the "parent."

      • Outcomes: Children may grow up expecting the world to cater to them, struggle with failure or setbacks, and have difficulty overcoming obstacles as the world doesn't always provide everything.

    • 4. Uninvolved Parents:- Reasons: May be working long hours/multiple jobs (absence) or lack commitment/seriousness about parenting.

      • Outcomes: Children may engage in risk-taking behaviors (drugs, alcohol, early pregnancy) due to lack of monitoring, or older siblings may be forced into parenting roles prematurely, creating problems for all involved.

    • Historical Viewpoint of Parenting (Emphasized Traits):

    • 1920s (19291929): Loyalty to the church; religion was heavily emphasized.

    • 1970s (19781978): Independence; parents instilled critical thinking and not being dependent on government/news due to questioning of elected officials, unnecessary wars, and misuse of finances.

    • 1980s (19891989): Frankness and honesty.

    • Late 1990s: Willingness to work hard.

    • 20022002 / 20112011 Survey: Economy and money matters (post-housing market crash); academic achievement (firm foundation, resources).

    • Present Day (Current):- Mental health: Heavily emphasized, with current generations being more open to discussion and treatment compared to previous generations who sacrificed well-being for work.

      • Financial stability: Still important, relating to economic ups and downs (e.g., pandemic's impact, need for "rainy day" savings).

      • Job satisfaction: Being happy and fulfilled in one's career; contrasts with previous generations enduring miserable but high-paying jobs.

      • Recommendation: Find a passion/joy; if good at it, money will follow.

    • Historical Viewpoint of Parenting (Least Important Traits Now):

    • Parents not married: Less emphasis than in the past on specific marital status.

    • Going to college: Some negativity due to misinformation.- Cons: Not all individuals are suited for college (trade/technical skills can be more beneficial, e.g., AC repair in Florida); high student loans for majors that don't lead to high-paying jobs.

      • Pros: College-educated individuals are more likely to be financially stable and provide for families; higher education often leads to higher career advancement (e.g., less than 1%1\% unemployment for PhDs in psychology/medical doctors).

      • Gender Differences: More women attend college today than men, giving men who pursue higher education an advantage.

    • Early Factors in Social-Emotional Development:

    • Daycare, preschool, school influences (clubs, organizations, youth sports) are very important.

    • Leisure Influences (Play): Crucial for developing social, emotional, and communication skills.- Preventing children from playing with others can lead to them becoming socially awkward and lacking vital socialization skills.

  • Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Stages- Focuses on the principal challenge (name of the stage) rather than strict age ranges, acknowledging limitations of age rigidity.

    • 1. Trust versus Mistrust (BirthBirth to 1.51.5 years)

    • Trust: Develops when caretakers (typically mothers at this age) provide consistent nurture (feeding, holding, changing diapers).

    • Mistrust: Arises from inconsistent care.

    • Example (Trust): A child holding onto a parent when approached by a distant relative, showing a healthy sense of trust in their primary caregiver and not readily going with strangers.

    • 2. Autonomy versus Self-Doubt (1.51.5 to 33 years)

    • Centered on toilet training and issues of control.

    • Autonomy: Child has freedom to explore and independently manage toilet training (within a routine).

    • Self-Doubt: Results from overly controlling, demanding, or hands-on parenting in this area.

    • 3. Initiative versus Guilt (33 to 66 years)

    • Initiative: Child takes initiative to do age-appropriate things (e.g., excelling in math, science, physical activity, or even surpassing peers).- Leads to confidence.

    • Guilt: Arises when a child is not able to compete with peers at the same level or falls below expectations.- Teasing or bullying by peers can contribute to feelings of inferiority during this stage.

    • 4. Industry versus Inferiority (66 years to puberty)

    • Industry: Child is able to compete with peers at the same level, developing confidence in their abilities.

    • Inferiority: Occurs when a child struggles to compete, falling below expectations in academic or social settings, potentially leading to teasing from peers.

    • 5. Identity versus Role Confusion (Adolescence, extending into young adulthood)

    • Identity: Formation of a clear sense of self, career path, and place in society (e.g., choosing a college major, military service, trade).

    • Role Confusion: Lack of understanding about who one is, where one is going, or how one fits into society.- Example: College students changing majors multiple times; young adults unsure of their career path.

    • 6. Intimacy versus Isolation (Young Adulthood)

    • Intimacy: Desiring to settle down, form deep relationships, and start a family after establishing a career.

    • Isolation: Choosing self-isolation (focus on career, not ready for commitment), inability to find a partner, or struggling to balance career and personal life.

    • 7. Generativity versus Stagnation (Middle Adulthood)

    • Generativity: Maximizing one's talents in a field, mentoring younger individuals, volunteering, or active involvement with grandchildren.

    • Stagnation: "Midlife crisis"; unhappiness with aging, job, or career; seeking change (e.g., returning to school).

    • 8. Ego Integrity versus Despair (Older Adulthood)

    • Ego Integrity: Looking back on life with pride and a sense of accomplishment (e.g., a grandparent feeling proud of their family).

    • Despair: Unhappiness with life choices, realizing little time remains for change, social isolation due to family absence, death of spouse/friends, or facing one's own mortality.- Examples: Frustration/anger from declining abilities (hearing, vision, memory), dependence on children.

  • Adolescence: A Closer Look- Developmental period beginning at puberty (typically around 121312-13 years) and ending at adulthood.

    • Rites of Passage: Social rituals marking transitions between childhood and adulthood.

    • Examples: Sweet 1616 (or 1515 in other cultures), obtaining a driver's license, reaching legal drinking age.

    • Physical Maturation (Puberty): The onset of sexual maturity.

    • Girls: Menstruation signals puberty.

    • Boys and Girls: Go through hormonal and physical changes, leading to increased awareness of physical attractiveness.

    • Growth Spurt: Girls, on average, have a 22-year growth spurt advantage over boys; boys catch up or surpass girls in height around middle school.

    • Cognitive and Hormonal Interactions: Rising hormones and physical changes impact cognitive processing and behaviors.

    • Sexual Issues in Adolescence:

    • Masturbation: Often misunderstood; when done privately, it is safe and healthy.- Misconceptions: Negative views can lead to acting out sexual urges inappropriately (e.g., sexual aggression in a correctional facility setting, where masturbation could have safely relieved aggression).

      • Does not lead to unwanted pregnancies or STDs.

    • Same-sex orientation/Dating: Mate selection and dating interests emerge.

    • Risky Sex and Experimentation: Newfound independence in college (away from parental monitoring) can lead to engagement in risky behaviors (drugs, excessive drinking, unprotected sex).- Students need to balance fun with responsibilities and safety while in college.

  • Older Adulthood: Developmental Problems- Physical Decline: Decline in vision, hearing loss.

    • Cognitive Decline: Thinking, learning, and problem-solving become more difficult.

    • Memory impairment, potentially leading to Alzheimer's and dementia.

    • Sexual Function: Misperception that older adults don't have sex.

    • Research in assisted living facilities shows instances of STDs, indicating continued sexual activity.

    • Decline in sexual function varies; some experience it, others maintain activity due to scientific advancements.

    • Social Interaction and Emotions:

    • Limited interaction due to family absence, death of spouse/friends.

    • Frustration and anger result from losing abilities (hearing, memory) and becoming dependent on children.

    • These issues directly relate to Erikson's stage of Ego Integrity versus Despair, particularly the feeling of despair.

    • Importance of maintaining social interaction within their age group for those who remain relatively healthy.

    • Aging is highly variable (e.g., a 9090-year-old still driving vs. a 7070-year-old with dementia).

  • Video Review Summary (Reinforces Piaget's Concepts)- Emphasizes that cognitive development is a continuous process influenced by genetics and environment.

    • Defines maturation as a sequence of behavioral and appearance changes (e.g., sitting before standing).

    • Reaffirms Piaget's contributions: proposing cognitive stages, schemas (mental frameworks for interpreting information), and the striving for cognitive equilibrium.

    • Reviews assimilation (interpreting new experiences with existing schemas, e.g., calling a deer a "horsey") and accommodation (adjusting schemas for new experiences, e.g., differentiating deer from horses).

    • Highlights key concepts in Piaget's stages:

    • Preoperational Stage: Mentally representing objects with words/images, pretend play, animism, egocentrism.

    • Lack of Conservation and Reversibility due to centration (fixating on one aspect of a problem).

    • Later in this stage: Theory of mind (understanding others' feelings/thoughts, predicting behavior, showing empathy).

    • Concrete Operational Stage: Logical thinking about concrete events, decentration (seeing beyond one aspect), solving conservation/reversibility problems.

    • Formal Operational Stage: Abstract thinking, problem-solving, hypothetical questions.

    • Critiques of Piaget: Oversimplification, rigid age classifications (some abilities observed earlier than he proposed, e.g., object permanence in 33-month-olds), and development being more continuous.

    • Mentions that Vygotsky (another contemporary) focuses on language development, which was not the focus of this lecture.

  • Course Schedule Updates- Human development complete.

    • Review for the exam will be held early on Tuesday (October2October 2).

    • No class on Thursday (October4October 4).

    • Study Habits Assignment due: Sunday, October 5. Late assignments will not be accepted (due to class cancellation).

    • Midterm Week: No regular class meetings.

    • Exam date: October 9. Will be taken remotely, adhering to first exam protocol.

    • Students are not expected to attend class during midterm week unless specified by professors.

    • Next class after the midterm will be on October 1414 .

    • The exam will only be open on October 99 (Thursday).