Chapter 3: Developing Through the Life Span

Developmental Psychology

• Studies physical, cognitive, and social changes across the lifespan.

Research Methods

• Longitudinal Study: Follows the same people over time.

• Cross-Sectional Study: Compares different age groups at one point in time.

Three Major Issues in Development

• Nature vs. Nurture: How genes and experiences shape us.

• Continuity vs. Stages: Whether development is gradual or occurs in stages.

• Stability vs. Change: Which traits persist over time.

Contributions of Key Psychologists

• Jean Piaget: Studied cognitive development in children.

• Lawrence Kohlberg: Studied moral development.

• Erik Erikson: Developed psychosocial development theory.

Prenatal Development

• Zygote: Fertilized egg (0-2 weeks).

• Embryo: Developing organism (2-8 weeks).

• Fetus: Final stage before birth (9 weeks+).

Teratogens

• Harmful substances (e.g., alcohol, drugs) that can affect fetal development.

Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development

Sensorimotor (0-2 yrs): Learning through senses; object permanence.

Preoperational (2-7 yrs): Symbolic thinking; egocentrism.

Concrete Operational (7-11 yrs): Logical thinking about concrete events.

Formal Operational (12+ yrs): Abstract and moral reasoning.

What Are Schemas?

• A schema (plural: schemas or schemata) is a mental framework or cognitive structure that helps people organize and interpret information. Schemas allow individuals to categorize knowledge and experiences, making it easier to understand the world.

Difference between assimilation and accommodation

Assimilation (Fitting new information into an existing schema)

• Definition: The process of incorporating new experiences or information into existing schemas without changing them.

Accommodation (Modifying or creating a new schema for new information)

• Definition: The process of changing an existing schema or creating a new schema when new information doesn’t fit.

Theory of Mind

• Understanding that others have thoughts and feelings different from one’s own.

Attachment and Trust

• Secure attachment leads to healthier relationships in adulthood.

Parenting Styles and Their Outcomes

• Authoritative parenting leads to the best outcomes.

Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages

• Trust vs. mistrust (infancy)

• Identity vs. role confusion (adolescence)

• Intimacy vs. isolation (young adulthood)

• Integrity vs. despair (late adulthood)

Benefits of Exercise

• Improves mood, cognitive function, and overall health.

Parenting Styles and Their Outcomes

Authoritarian:

• Strict rules with harsh punishments

• Outcome: Low self-esteem, obedient but anxious

Permissive:

• Few rules, indulgent parenting

• Outcome: Impulsive behavior, poor self-discipline

Negligent:

• Uninvolved, little supervision

• Outcome: Poor social skills, low self-worth

Authoritative (Best Style):

• Firm but supportive parenting

• Outcome: High self-esteem, self-discipline, social competence

Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages and Explanations

Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy, 0-1 year)

• If needs are met, infant develops trust; if not, they develop mistrust.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Toddlerhood, 1-3 years)

• Encouraged independence leads to confidence; overcontrol leads to doubt.

Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool, 3-6 years)

• Encouraging exploration fosters initiative; discouragement leads to guilt.

Industry vs. Inferiority (School-age, 6-12 years)

• Success in school and activities builds competence; failure results in inferiority.

Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence, 12-18 years)

• Developing a clear sense of self or struggling with identity.

Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood, 20s-40s)

• Establishing relationships or feeling lonely.

Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood, 40s-60s)

• Contributing to society or feeling unproductive.

Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood, 60s+)

• Reflecting on life with satisfaction or regret.