HSC 1233 Lifespan Development Introduction PDF

HSC 1233 Lifespan Development: An Introduction Lifespan development aims to look at development of a person from conception to death. Identify the average or typical changes that occur at various stages throughout the lifespan. This is known as a normative approach. A normative approach al...

HSC 1233 Lifespan Development: An Introduction Lifespan development aims to look at development of a person from conception to death. Identify the average or typical changes that occur at various stages throughout the lifespan. This is known as a normative approach. A normative approach allows us to identify common pathways people follow during their development, while at the same time indicating where individual difference may exist.  The aims of looking at human development across the lifespan can be summarized as follows: 1. It helps us to organize the vast amount of existing knowledge of human development 2. It allows us to see links between events which occur at different stages of our lifespan. For example, we can see how events occurring in early childhood can affect our development in later adulthood. 3. It gives us an ability to identify reasons for both normal and abnormal development 4. It helps us understand how biological, psychological and environmental factors interact and contribute to our development across our lifespan  Characteristics of lifespan development  Lifelong process – all developmental periods important; some more dramatic than others. Multidimensional and Multi-directional –affected by intricate blend of biological, psychological, social forces. It also includes gains and losses (growth and decline). Plasticity – potential for change is there throughout life. Example: memory training for older people leads to improved STM (short term memory) Influenced by multiple, interacting forces- Age-graded History-graded Non normative- events that are irregular, happens to one or few people. Selection – as our biology interacts with our environment we make choices towards healthy development (in the individual’s view, they choose what they think is good for them.  Periods of Development Prenatal Conception to birth Infancy and toddlerhood Birth–3 years Early childhood 3–6 years Middle childhood 6–11 years Adolescence 11–18 years Early adulthood 18–40 years Middle adulthood 40–65 years Late adulthood 65 years–death Major domains of development Physical- Segment of development that involves changes in shape, and size, plus changes in brain structures, sensory capabilities, and motor skills Cognitive (including language)- Acquiring skills in perceiving, thinking , reasoning, problem solving, as well as intricate development and use of language Emotional/ Sociocultural- comprised of socialization and enculturation Major Domains of Development Figure 1.2 Historical and Contemporary Perspective of Human Development Views of childhood vary both historically and across cultures: 1. Viewing children as co workers 2. As property to be sold or traded 3. As beings without rights 4. As beings with clear cut rights not to be abused or exploited (in most contemporary cultures) Individualist cultures stress independence Collectivist cultures stress interdependence Adolescence as a prolonged period of dependence came about as a result of industrialization and increasing need for education How long a person remains as adolescent depends on culture and social and historical context How long adulthood lasts or when a person becomes ‘old’ varies across and within cultures Activity In groups, produce a list of attitudes and practices around child development in today’s UAE society. Take the list home and ask your parents and grandparents if there are any significant changes from the past. Describe an aspect of your development that differs from a parent’s or grand parent’s when she was your age. Using influences highlighted by the lifespan perspective, explain this diversity in development