Human Development Stages

Study Notes

Prenatal Development: The period from conception to birth, during which the fetus develops and grows inside the womb.
- Divided into three stages: germinal, embryonic, and fetal development.
Infancy and Toddlerhood: The stage from birth to approximately 3 years old, characterized by rapid physical growth and development.
- Milestones include crawling, walking, and language development.
Early Childhood: The stage from approximately 3 to 6 years old, marked by continued physical growth and the development of social and emotional skills.
- Milestones include improved language skills, development of imagination, and increased independence.
Middle Childhood: The stage from approximately 6 to 12 years old, characterized by refinement of social and emotional skills, and increased cognitive abilities.
- Milestones include development of friendships, improved problem-solving skills, and increased academic achievement.
Adolescence: The stage from approximately 12 to 18 years old, marked by significant physical, social, and emotional changes.
- Milestones include puberty, development of identity, and increased independence.
Adulthood: The stage from approximately 18 years old and beyond, characterized by continued physical, social, and emotional development.
- Milestones include establishment of career, development of romantic relationships, and increased responsibility.

Nature vs. Nurture: The debate about whether development is influenced more by genetics (nature) or environment (nurture).
Biological Theory: Focuses on the role of genetics and biological processes in development.
Psychological Theory: Emphasizes the role of environment, learning, and experience in development.
Ecological Systems Theory: Views development as influenced by multiple levels of the environment, from immediate to societal.

Genetics: The role of inherited traits in shaping development.
Environment: The impact of external factors, such as family, culture, and society, on development.
Socioeconomic Status: The influence of socioeconomic factors, such as access to resources and opportunities, on development.
Cultural Factors: The role of cultural values, beliefs, and practices in shaping development.
Nutrition and Health: The impact of adequate nutrition and health on development.

Prenatal Development takes place from conception to birth, with three stages: germinal, embryonic, and fetal development.
Infancy and Toddlerhood lasts from birth to approximately 3 years old, characterized by rapid physical growth, crawling, walking, and language development.
Early Childhood spans from approximately 3 to 6 years old, marked by continued physical growth, improved language skills, development of imagination, and increased independence.
Middle Childhood occurs from approximately 6 to 12 years old, with refinement of social and emotional skills, and increased cognitive abilities, featuring development of friendships, improved problem-solving skills, and increased academic achievement.
Adolescence takes place from approximately 12 to 18 years old, marked by significant physical, social, and emotional changes, including puberty, development of identity, and increased independence.
Adulthood begins at approximately 18 years old and beyond, characterized by continued physical, social, and emotional development, with milestones such as establishment of career, development of romantic relationships, and increased responsibility.

Nature vs. Nurture debates whether development is influenced more by genetics (nature) or environment (nurture).
Biological Theory focuses on the role of genetics and biological processes in development.
Psychological Theory emphasizes the role of environment, learning, and experience in development.
Ecological Systems Theory views development as influenced by multiple levels of the environment, from immediate to societal.

Genetics play a role in shaping development through inherited traits.
Environment influences development through external factors, such as family, culture, and society.
Socioeconomic Status impacts development through access to resources and opportunities.
Cultural Factors shape development through cultural values, beliefs, and practices.
Nutrition and Health impact development through adequate nutrition and health.