HHG4M1 Human Development UNIT 1: Stages of Development

Prenatal Period

  • Time of conception to birth

  • Approximately a 9-month period

  • Grows from single cell to an organism complete with brain and behavioural capabilities

Infancy

  • Developmental period from birth to 18-24 months

  • A time of extreme dependency on adults

  • Beginning of many psychological activities: Language, symbolic thought

Early Childhood

  • Developmental period extending from the end of infancy to 5-6 years

  • Often called the “pre-school years”

  • Children learn to become more self-sufficient

  • Children now develop school readiness skills

  • Children spend many hours playing with peers

  • 1st grade = END of early childhood

Middle and Late Childhood

  • Developmental period extends from ages 6-11 years

  • Approximately corresponds to the elementary school years

  • Fundamenta skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic are mastered

  • Child is exposed to the larger world and its culture

  • Achievement becomes central theme

  • Self-control increases

Adolescence

  • Developmental period of transition from childhood to early adulthood → Entered at 10-12 years of age, ending at 18-22 years

  • Begins with rapid physical change

  • Pursuit of independence and identity are prominent

  • Thought is now more logcial, abstract, and idealistic

  • More time spent outside of family

Early Adulthood

  • Developmental period beginning in late teens or early 20s and lasting through 30s

  • Also a time of career development

  • Early adults select a mate, start a family, and rear children

Middle Adulthood

  • Developmental period beginning around 40-60 years of age

  • A time of expanding personal and social involvement and responsibility

  • Also a time of assisting then next generation in becoming competent

  • Middle adults reach and maintain satisfaction in a career

Late Adulthood

  • Developmental period beginning in 60s or 70s and lasting until death

  • Can extend to 100+ so it’s the longest span of any period

  • A time of adjusting to decreasing strength and health

  • Also a time of life review, retirement, and new social roles

Age Groups in Late Adulthood

  • Young old or old age (65-74 years old)

  • Old-old or late old age (75+)

  • Oldest old (85+)