Life-Span Human Development, Fifth Edition, Carol K. Sigelman and Elizabeth A. Rider
Epilogue
Epilogue
Fitting the Pieces Together
Life-Span Human Development, Fifth Edition, Carol K. Sigelman and Elizabeth A. Rider
Epilogue
Epilogue: Fitting the Pieces Together
• Infants (Birth to Age 2)
– Rapid growth of body and brain
– Sensorimotor period
– 2-word sentences
– Self recognition in the mirror
– Erikson: Trust vs. Mistrust
– Attachment
Life-Span Human Development, Fifth Edition, Carol K. Sigelman and Elizabeth A. Rider
Epilogue
Preschool Children (Ages 2-5)
• Gross and fine motor control improves
• Preoperational thinkers
• Unrealistically high self-esteem
• Erikson: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
• Developing theory of mind attachment still
central
• Social skills improving
Life-Span Human Development, Fifth Edition, Carol K. Sigelman and Elizabeth A. Rider
Epilogue
School-Age Children (Ages 6-11)
• Refined motor skills
• Concrete operational thinkers
• Private speech (Vygotsky)
• Erikson: Industry vs. Inferiority
• More realistic self-concept emerges
• Preconventional morality
• Increased time with peers
Life-Span Human Development, Fifth Edition, Carol K. Sigelman and Elizabeth A. Rider
Epilogue
Adolescents ( Ages 12-19)
• Adjustment to growth spurt and maturity
• Formal operational thinking possible
• Erikson: Identity vs. Role Confusion
• Begin making decisions about their lives
• Increased peer involvement
• 20% experience emotional upheaval
Life-Span Human Development, Fifth Edition, Carol K. Sigelman and Elizabeth A. Rider
Epilogue
Young Adults (Ages 20-39)
• Peak of strength, endurance, RT, perceptual
abilities, and sexual maturity
• Effective cognitive functioning
• Conventional morality for most
• Postconventional morality a possibility
• Erikson: Intimacy vs. Isolation
• Marriage and commitment
• High divorce rates
Life-Span Human Development, Fifth Edition, Carol K. Sigelman and Elizabeth A. Rider
Epilogue
Middle-Aged Adults (40-64)
• Gradual but noticeable physical declines
• Crystallized intelligence increases
• Expertise allows peaks of achievement
• Erikson: Generativity vs. Stagnation
• Midlife crisis rare
• Empty nest, Androgyny
• Freedom and satisfaction the rule
Life-Span Human Development, Fifth Edition, Carol K. Sigelman and Elizabeth A. Rider
Epilogue
Older Adults (age 65 and up)
• Some losses, some gains, many satisfactions
• Generally some physical impairment
• Slower processing, expertise maintained
• Self-esteem and life satisfaction high
• Erikson: Integrity vs. Despair
• Diversity of lifestyle: active to passive
• Personality is stable
Life-Span Human Development, Fifth Edition, Carol K. Sigelman and Elizabeth A. Rider
Epilogue
Life-Span Human Development, Fifth Edition, Carol K. Sigelman and Elizabeth A. Rider
Epilogue
Life-Span Human Development, Fifth Edition, Carol K. Sigelman and Elizabeth A. Rider
Epilogue
Major Themes in Human Development-1
• Nature and nurture truly interact
– Multiple causal forces
– E.g., cell chemistry to prevailing culture
• We are whole persons throughout life
– Intermeshing of physical, cognitive,
personal, and social development
Life-Span Human Development, Fifth Edition, Carol K. Sigelman and Elizabeth A. Rider
Epilogue
Major Themes in Human Development-2
• Development proceeds in multiple directions
– Orthogenic principle: Single cell to mature
endpoint
– Gains and losses at all ages
• Continuity and Discontinuity
– Stages
– Lifelong trait stability
Life-Span Human Development, Fifth Edition, Carol K. Sigelman and Elizabeth A. Rider
Epilogue
Major Themes in Human Development-3
• There is much plasticity in development
– Capacity to change in response to
environment
– Early experiences rarely make or break us
– Offset by favorable later experiences
• Individuals becoming more diverse with age
– Elderly adults are the most diverse group
Life-Span Human Development, Fifth Edition, Carol K. Sigelman and Elizabeth A. Rider
Epilogue
Major Themes in Human Development-4
• We develop in a cultural and historical context
(Vygotsky, Bronfenbrenner)
• We are active in our own development
– Piaget
• Development is a lifelong process
• Development best viewed from multiple
perspectives