UNIT 1: AOS 1 - General knowledge Flashcards
What influences psychological development?
What is lifespan development?
A stage in which we change, grow, and improve through life until death.
What are the 6 stages of lifespan development?
- Infancy (0-2)
- Childhood (2-12)
- Adolescence (12-20)
- Early adulthood (20-40)
- Middle Age (40-65)
- Elderly (65+)
What are the 4 areas of lifespan development?
- social
- cognitive
- emotional
- physical
What is psychological development?
An individuals cognitive, social, and emotional growth beginning at birth and continuing through to death
Definition of hereditary factors
NATURE
Involve the transmission of characteristics from biological parents to their offspring, via genes.
3 Examples of hereditary factor
- genetics
- blood type
- hair colour
Definition of Environmental factors
NURTURE
Refers to all experiences, objects, and events we are exposed to throughout life.
3 Examples of environmental factors
- relationships (family + friends)
- job
- schooling
What are both sides of the nature vs nurture debate?
Some believe that the way a persons lives is predetermined (NATURE).
whereas others believe that everything is dependent on the environment. (NURTURE)
What is the current belief of the debate? (2 points)
It is currently believed that both nature and nurture have an impact on our psychological system.
They both interact and influence development.
What are critical periods?
(2 points)
Narrow, rigid developmental periods in which a specific function or skill must be learnt.
Well defined beginning and end time.
What are sensitive periods?
(3 points)
Periods in which effects of experience on development are particularly strong.
Sensory experiences have a greater influence on behaviour and brain development.
If not exposed during this period of time, learning can still occur, will take longer.
How is mindfulness useful for psychological development?
Mindfulness-based treatments have been proven to:
- Reduce anxiety + depression
- lower blood pressure
- improve sleep
What are adaptive behaviours?
Typical or Atypical?
Behaviours that enable us to adjust to our environment appropriately and effectively.
TYPICAL
What are maladaptive behaviours?
Typical or Atypical?
Behaviours that hinder us in adjusting to our environment appropriately and effectively.
ATYPICAL
What are maladaptive cognitions?
COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS/IRRATIONAL THOUGHTS that distort a persons perception of reality, usually in a negative way.
What is typical behaviour?
Example?
Behaviour which occurs at appropriate times and is expected of an individual
Doing homework regularly
What is atypical behaviour?
(2 points)
Example?
Patterns of behaviour that are NOT expected of an individual.
Can be distressing/harmful for individual and those around them.
Acting aggressively
What is neurotypicality?
Individuals who have typical brain functioning, processes and behaviours.
What is neurodiversity?
(2 points)
Idea that every human has a unique nervous system with its own combination of abilities and needs.
People with neurodivergent conditions will often have similarities with one another.
What is autism?
2 Strengths and 2 Weaknesses?
Persistent neurodevelopment disorder that affects how a person interacts with others and experiences their environment.
Weakness: deficits in social communication - abnormalities in eye contact and body language, lack of facial expressions
Strengths: Ability to hyper-focus, strong memory
What is ADHD?
2 Strengths and 2 Weaknesses?
Neurodevelopmental disorder that effects some areas of brain function.
Weakness: difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity + impulsivity
Strength: spontaneous, creative
What is dyslexia?
2 Strengths and 2 Weaknesses?
Neurologically based learning difficulty, such as experiencing difficulties in reading and spelling.
Weakness: effects writing and reading performance, memory
Strength: Observant, three-dimensional thinking
