Developmental Stages Flashcards
What is developmental psycology?
The scientific study of how and why humans grow, change, and adapt across the course of their lives.
In what 4 ways does development occur?
- Physical development
- Cognitive development
- Social development
- Emotional development
What is physical development?
Involves changes in the body and its various systems, such as development of the brain and nervous system, bones and muscles, motor skills, and the hormonal changes of puberty and menopause.
What is cognitive development?
Involves changes in an individual’s mental abilities through the course of their lifespan.
Such as:
- Perception
- Thinking
- Learning
- Memory
What is social development?
Changes in self knowledge and understandings of other people, skills in developing relationships and reasoning about behaviour.
What is emotional development?
Changes in how an individual experiences different feelings and how these feelings are expressed, interpreted and dealt with.
eg. a 5 year old will show anger differently than a 50 year old
What are the 7 stages of development
Prenatal
Infancy
Childhood
Adolescence
Early adulthood
Middle age
Old age
What is the age range for infancy?
0-2
What physical development occurs in infancy?
Rapid brain and body growth, improvement in voluntary muscle control
What cognitive development occurs in infancy?
Improvement in perceptual, memory and learning abilities. Understanding, and beginning to communicate through language
What social & emotionaldevelopment occurs in infancy?
Development of self-recognition and self-identity, enjoyment of family-centred social interactions and basic pretend play
What is the age range for childhood?
2-12
What physical development occurs in childhood?
Continued rapid brain development & growth, hand preference established
What cognitive development occurs in childhood?
Large increase in the use and understanding of language, thoughts generally guided by perceptions rather than logic
What social and emotional development occurs in childhood?
Rapid acquisition of gender roles, more sophisticated play
What is the age range for adolescence?
12-20
What physical development occurs in adolescence?
Puberty occurs – dramatic growth spurts, sexual maturity, prefrontal cortex development
What cognitive development occurs in adolescence?
Logical thinking skills become more sophisticated, gain in knowledge and understanding
What social and emotional development occurs in adolescence?
Drive for independence, more intricate ideas of self-image, self-esteem, and self-identity, emotionally closer friendships & relationships with others
What is the age range for early adulthood?
20-40
What physical development occurs in early adulthood?
Peak physical functioning before a slow decline
What cognitive development occurs in early adulthood?
Cognitive skills, particularly in areas of expertise, become more sophisticated
What social and emotional development occurs in early adulthood?
Continued work on self-identity, intimacy and independence become more important, adjustments to new roles
What is the age range for middle age?
40-65
