Human Development Across the Lifespan

The central question guiding development at each stage of life that remains important throughout a person's lifespan.

The state of being able to trust others, which emerges early in life and continues to be important throughout the lifespan.

The stages of human psychological development are connected to the biological stages of the human life cycle.

Human psychology and biology are shaped by the adaptive challenges faced by our ancestors in harsh environments for the past 150,000 years.

Periods of middle and late adulthood are unique to humans and not shared with other primates.

Humans have a long lifespan that allows them to live substantially longer than the age of fertility, a unique advantage with evolutionary significance.

The transition period when children leave home, often coinciding with the climacteric (menopause or andropause).

Life transitions during middle and older adulthood, such as offspring leaving home and the climacteric, can impact a person's adjustment and mental health.

A stage in life where individuals focus on leaving a positive legacy and contributing to the world beyond themselves.

The motivation to care for and contribute to the well-being of others.

The motivation to create something lasting that outlives the individual, like a work of art, invention, or child-rearing.

A psychological state where individuals feel a desire to contribute to the next generation through acts of care, creation, and mentorship.

The way in which people understand and tell the story of their life, incorporating their generative actions and experiences.

A set of scales used to measure an individual's level of generativity.

The period in life when women typically stop being able to give birth and both men and women become more focused on generativity.

The idea that people are motivated to leave a lasting impact on the world by contributing to the well-being of others and creating things that outlast themselves.

A state of self-absorption and lack of contribution to society, often linked to feelings of stagnation and a lack of purpose.

The process of reflecting on one's life, reviewing past experiences, and evaluating one's achievements and contributions.

The stage of development in late adulthood where individuals grapple with the question of whether they have lived a meaningful life and made a positive impact.

The increasing trend of individuals working into their later years, driven by factors such as health improvements and a desire for continued contribution.

The combination of health status, income, social connections, and education that influences an individual's well-being and overall health.

The positive impact of work on generativity, providing both a sense of accomplishment and contributing to society while enhancing economic security and social connections.

The idea that factors within a person's life and within their work environment can foster a sense of generativity, leading to benefits for both individuals and organizations.

A type of attachment characterized by emotional distance and reliance on self, often resulting from negative relationship experiences or hardship. Individuals with this style may avoid intimacy and struggle to rely on others.

The theory that people maintain relationships by trying to balance the costs and benefits they receive. It suggests individuals desire equality in the exchange of resources, including emotional support, care, and companionship.

The tendency to reject help even when it is needed, often observed in older adults with avoidant attachment styles. This behavior can lead to feelings of helplessness and frustration for caregivers.

The capacity to provide care and support to others without expecting immediate reciprocation, driven by a desire to nurture and build strong relationships. This behavior is often connected to secure attachment styles.

The ability to accept care and support from others even when unable to reciprocate immediately. It is facilitated by secure attachment and strong, pre-existing relationships.

A pattern of attachment characterized by a desire for closeness and strong emotional connection, but also accompanied by anxiety and uncertainty about the availability of support from others.

The process of transitioning from a stage of life where an individual can provide support to a stage where they require support from others. This shift can be particularly challenging for individuals with avoidant attachment styles.

The impact of attachment styles on how individuals navigate and cope with the challenges of aging. For instance, avoidant attachment can lead to difficulties in accepting help and dependence, potentially affecting well-being.

A lack of meaningful social connections, often accompanied by feelings of isolation and emptiness.

The quality of a marriage, encompassing both positive aspects like support and love, and negative aspects like conflict and strain.

High levels of conflict and stress within a marriage.

The process of aging successfully, characterized by maintaining good health, cognitive function, physical abilities, and social engagement.

The impact of marital strain on a person's physical health, mental well-being, and overall well-being.

Strategies for addressing relationship issues and their influence on overall well-being.

The unique challenges faced by older adults who identify as LGBT, including ageism, sexual identity discrimination, and potentially racism.

The concept that successful aging may be different for sexual minorities due to specific challenges and experiences.

A caregiving style marked by excessive involvement, control, and potential for intrusiveness.

A caregiving style characterized by avoidance and disengagement, with minimal emotional support offered.

A caregiving style that combines empathy, responsiveness, and sensitivity, providing effective and appropriate support to others.

A caregiving style where anxiety and worry about one's ability to provide adequate care are prominent.

A caregiving style characterized by dismissiveness of the need for intimacy and companionship.

Closely linked, the styles of caregiving and attachment influence each other, often resulting in a consistent pattern of behavior across different relationships.

The tendency to engage in excessive caregiving, often leading to intrusive behaviors and potentially harmful control.

The ability to empathize, respond effectively, and show sensitivity to the needs of others, contributing to successful caregiving.