Developmental Psychology Overview

Developmental Psychology

• Developmental Psychology focuses on human development across the lifespan, from infancy to adulthood and beyond.
• While some theories are 'child-centric', developmental psychologists also focus on adulthood and older age.

Central Issues in Developmental Psychology

• Nature vs. Nurture: The debate about the relative contributions of genetics and environment in shaping human development.
• Critical Periods of Development: Specific timeframes during which certain developmental milestones occur and are particularly susceptible to external influences.
• Stages vs. Continuous Development: The question of whether development unfolds in distinct stages with qualitative changes or is a gradual, continuous process.

Prenatal Development

• Extends from conception to birth, typically a 40-week period.
• Understanding the different stages of prenatal development is crucial for healthcare workers because different developmental stages are vulnerable to various dangers.
• Teratogens are environmental agents that can harm the embryo (early stages) or fetus (after the third month of conception), including drugs, radiation, viruses, and toxic chemicals.
• Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) refers to a collection of congenital (prenatal) problems associated with excessive alcohol use during pregnancy.

Infancy

• Characterized by rapid physical growth and development.
• Many infants are born with adaptive reflexes, such as the sucking reflex, essential for feeding.
• Motor skills generally progress from head to toe.

Toddlerhood ( 2-4 years old)

• Toddlers have unusual body proportions with large heads and smaller bodies, resulting in a higher center of gravity.
• Gross Motor Development: Walking, running, jumping, throwing, catching.
• Fine Motor Development: Copying shapes, using utensils, manipulating buttons, drawing.
• Self-Care Skills: Increased independence in self-feeding, dressing, toileting, and simple household tasks, such as setting the table or picking up toys.

School-Aged Children (5-12 years old)

• Growth slows during this period, with body proportions becoming more balanced.
• Gross motor skills become more refined, enhancing running, jumping, and other physical activities.
• Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity improve significantly.

Adolescence (13-18 years old)

• Marked by the onset of puberty, bringing rapid physical growth and changes in body composition.
• Internal organs increase in size, especially in boys, who experience a significant increase in red blood cells, contributing to gender differences in athletic abilities.

Adulthood (18-65 years old)

• Peak physical performance occurs in the twenties, encompassing cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and sensory systems.
• In later adulthood, physical changes slow or stop, except during pregnancy.
• Physical Changes: Increase in fatty tissue, peaking muscle strength in early 30s followed by decline, decreased collagen in skin leading to wrinkles, hair thinning and greying, and gradual height reduction.

Older Age (65+ years old)

• Notable physical changes include greying hair, wrinkled skin, and sensory changes.
• Brain mass decreases, with a 7% reduction at 80 years old compared to younger adulthood.
• Slowing of reflexes and motor/sensory function due to reduced nerve conduction velocity.

This quiz explores key concepts in developmental psychology, including nature vs. nurture, critical periods of development, and the distinction between stages and continuous development. It emphasizes the importance of understanding human development from prenatal stages through adulthood.