Lifespan Development: Stages Of Lifespan Development

Question 1

Three characteristics of infancy?

Answer 1

Dependent on adult
Establishes important relationship with primary caregivers
Psychological development: perceptual abilities, thinking, language, social skills

Question 2

Three characteristics of childhood?

Answer 2

Increasing independence from parents
Education: reading, writing, maths
Development of social and cognitive skills

Question 3

Four characteristics of adolescence?

Answer 3

Independence from parents - identity
Increased influence of friendship groups
Puberty
Emotional and cognitive development

Question 4

Three characteristics of early adulthood?

Answer 4

Complete personal and financial independence
Career
Partner and creating a family

Question 5

Three characteristics of middle age?

Answer 5

Social and personal involvements
Advancing a career
Supporting children

Question 6

Three characteristics of older age?

Answer 6

Adjustment to life and self perceptions
Less career, more spare time
Social roles eg. grandparenting

Question 7

Advantages and disadvantages of using age ranges to define stages of lifespan development?

Answer 7

Advantage: guide to what is expected
Disadvantages: individuals develop at different rates

Question 8

What are the six stages or lifespan development, and the age ranges?

Answer 8

Infancy: birth-2yrs
Childhood: 2-10yrs
Adolescence: 10-20yrs
Early adulthood: 20-40yrs
Middle age: 40-65yrs
Older age: 65+yrs