Developmental Psychology: Human Development

Study Notes

Overview of Developmental Psychology

Development is a lifelong process, encompassing various biological, psychological, and psychosocial changes.
Brain development is mostly complete by the age of 25.
Development can exhibit both positive and negative trajectories, notably illustrated by conditions like Complex Post-Traumatic Disorder (C-PTSD).

Life Span Development

Researchers study developmental stages and patterns throughout the lifespan.
Factors influencing development include timing of parenthood, maternal employment, and marital satisfaction.
Negative experiences, especially during childhood, can adversely affect personality and relationships.

Complex Post-Traumatic Disorder

C-PTSD occurs due to severe life events, significantly impacting personality development from childhood.
It can lead to disorganized relationships and prolong trauma effects.

Goals of Human Development

Major objectives include describing, explaining, predicting, and controlling developmental processes.
Understanding human complexity is essential for effective intervention.

Global Developmental Delay (GDD)

GDD refers to delays in children’s motor skills, speech and language, cognitive abilities, social and emotional skills, and adaptive behaviors.

4Ds of Personality

Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Danger characterize how personality can manifest in various individuals, emphasizing the need for diverse study approaches.

Measurement and Influence

Modern research utilizes advanced instruments to measure physiological responses such as eye movement and heart rate.
Development is shaped by multiple interacting factors, requiring a collaborative approach across disciplines like psychology, sociology, and medicine.

Three Domains of Development

Physical Development

Involves growth patterns of the body and brain, as well as sensory and motor skills development.
Physical issues like frequent ear infections can hinder cognitive development, impacting language skills.

Cognitive Development

Centers on changes in mental abilities including learning, attention, memory, language, reasoning, and creativity.
Cognitive changes can influence and are influenced by physical and psychosocial development; conditions such as dementia and intellectual disabilities exemplify these interconnections.

Psychosocial Development

Focuses on changes in emotions, personality, and social relationships, informed by Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory.
Lack of meaningful social connections can adversely affect mental and physical well-being.
Motivation and confidence are key to achieving success in school; negative emotions like anxiety can impair performance, while conscientiousness may correlate with longevity.

Description

This quiz explores the scientific study of human development, focusing on the processes of change and stability throughout the lifespan. It covers biological, psychological, and psychosocial characteristics, emphasizing that development is patterned and occurs in stages from birth to adulthood.