INTRO TO HUMAN

DEVELOPMENT

Human Development
the systematic process of changes that occur throughout a person's life,
encompassing several aspects which are also shaped by interacting arcs of
influence

DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY - focuses on understanding these changes and

how they affect an individual's growth and behaviors

PROMINENT ISSUES IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Nature vs Nurture Stability vs Change Continuity vs

Discontinuity
whether genetics whether traits and
(nature) or characteristics remain whether development is
environmental relatively constant a gradual, continuous
influences (nurture) (stability) or undergo process (continuity) or
have a greater impact on significant marked by distinct,
shaping an individual's transformation (change) abrupt shifts or stages
development over the course of an (discontinuity) as
individual's life

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 individuals grow and
change

Most contemporary perspectives in psychology recognize the complex

interplay of these things in shaping human development.

REVIEW ON THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN HEREDITY AND ENVIRONMENT

HEREDITY - refers to the genetic transmission of physical and psychological
characteristics from parents to their children

DNA - acts as a code for genetic information

Chromosomes - hold the coded instructions for heredity

Genes - small areas of DNA that affect a particular process or personal

characteristic

NATURE is not a sole function of these things

NATURE can also operate through MATURATION – which is the natural

unfolding of genetically programmed changes in the body and brain; most of
the times, it precedes learning

ENVIRONMENT - refers to the sum of all external conditions that affect a person

THE TRADITIONAL VIEW OF

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 human development was often focused on childhood and adolescence, with an
emphasis on early years as the most critical for development. It tended to view
development as a series of stages with fixed age boundaries, assuming that
growth primarily occurred in predictable, linear sequences. It was also believed
that the developmental processes are universal.

LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT

1. DEVELOPMENT IS LIFELONG

Human development encompasses all stages of life from conception to death.

(Womb-to-tomb)

Lifelong development highlights that growth, change, and adaptation continue

throughout adulthood and into old age.

Developmentalists have been trying to conceptualize stages of development

that defines this lifelong process.

Understanding lifelong development helps in addressing challenges and

opportunities at various life stages

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 2. DEVELOPMENT IS MULTIDIMENSIONAL

Development involves multiple aspects, including physical (e.g., motor skills) ,

cognitive (e.g., thinking and problem-solving), emotional (e.g., emotions and
temperament), and social (e.g., relationships) dimensions.

These dimensions interact and influence each other, shaping overall

development.

3. DEVELOPMENT IS MULTIDIRECTIONAL

Throughout life, individuals experience both gains and losses in various

domains.

These fluctuations highlight that development is not a steady upward

progression but a dynamic process.

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 Example 🡪

5. DEVELOPMENT IS PLASTIC

meaning that characteristics are malleable or changeable

It also talks about the processes involved in development across several

dimensions can be altered by various factors (e.g. nature/nurture)

capacity for characteristics and abilities to change in response to experience

and environmental factors

allows for learning and adaptation at any age, including recovery from brain
injury or the development of new skills

6. DEVELOPMENT IS CONTEXTUAL

Contextual factors include the physical environment, family, peers, culture,

history, and socioeconomic status, which all impact development.

Cultural norms and values shape behaviors, beliefs, and expectations,

influencing how individuals develop and interact with the world.

Normative Age Influences: Developmental changes that are typical and

expected at particular ages or life stages, such as puberty during
adolescence

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 Normative History Influences: Developmental changes influenced by
historical events and cultural shifts, impacting entire generations, such as
the impact of World War II on the Baby Boomer generation.

Non-Normative Influences : Unpredictable and unique developmental

events or experiences that occur individually, which contributes to
individual differences.

7. DEVELOPMENT IS MULTIDISCIPLINARY

The study of human development draws on various fields, including

psychology, biology, sociology, anthropology, and education.

Interdisciplinary approaches provide a richer understanding of development

by considering biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors together.

DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES

1. Prenatal Stage (Conception to Birth):

Characterized by development in the womb.

Key events include fertilization, implantation, and the formation of the embryo
and fetus.

Critical period for organ formation.

Vulnerable to teratogens (substances that can harm development).

2. Infancy (Birth to 2 Years):

Rapid physical growth and development.

Development of sensory and motor skills.

Attachment to primary caregivers.

Communication through crying, babbling, and gestures.

Exploration of the world through senses.

3. Early Childhood (2 to 6 Years):

Development of language and communication skills.

Rapid cognitive growth, including the use of symbols and language.

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 Development of motor skills.

Formation of self-concept and gender identity.

Play becomes a central activity for learning and socialization.

4. Middle Childhood (6 to 11 Years):

Development of logical thinking and concrete operational abilities.

School becomes a major influence on development.

Peer relationships become more significant.

Development of social and moral understanding.

Acquisition of skills and competencies.

5. Adolescence (12 to 18 Years):

Puberty and physical changes, including sexual maturation.

Identity formation and exploration of roles.

Peer relationships and peer influence are prominent.

Development of abstract thinking and moral reasoning.

Transition toward independence from parents.

6. Early Adulthood (18 to 40 Years):

Establishment of identity and career.

Formation of intimate relationships and families.

Pursuit of education, career, and personal goals.

Physical peak and health maintenance.

Transition to adult roles and responsibilities.

7. Middle Adulthood (40 to 65 Years):

Physical changes and aging.

Focus on generativity and contributing to society.

Midlife crisis and reevaluation of life goals.

Family and career demands.

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 Development of wisdom and reflection on life.

8. Late Adulthood (65+ Years):

Physical decline and aging-related changes.

Reflection on life and the search for meaning.

Changes in social roles and relationships.

Coping with loss and mortality.

Potential for continued growth and adaptation.

CONCEPTS TO REMEMBER

MILESTONES

significant achievements or events that mark progress in various areas of

development

Examples: walking, talking, reading, forming friendships, and achieving

educational goals

serve as markers of development and are often used to assess a person's

growth and abilities

timing of milestones can vary among individuals, but there is a typical age
range for each milestone

TRANSITIONS

major life changes or shifts that individuals experience as they progress

through different developmental stages

Examples: transitioning from infancy to early childhood, moving from

elementary school to middle school, or entering retirement

involve adjustments, challenges, and opportunities for personal growth and

development

Successful navigation of transitions can contribute to an individual's well-

being and adaptation to new life circumstances

CRITICAL/SENSITIVE PERIODS

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 specific windows of time when an individual is particularly sensitive to certain
environmental influences or experiences

Examples: Language acquisition in early childhood

crucial for the acquisition of certain skills or abilities, and missing these
windows may lead to developmental challenges; characterized by limited
flexibility

EARLY EXPERIENCES

The time period from infancy to childhood is considered as a critical period

through various reasons. Some are:

Parenting Styles

are approaches or patterns of parental behavior that influence how

parents interact with and raise their children, impacting children's
development and behavior

Attachment Styles

the emotional bonds and patterns of connection that infants and children
form with their caregivers, influencing their future relationships and social
development

Enriched vs Deprived Environments

Enriched environments provide stimulating, supportive, and nurturing

conditions that foster positive development, while deprived environments
lack essential resources and support, potentially hindering development

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