Life Span Development

  • Prenatal Development and Birth

    Biosocial- During the germinal period, a zygote multiplies in to more than 100 cells that will eventually form both the placenta and the embryo. During the embryonic period, the heart begins to beat, and the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth form as well as the organs. The fetal period, the sexual organs develop with the body structures.
    Cognitive- During the fetal period the brain can regulate basic body functions.
    Psychosocial- The Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale measures 46 newborn.
  • The First Two Years

    Biosocial- Infants grow taller, gain weight, and increase head circumference. Brain size increases to 75 percent of adult weight. The amount of sleep decreases. Vision has improved and so do the motor skills.
    Cognitive- The six stages of sencorimotor intelligence involve early adaptation to experience. It begins with reflexes then mental combinations. Infants develop an understanding of objects. Infant memory is fagile but not absent.
    Psychosocial- Contentment and distress with social bonds.
  • Early Childhood

    Biosocial- Children continue to gain weight and add height. Culture, income, and family custons affect growth. They consume too much sugar and too little calcium and other nutrients. The brain is 90 percent developed in size. Myelination is substantial. Brain changes enable memory, planning and responces.
    Eocentric and illogial aspects during play years. Children learn by experiencing things. They develop theory of mind.
    Psychosocial- Learning to regulate and control emotions.
  • Middle Childhood

    Biosocial- Steady growth and advances in medical care. Obesity and asthma become problems. Advances in reaction time and automatization.
    Cognitive- Time of concrete operational thought. Stressed the social context of learning. A broader knowledge base, logical strategies for retrieval, and faster processing.
    Psychosocial- Becoming more independent and capable. Develop their self-concept. Family has a big influence. The nuclear family is the most common.Children have fewer emotional problems.
  • Adolescence

    Biosocial- Puberty begins. The growth spurt is an acceleration of growth in every part of the body. Changes in puberty depend of adequate nourishment. Seek many emotional experiences. Face the tendency to become sexually active.
    Cognitive- Egocentric thinking. Formal operational thought is testes and demonstrated. Intuitive thinking becomes more forceful.Acheivement in seconary education.
    Psychosocial- A time for self-discovery. Many foreclose on their options without exploring possibilities.
  • Emerging Adult

    Biosocial- Most emerging adults are strong and healthy. They are usually physically and sexually actractive. Tend to eat well and exercise often. Reproduction is most successful. Mood and anxiety disorders are apparent.
    Cognitive- Using a stage approach, a psychometric approach, or an informational proccessing approach. Morals and religion questions.
    Psychosocial- Vocational identity and careers. Gender separation is less common. Family support is needed lifelong. Parental advice is helpful.
  • Adulthood

    Biosocial- Senescence causes a universal slowdown of body systems. The brain slows down. Appearance undergoes gradual changes. Sexual responsoveness slows down. Smokingis far less. Good health habits.
    Cognitive- IQ tends to increase. Crystallized intelligence. Focus on certain aspects of life. Raising children and responding well to emotions.
    Psychosocial- Personalities are stable. The big Five personality traits are stable.Family relationships stay important.
  • Late Adulthood

    Biosocial- Most are happ, healthy, and active. An increasing population. Selective optimization with compensation for sensory losses. Hundreds of theories address the causes of aging. Decline in the immune system.
    Cognitive- The brain adds new cells and dendrites. Control processes are less effective. Increase cognitive skills by training and practice.
    Psychosocial- Retirement may be welcomed by the elderly who find other ways to stay active.Relationships with adult children and grandchildren.