Chapter 1 Ashley Richie Human Development the scientific study of processes of change and stability throughout the human life span Development is systematic coherent organized Development is adaptive deals with internal and external conditions Developmental Scientists are professionals who study the science of human development Goals include description explanation prediction and intervention Paul B Baltes life span development approach Lifespan Development a concept of human development as a life long process which can be studied scientifically Ex Stanford studies of gifted children Physical Development growth of body and brain including patterns of change in sensory capacities motor skills and health Cognitive Development pattern of change in mental abilities such as learning attention memory language thinking reasoning ext o Memory development reflects gains or loses in physical connections in Psychosocial development patter of change in emotions personality and o Psychosocial development can affect cognitive and physical the brain social relationships functioning Social Construction a concept or practice that may appear natural and obvious to those who accept it but in reality is an invention of a particular culture or society There is no objectively definable moment when a child become an adult or young person becomes old Concept of childhood can be considered a social construction Adolescence is a social construction and is considered a period of development in industrial societies Chippewa Indians do not practice the social construction of Adolescence 8 Major Development Periods 1 Conception to Birth Prenatal physical developments conception occurs by fertilization basic body structures begin to develop Cognitive development ability to learn and remember and to respond to sensory stimuli are beginning to develop Psychosocial development fetus responds to mothers voice and develops preference for it 2 Infancy to Toddlerhood birth to 3yrs physical developments all senses and body systems are fully functioning at birth the brain grows in complexity and is highly sensitive to environmental influence cognitive development abilities to learn and remember are present use of symbols develop by end of second year psychosocial development attachments to parents and others form self awareness develops shift from dependence towards autonomy occurs 3 Early Childhood 3yrs to 6yrs physical development growth is steady appearance becomes more slender appetitive diminishes and sleep problems are common fine and gross motor skills and strength improve Cognitive development thinking is egocentric immaturity results in sole illogical ideas about the world memory and language improve Psychosocial development self concept and understanding of emotions become more complex independence and self control increase gender identity develops altruism aggression and fearfulness are common 4 Middle Childhood 6yrs to 11yrs physical development growth slows strength and athletic skills improve respiratory illness become common but health is generally better than at any other time in lifespan cognitive development children begin to think logically memory and language skills increase some children begin to show special educational needs psychosocial development self concept becomes more complex co regulation reflects gradual shift in control from parents to child peers assume central importance 5 Adolescence 11 to 20 yrs physical development physical growth becomes rapid reproductive maturity occurs major health risks and behaviors arise cognitive development ability to think abstractly immature thinking persists in some attitudes and behaviors education focuses on preparation for college psychosocial development search for identity including sexual identity becomes central relationships are generally good with parents 6 Emerging Adulthood 20 yrs to 40yrs physical development physical conditions peaks then declines slightly lifestyle choices begin to affect health cognitive development thought and moral judgments become more complex educational and occupational choices are made psychosocial development personality traits and styles become relatively stable but changes in personality may be influenced by life stages and events intimate relationships and personal lifestyles are established 7 Middle Adulthood 40yrs to 65 physical development slow deterioration of sensory abilities health and stamina and strength may begin women experience menopause cognitive development mental abilities peak expertise and practical problem solving skills are high creative out put may decline but improve in quality some may experience career success or changes in careers psychosocial development dual responsibilities of caring for children and parents may cause stress launching of children leaves empty nest 8 Late Adulthood 65yrs and older physical development most people are healthy and active although health and physical abilities generally decline slowing of reaction time affects some aspects of functioning cognitive development most people are mentally alert intelligence and memory may deteriorate in some areas psychosocial development retirement from workforce may occur people may develop strategies to cope with personal losses and impending death Individual Characteristics differences in characteristics influences or developmental outcomes Gender weight body build Heredity inborn traits or characteristics inherited from the biological parents Environment totality of non hereditary or experiential influences on development Maturation unfolding of a natural sequence of physical and behavioral changes Nuclear Family two generational kinship economic and household unit consisting of one or two parents and their biological children adopted children or stepchildren Nuclear family is the dominant family in the United States Extended family multigenerational kinship network of parents children and other relatives sometimes living together in an extended family household Less typical in some developing countries due to industrialization and migration to urban areas Socioeconomic Status SES combination of economic and social factors describing an individual or family including income education and occupation Risk Factors conditions that increase the likelihood of a negative developmental outcome o Affluence doesn t necessarily protect children from risks Culture a society s total way of life including customs traditions beliefs
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