Lifespan Psychology Lecture Notes

Introduction to Lifespan Psychology

• Lifespan psychology, also referred to as developmental psychology, studies how individuals change and develop throughout their lives.

• Broad coverage includes topics across the entire lifespan, from prenatal development through aging and death.

• The lecturer mentioned ongoing issues with sound in previous video lectures and is providing alternative resources for learning.

Overview of Developmental Psychology

• Developmental psychology examines various domains, such as:

  • Social development

  • Emotional development

  • Cognitive development

  • Physical development

Key Questions in Developmental Psychology

• Continuous vs. Discontinuous Development:

  • Continuous: Development occurs in a smooth, gradual process over time.

  • Discontinuous: Development occurs in distinct stages.

  • Most theories suggest a combination of both processes.

• One Course of Development vs. Many Courses:

  • Are there universal developmental stages for all children, or does development vary by individual circumstances such as environment, epigenetics, and culture?

  • Nature vs. Nurture debate is essential in understanding these variations.

Theories of Development

Sigmund Freud's Psychosexual Development Theory

• Freud suggested that children go through a series of stages influential on personality development related to their urges for pleasure (i.e., sucking, gratification).

• Freud’s theories lack empirical support, although the idea that childhood experiences impact adulthood gained validation.

Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory

• Focuses on the conflict between personal and social development throughout the lifespan, consisting of eight stages:

  1. Trust vs. Mistrust (0-1 years): Trust develops when basic needs are consistently met.

  2. Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt (1-3 years): Children seek independence and autonomy, learning through exploration.

  3. Initiative vs. Guilt (3-6 years): Children assert themselves and take initiative, facing feelings of guilt when unsuccessful.

  4. Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12 years): Development of self-confidence and competence in tasks.

  5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18 years): Adolescents explore different identities and roles.

  6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young adulthood): Establishing intimate relationships with others.

  7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle adulthood): Contributing to society and being concerned for future generations.

  8. Integrity vs. Despair (Late adulthood): Reflection on life and sense of fulfillment.

Jean Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory

• Children develop cognitive abilities in four stages:

  1. Sensorimotor Stage (0-2 years): Learning through sensory interactions and actions. Key concepts include:

  • Object permanence: Understanding that objects continue to exist even when not seen.

  • Stranger anxiety.

  1. Preoperational Stage (2-7 years): Use of symbols and language but lacking logical reasoning. Characteristics include:

  • Egocentrism: Belief that others share the same viewpoints.

  • Pretend play.

  1. Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 years): Logical thinking about concrete events and understanding concepts like conservation.

  2. Formal Operational Stage (12 years and up): Abstract and hypothetical reasoning.

Lawrence Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

• Levels of moral reasoning:

  1. Preconventional Level: Morality based on individual consequences.

  • Stage 1: Obedience and punishment orientation.

  • Stage 2: Individualism and exchange.

  1. Conventional Level: Morality is based on conforming to societal expectations.

  • Stage 3: Interpersonal accord and conformity.

  • Stage 4: Authority and maintaining social order.

  1. Postconventional Level: Morality based on abstract reasoning and ethical principles.

  • Stage 5: Social contract orientation.

  • Stage 6: Universal ethical principles.

Prenatal Development

• Three main stages of prenatal development:

  1. Germinal Stage: From conception to implantation of the zygote into the uterus.

  2. Embryonic Stage: Formation of the placenta and basic structures of the body.

  3. Fetal Stage: Continued growth and development of organs and systems from approximately nine weeks to birth.

• Emphasis on proper prenatal care and avoiding teratogens that could harm fetal development (e.g., alcohol, drugs).

Early Childhood Development

Reflexes and Sensory Abilities in Infants

• Infants are born with various reflexes, including:

  • Rooting reflex: Turning head when cheek is stroked.

  • Sucking reflex: Sucking when an object is placed in their mouth.

  • Grasping reflex: Grasping objects that touch their palms.

  • Moro reflex: Startling response when feeling like falling.

• Sensory abilities at birth differ; vision is least developed.

• Infants can recognize familiar voices and scents.

Developmental Milestones and Motor Skills

• Milestones are built on previous experiences and achievements.

• Physical growth occurs rapidly in infancy and slows by early childhood.

• Gross Motor Skills: Large muscle movements (e.g., running, jumping).

• Fine Motor Skills: Small muscle coordination (e.g., grasping small objects).

Attachment Styles in Infants

• Types of attachment styles identified by Mary Ainsworth:

  1. Secure Attachment: Comfortable with closeness and independence.

  2. Resistant Attachment (Preoccupied): Clingy and anxious when separated.

  3. Avoidant Attachment: Indifferent to caregiver’s absence or presence.

  4. Disorganized Attachment: Lack of clear attachment strategies.

Cognitive Development in Children

Stages of Cognitive Development

• Early cognitive abilities include:

  • Understanding object permanence.

  • Developing theory of mind in preschool age (the capacity to understand other people's perspectives).

• Advancements in logical thinking and organization occur during elementary school years.

Adolescence

Key Features of Adolescence

• Puberty: Biological changes marking the transition from childhood to adulthood.

  • Phases of puberty include the release of androgens and sex hormones.

  • Primary and secondary sex characteristics develop.

Adolescent Brain Development

• Brain development, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, continues, affecting risk behaviors and emotional regulation.

• Adolescents engage in high-risk behaviors, influenced by a more active reward-seeking system.

Adulthood

Emerging Adulthood

• Recognized as a distinct phase (ages 18-25), characterized by delayed transitions to traditional adulthood milestones (e.g., marriage, job stability).

Physical and Cognitive Development in Adulthood

• Physical development:

  • Peak physical abilities occur in the 20s.

  • Gradual decline in physical capabilities starts in the 30s.

• Cognitive abilities:

  • Fluid Intelligence: Declines over adulthood; includes problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

  • Crystallized Intelligence: Generally remains stable or improves; based on knowledge and experiences.

Psychosocial Development in Adulthood

• Importance of stable relationships and social support in contributing to well-being in later life.

Death and Grief

Services for End of Life

• Hospice Care: Focus on providing dignity and comfort to individuals nearing death.

• Importance of managing pain and providing a supportive environment for both patients and families.

Stages of Grief (Elisabeth Kübler-Ross)

• Common stages include:

  • Denial

  • Anger

  • Bargaining

  • Depression

  • Acceptance

• Emphasis on the complexity of grief and the variability of individual experiences through these stages.

Conclusion and Additional Information

• Mention of a future course on death, dying, and bereavement planned for the summer, highlighting topics of interest surrounding this subject.