Introduction to Developmental Psychology

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Questions and Answers

What is NOT a major developmental issue in psychology?

Nature and nurture

Activity and passivity

Reality and perception (correct)

Universality and context specificity

Which theory is associated with the idea of lifelong adaptive processes?

Cognitive theories by Piaget

Humanistic theories by Maslow

Systems theories by Gottlieb

Blate's lifespan developmental perspective (correct)

What does 'use it or lose it' imply within lifespan development?

Learning is a passive process

Once learned, skills cannot be forgotten

Development occurs only in childhood

Skills are maintained through practice (correct)

Which theoretical approach traditionally focuses on child development but can apply to all ages?

Bronfenbrenner's ecological approach Signup and view all the answers

How do the learning theories differ in their perspective on development?

They focus on social influences and environmental interactions Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the continuity and discontinuity issue in development address?

The gradual versus abrupt changes in development Signup and view all the answers

What defines the concept of developmental psychology?

Studying changes in human growth across the lifespan Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs are key theorists within psychoanalytic theories?

Freud and Erikson Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common consequence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

Increased risk of depression Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the hippocampus in relation to ACEs?

Long-term memory and emotional response Signup and view all the answers

How does chronic stress from ACEs potentially affect individuals?

Can lead to toxic effects on brain and organs Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is associated with emotional neglect and shows volumetric changes due to maltreatment-related PTSD?

Hippocampus Signup and view all the answers

What principle of trauma-informed care focuses on creating a feeling of safety for individuals?

Safety Signup and view all the answers

In what way can resilience influence children who experience ACEs?

Helps mitigate the negative effects Signup and view all the answers

Which consequence is NOT typically associated with ACEs?

Increased parent-child attachment Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of trauma on brain structure as indicated in studies?

Can lead to permanent changes in brain structures Signup and view all the answers

Which type of abuse is NOT considered an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE)?

Financial hardships Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following health outcomes has been linked to ACEs in adulthood?

Increased risk of substance abuse Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Developmental Psychology

Focuses on human growth and changes across the lifespan
Includes physical, cognitive, social, intellectual, perceptual, personality and emotional growth
Aims of developmental psychology include describing, explaining, predicting, and influencing change
Influencing change is particularly important to occupational therapists

Major Development Issues

Nature vs. Nurture: Degree to which development is influenced by genes/biology or experience/environment
Activity vs. Passivity: Extent to which individuals shape their environments or are shaped by external forces
Continuity vs. Discontinuity: Whether development is gradual and quantitative or involves qualitative stages and dramatic changes
Universality vs. Context Specificity: Similarities and differences in development across individuals and cultures

Theoretical Approaches

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Approach:
- 7 interconnected layers of environment influencing development
- Traditionally used for child development, but applicable to all ages
Baltes' Lifespan Developmental Perspective:
- Focuses on constancy and change in biological, cognitive, and psychosocial domains across the lifespan
- Emphasizes potential for growth at all ages
- Maturation is a lifelong adaptive process
- Different systems develop at different rates and may decline or improve over time
- "Use it or lose it" principle
- Contextualism:
  - Age-grade normative influences (typical events for an age group)
  - History-grade normative influences (events shared by a generation)
  - Non-normative influences (unique life experiences)

Life Course Perspective on Occupation

Occupations Embedded in Communities:
- Communities provide structure and constraints for occupations
- Mutual goals shape and transform occupational choices
- Individuals join and leave communities throughout their lifespan
Interpersonal Influences on Occupations:
- Interactions with others impact occupational engagement and choices

Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Trauma affects development and engagement throughout life
ACEs are potentially traumatic events with negative, lasting effects on health and well-being
Examples include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, substance abuse, divorce, or death of a parent
Downstream Impact: ACEs can lead to a cascade of negative consequences later in life, impacting physical and mental health
Brain Development: ACEs alter the structure and function of the brain, potentially causing long-term effects on mental and emotional well-being.

ACEs and Brain Development

Amygdala: Responsible for fear and stress responses, can be smaller in those who experienced neglect or abuse
Hippocampus: Involved in memory and emotion, can be smaller in those with PTSD and emotional neglect
Prefrontal Cortex: Handles planning, complex behavior, and social skills, can be affected by maltreatment-related PTSD
Cerebellum: Involved in balance and coordination, can be affected by maltreatment-related PTSD

ACEs and Health Outcomes

Childhood:
- Impaired immune function
- Poorer behavioral and social skills
- Increased risk of chronic medical conditions
Adulthood:
- Lower levels of parent-child attachment
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality
- Altered immune function and brain development

Trauma-Informed Care

Organizational Approach: Recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and supports recovery by:
- Recognizing and understanding the signs and symptoms of trauma
- Implementing policies and procedures to prevent re-traumatization
- Prioritizing safety, communication, and empowerment

Resilience and ACEs

Resilience: Can mitigate the impact of ACEs and help individuals cope with adverse experiences

Conclusion

ACEs have significant and lasting effects on health and well-being but can be mitigated through resilience and interventions like trauma-informed care.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in developmental psychology, focusing on human growth and changes throughout the lifespan. It covers major development issues, theoretical approaches, and the influences of nature and nurture. Perfect for students of psychology seeking to deepen their understanding of developmental theories.