Introduction to Developmental Psychology

Defining Developmental Psychology

• The scientific study of changes and stability across the human lifespan
• Employs scientific methods to describe, explain, and predict changes
• Explores various periods of development, categorized by age
• Considers the interconnected domains of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth

Pillars of Developmental Theory

• Psychoanalytic Theory: Explores the impact of unconscious urges on behavior (Freud) and the influence of societal interactions on personality development through a series of crises (Erikson)
• Learning Theory: Emphasizes how the environment shapes behavior through traditional learning principles (behaviorism) and the role of observation and imitation in social contexts (social learning theory)
• Cognitive Theory: Focuses on qualitative shifts in thought processes (Piaget), the centrality of social interaction in cognitive development (Vygotsky), and human beings as processors of symbols (information-processing theory)
• Contextual Theory: Underscores the interaction between a developing individual and their surrounding interconnected systems of influence (Bronfenbrenner's bio-ecological theory)
• Evolutionary/Sociobiological Theory: Highlights adaptive mechanisms for survival, emphasizing critical periods for specific behaviors and the biological underpinnings of behavior (Bowlby's attachment theory)

Data Collection and Methodologies

• Self-reports: Directly gathering information from individuals
• Observations: Observing behavior in natural settings (naturalistic observation) or controlled environments (laboratory observation)
• Correlational Studies: Examining statistical associations between variables, noting that correlation does not imply causation
• Experiments: Manipulating variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships, utilizing experimental and control groups for comparison

Prenatal Development

• Spans conception to birth (gestation)
• Divided into three critical stages

Germinal Stage (0-2 weeks)

• Characterized by zygote division, increasing complexity, and implantation in the uterine wall

Embryonic Stage (2-8 weeks)

• Rapid organ and major body system development
• Most severely defective embryos typically do not survive past this stage
• Growth follows cephalocaudal ("from the top down") and proximodistal ("from the center out") principles

Fetal Stage (8 weeks-birth)

• Marked by the emergence of bone cells, rapid growth, and ongoing development of organ systems and sensory capabilities

The Neonatal Period

• First four weeks of life
• A period of transition from complete dependence within the womb to relative autonomy

Negative Impacts on Prenatal Development

• Maternal Nutrition: Inadequate maternal nutrition and weight management can negatively impact fetal development
• Teratogens: Environmental agents such as drugs, alcohol, and maternal illnesses can interfere with normal prenatal development
• Maternal and Paternal Factors: Maternal age, stress levels, and exposure to environmental hazards, as well as paternal exposure to lead, tobacco, alcohol, and radiation, can pose risks to fetal development

Childbirth

• Triggered by hormonal changes
• Progresses through distinct stages

Stage 1

• Uterine contractions leading to full cervical dilation

Stage 2

• Pushing the baby through the birth canal

Stage 3

• Expulsion of the placenta

Medical Interventions

• Episiotomy (a surgical cut to enlarge the vaginal opening)
• Electronic fetal monitoring
• Cesarean delivery

Newborn Assessment

• Newborns exhibit distinct physical characteristics, including a large head, red skin, and temporary skin conditions.
• They also display reflex behaviors such as rooting, grasping, sucking, and the Moro reflex.
• Health assessments utilize tools like the Apgar scale and the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale.

Low Birth Weight

• Infants born with low birth weight (preterm or small-for-date) face increased health risks.

Post-Maturity

• Post-mature babies (born after 42 weeks) may experience complications due to placental inefficiency.

Infant Mortality

• Stillbirth, the death of a fetus after 20 weeks of gestation, is a significant concern.