Unit 6: Developmental Psychology
The physical, mental, and emotional changes an individual undergoes throughout the course of their lifetime raise a number of questions about who we are and how we develop as human beings. One question is whether our traits are stable or changeable throughout our lifetime; another is whether development is a continuous, gradual process or a set of discrete stages.
Although these questions remain unresolved, we impart some ways you can think critically about these issues in this unit. We also provide an overview of human development, from infancy to old age.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- categorize famous psychologists according to their studies and theories of development, including Sigmund Freud, Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget, Lawrence Kohlberg, John Bowlby, Lev Vygotsky, and Harry Harlow;
- compare the major theories of human development;
- identify the major milestones of each period of lifespan development;
- describe the stages of human prenatal development and influences during pregnancy; and
- discuss the main issues related to death and dying.
6.1: What Is Lifespan Development?
Before we begin studying developmental progress, let's distinguish the three domains of development: physical, cognitive, and social. We will discuss the normative approach to development and three major debates in this discipline: whether development proceeds through continuity or discontinuity, whether there is a common or unique course of development, and the role of nature/nurture.
As you read this text, make sure you can describe the nature vs. nurture controversy. Can you explain how these two processes might influence a certain trait? How would you compare and contrast continuous and discontinuous development?
6.2: Lifespan Theories
Who were the main theorists in lifespan development? The psychoanalysts Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) and Erik Erikson (1902–1994) both had stage theories. Freud focused on psychosexual development and believed we completed this development in adolescence. However, Erikson focused on psychosocial development and believed development continued throughout our lifespan.
The cognitive theorists Jean Piaget (1896–1980) and Lawrence Kohlberg (1927–1987) also had stage theories, and both believed we completed cognitive development during adolescence. Piaget tried to understand how cognition became more sophisticated throughout childhood. Kohlberg studied how moral decisions became more sophisticated throughout childhood. Each theory has strengths and weaknesses, which we examine in this section.
Read this text. Why should we only use developmental milestones as a general guideline for normal child development? What is the difference between assimilation and accommodation? Provide examples of each. Why was Carol Gilligan (1936– ) so critical of Kohlberg's theory of moral development? What is egocentrism? Provide an original example.
6.3. Stages of Development
Let's study the stages of prenatal development and the importance of prenatal care. Then we will examine the physical, cognitive, and emotional development that is typical in infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
Read this text. Why is prenatal care so important? What happens during the embryonic and fetal stages of development? Describe some newborn reflexes and explain how they promote survival. Compare and contrast four parenting styles and describe the kinds of childhood outcomes we can expect from each. What is emerging adulthood, and what factors have contributed to this new stage of development? What makes a personal quality part of someone's personality?
Watch this video on prenatal development. Pay attention to how the fetus develops in the mother's womb.
Watch this lecture on social and emotional development in infancy.
6.4: Death and Dying
Death and dying are topics we tend to avoid in the United States. However, death is considered simply another part of life in many cultures. In this section, we discuss what psychologists call the five stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. We also consider the issues of living wills, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, and hospice care.
Read this text. How do psychologists define the five stages of grief? Can you think of examples of reactions you have had (or witnessed) that exemplify these five stages? What do you think about this progression? What are some benefits and drawbacks of hospice care?
Watch this video, which discusses the process and value of grief.
Unit 6 Assessment
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.