Lifespan Development: Structured Study Notes

Lifespan Development

Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology studies the physical, cognitive, social, and behavioral changes across the human lifespan.

• Methods:

  • Cross-sectional design: Compares different age groups at one time.

  • Longitudinal design: Follows the same group over time.

  • Cluster effects: Effects due to grouping rather than age.

Prenatal Development & Research Example

Research explores how babies learn about speech sounds before birth.

• Critical period: Last 6 weeks of pregnancy are crucial for fetal auditory learning.

• Methods: Babies tested 2 days after birth for speech sound recognition.

Dependent Variable (DV): Changes in Sucking Rate

Infant sucking rate is used as an indicator of preference or recognition.

• Example: Babies change sucking rate in response to familiar sounds.

Teratogens

Teratogens are environmental factors that can harm a developing fetus.

• Alcohol: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) causes cognitive and behavioral deficits.

• Thalidomide: Drug prescribed for morning sickness, caused birth defects.

• Other examples: Smoking, drugs, infections.

Maternal Effects: Cognitive and IQ Scores

• Study: Children exposed to maternal stress and flu during pregnancy had lower IQ scores.

• Additional info: Maternal health and environment can impact child development.

Infancy and Childhood

Visual Perception

Infants can distinguish between patterns and objects, showing early perceptual abilities.

• Example: Preferential looking studies show infants prefer faces.

Attachment Theory

Attachment is an emotional bond between child and caregiver, crucial for survival and development.

• Attachment styles:

Style	Description
Secure	Uses caregiver as home base, explores freely
Anxious	Does not rely on caregiver, anxious in her absence
Avoidant	Avoids caregiver, does not seek her out
Disorganized/disoriented	Inconsistent, contradictory behavior

• Harlow's monkey experiment: Demonstrated importance of comfort over food in attachment.

Parenting Styles and Social Development

Parenting styles influence children's emotional and social development.

• Authoritarian: Rigid, punitive, strict standards.

• Permissive: Lax, inconsistent, undemanding.

• Authoritative: Firm, sets limits, supportive, encourages independence.

• Uninvolved: Detached, indifferent.

Cognitive Development in Childhood

Jean Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

• Sensorimotor stage (0-2 years): Learning through senses and actions.

• Preoperational stage (2-7 years): Symbolic thinking, egocentrism.

• Concrete operational stage (7-12 years): Logical thinking, conservation.

• Formal operational stage (12+ years): Abstract reasoning.

Self-awareness and Theory of Mind

Children develop the ability to understand their own and others' perspectives.

• Emerges around 4-5 years.

Adolescence

Social and Emotional Development

• Identity formation: Adolescents explore personal values and beliefs.

• Risk-taking behavior: Increased impulsivity and sensation seeking.

• Peer influence: Strong impact on decision-making.

Cognitive Development in Adolescence

• Metacognition: Ability to think about one's own thinking.

• Abstract reasoning: Ability to reason about hypothetical situations.

Adulthood

Transitions and Milestones

• Emerging adulthood (18-24): Identity exploration, independence.

• Middle adulthood: Career, family, physical health changes.

• Late adulthood: Retirement, cognitive and physical changes.

Marriage and Relationships

• Factors for marital satisfaction: Communication, shared values, realistic expectations.

• Divorce: 40% of Canadian marriages end in divorce.

Parenting and Child Outcomes

• Positive factors: Secure attachment, social support.

Late Adulthood: Happiness & Relationships

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory

Older adults focus on positive, meaningful experiences and relationships.

• Emotional regulation: Older adults prioritize positive emotions.

The Ageing Brain

• Changes: Reduction in white and gray matter, slower processing speed.

• Strategies: Cognitive stimulation, healthy lifestyle.

Gaming in Late Adulthood

• Benefits: Video games can improve cognitive function and social skills.

• Example: Nintendo Wii used in studies with older adults.

Additional info: These notes expand on brief points with academic context and examples for clarity and completeness.