Developmental Psychology Key Takeaways PDF

KEY TAKEAWAYS DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY Developmental Psychology- a branch of psychology that studies changes in human behavior from early life to death. -A scientific study o...

KEY TAKEAWAYS DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY Developmental Psychology- a branch of psychology that studies changes in human behavior from early life to death. -A scientific study of how and why human beings change throughout their lives. Human development- a gradual process in which people change from birth through adulthood. Growth- a process of physical maturation resulting in an increase in the size of the body and various organs. Cephalocaudal direction- a process from the head down to the tail. This means that improvement in structure and function comes first in the head region, then in the trunk, and last in the leg region. Proximodistal Direction- a process from center or midline to periphery direction. Development proceeds from near to far- outward from the central axis of the body toward the extremities. Genetic Factor- it refers to the influence of genes and inherited traits on an individual’s development, health, and characteristics, affecting everything from susceptibility to certain diseases to physical traits and behavior. Prenatal factors- are conditions and influences that affect a developing fetus during pregnancy, including maternal health, nutrition, environmental exposures, and genetic factors, which can impact the baby’s growth and development before birth. Postnatal factors- are conditions and influences that affect individual after birth, including aspects like early childhood environment, nutrition, medical care, and social interactions, which can impact growth, development, and overall well-being. Conception- is the process by which a sperm cell from a male fertilizes an egg from a female, leading to the formation of a zygote, which then begins to develop into an embryo and eventually into a fetus. Stages of Pre-Natal Development: 1. Germinal Period (pre-embryonic period)- it happens 2 weeks after conception. - the zygote undergoes a rapid cell division, forms a blastocyst, and implants itself into the uterine wall. 2. Embryonic Period- it happens 2 to 8 weeks after conception, the embryo undergoes critical formation and differentiation of major organs and structures. Organogenesis- is a process during embryonic development where specific organs and structures form and differentiate the embryonic tissues. Three Primary Gem Layers of the Embryonic Period: a) Ectoderm- The outer layer, which forms the skin, nails, and the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. b) Mesoderm- the middle layer, which gives to muscles, bones, the circulatory system, kidneys, and reproductive organs.  c) Endoderm- the inner layer, which develops into the lining of the digestive and respiratory tracts as well as organs such as the liver and pancreas. Placenta- is an organ that develops during the pregnancy, providing a critical interface between the mother and the fetus. It attaches to the uterine wall and is connected to the fetus via the umbilical cord. 3. Fetal Period- 2 to 7 months after conception, the developing fetus undergoes significant growth and maturation, with organs and systems becoming fully functional, and the fetus gaining weight and developing recognizable human features. Helen Keller- was an American author who, despite being deaf and blind, overcame her disabilities with the help of her teacher Anne Sullivan to become a prominent advocate for people with disabilities and social causes. Erik Erickson- was a psychoanalyst known for his theory of psychosocial development, which outlines eight stages from infancy to adulthood, each marked by a key conflict that shapes psychosocial growth. Psychosocial Development- refers to the process by which individuals evolve through various stages of emotional and social growth throughout their lives, addressing key conflicts and challenges at each stage. Epigenetic principle- proposed by Erik Erickson, suggests that development is influenced by the interaction between genetic factors and environmental experiences, with each stage of psychosocial development building upon the outcomes of previous stages. Stages of Psychosocial Development: Syntonic Element- is a positive and harmonious aspect of a developmental stage that facilitates growth and resolution of conflicts, promoting healthy psychological development. Dystonic Element- is a negative or disruptive aspect of a developmental stage that creates conflict and challenges, potentially hindering psychological growth and development. Stages of Psychosocial Development Basic Strength Age 1 Basic Trust vs Basic Mistrust Hope Infancy 0-1 year old 2 Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt Will Early Childhood 2-3 years old 3 Initiative vs Guilt Purpose Play Age or Preschool Age 3-6 years old 4 Industry vs Inferiority Competence School Age 5 Identity vs Role Confusion Fidelity Adolescence 13-18 years old 6 Intimacy vs Isolation Love Early Adulthood 19-30 years old 7 Generativity vs Stagnation Care Adulthood 31-60 years old 8 Integrity vs Despair Wisdom Old Age 61 years old and beyond