Psychological Development Exam Notes
Learning Goals
- Understand influences on psychological development
Key Knowledge
- Interactive influences of hereditary and environmental factors on development
- Biopsychosocial approach to development and mental wellbeing
- Development process: emotional, cognitive, social over the lifespan
- Sensitive and critical periods in psychological development
- Typical vs atypical behavior and their classifications, including cultural perspectives
- Normality, neurotypicality, and neurodiversity concepts
- Role of mental health professionals in supporting development and wellbeing
Influences on Psychological Development
- Hereditary Factors: Genetic influences from parents
- Environmental Factors: External influences affecting development (social circle, geography)
- Interaction of Both: Psychological development is shaped by both hereditary and environmental factors
Psychological Development Definition
- Changes in an individual’s emotional, cognitive, and social abilities from infancy to old age.
Mental Wellbeing Characteristics
- High functioning, resilience, social interaction, maintaining productivity
Categories of Mental Health
- Mentally Healthy: Effective daily functioning, positive relationships
- Mental Health Problem: Short-term disruptions affecting functioning
- Mental Disorder: Long-lasting conditions affecting mood and behavior
Development Over the Lifespan
- Areas: emotional, social, cognitive development, each influencing others
Emotional Development
- Changes in experiencing, interpreting, and expressing emotions
Social Development
- Enhancements in interacting with others and functioning in society
Cognitive Development
- Changes in mental abilities, such as thinking and problem-solving
Sensitive and Critical Periods
- Sensitive: Skills can be learned later but with more difficulty
- Critical: Specific skills require stimulus during a definitive period for development
Typical vs Atypical Behaviour
- Typical: Expected behavior in given contexts
- Atypical: Deviates from the norm, possibly harmful or distressing
Cultural Perspectives on Behaviour
- Cultural Norms: Standards of typical behavior based on societal values
- Changing perceptions across cultures and time
Mental Health Workers Roles
- Provide support through care plans, community education, and therapy
Psychologists vs. Psychiatrists vs. Mental Health Organisations
- Psychologists: Therapy and diagnosis of mental health issues
- Psychiatrists: Medical approach, medication, severe mental conditions
- Mental Health Organisations: Community and education initiatives
Neurodiversity Recognized
- Acknowledgement of diverse neurological conditions and their impacts on individuals.