Chapter 5: Development Through the Lifespan Flashcards
3 Issues that have engaged developmental psychologists
- Nature VS Nurture: How does our genetic inheritance (nature) interact with our environment (nurture)
- Continuity and Stages: What parts of development are gradual, what parts are abrupt
- Stability & Change: What traits persist through life, how do we change as we age?
Germinal Period (Zygote)
A fertilized egg, conception to 2 weeks
Usually, people don’t know they’re pregnant at this stage
Embryonic (Embryo)
What the zygote develops into, 2-8 weeks
Most systems begin to form at this time, the heart begins to beat
The growing baby is vulnerable in this stage and can be easily harmed.
Fetal (Fetus)
9 weeks to birth
Teratogens
Agents such as chemicals and viruses that can reach the embryo or fetus during development and cause harm
Ex. Drugs, Alcohol, Toxins in the environment
Rubella
A maternal disease that can be passed down by a pregnant woman to their unborn child through the bloodstream.
AKA German Measles
Rubella Effects on birth
- Damage to the auditory and visual system
- Damage to the brain
- Can result in stillbirth (because of brain damage)
Toxoplasmosis
A maternal disease that can be passed by a pregnant woman to their unborn child
- exposure from eating undercooked meat
- cat feces
-gardening
Toxoplasmosis Effects on birth
Can affect early stages of pregnancy
-Brain damage
-Liver damage
-baby can be prone to seizures
Herpes
A maternal infection that can be passed by a pregnant woman to their unborn child: Sexually transmitted infection
Herpes Effects on Birth
If a pregnant woman has genital herpes, they do a C-section so that the baby does not contract it.
- Brain damage
DES (Diethylstilbestrol)
A drug that was marketed and prescribed to women to prevent miscarriages.
Effects of DES on children
- Girls ages 12-13 whose mothers had been prescribed DES during their birth, were presented with cervical cancer.
——> Developed cervical problems such as infertility - Men has also suffered penile cancer
Asprin Effects on Birth
- Babies were born with heart defects if taken while the baby’s heart was still developing (early embryonic period)
Caffeine Effects on Birth
-Animal work with caffeine showed teratogenic results
- Sleep issues
-Faster heart rate
Pregnant women are told to cut caffeine or to drink little when pregnant.
Cocaine Effects on Birth
Multi-drug effects since people who use drugs are more likely to use others.
- Low birth weight
- Pre-born babies
- Damage to the digestive system
- Higher risk of cerebral hemorrhages
FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome)
Babies are born with smaller heads and brains, problems with cognitive development ( learning, memory, short attention span, communication) and problems with vision and hearing.
Cigarettes Effects on Birth
Pregnant women who smoke do not get enough oxygen to their lungs= baby does not get enough oxygen.
- Sudden infant death syndrome
-Respiratory infections - Cleft Pallets
- Smaller babies
Habituation
Decreased responsiveness with repeated stimuli
Jean Piaget
Developmental psychologist who studied children’s developing cognition (all mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering and communicating)
Stranger Anxiety
The fear of strangers that infants commonly display, beginning around 8 months of age
Attachment
An emotional tie with others, showing distress on separation
Critical Period
An optimal period early in the life of an organism, that when exposed to certain stimuli or experiences, produces normal development
Imprinting
When certain animals form strong attachments during early life.
Ex. Ducks
