TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE TITLE PAGE ............................................................................................................... i TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................... ii DEVELOPMENTAL PERSPECTIVE ON DEATH ........................................................ 1 Causes Of Death ............................................................................................. 1 Attitudes Toward Death At Different Points In The Life Span ........................... 1 Infancy ................................................................................................. 2 Early Childhood ................................................................................... 2 Middle Childhood ................................................................................. 2 Late Childhood ...................................................................................... 2 Adolescence ........................................................................................ 2 Early Adulthood ................................................................................... 3 Middle Adulthood ................................................................................. 3 Late Adulthood ................................................................................... 3 SUMMARY ................................................................................................................. 5 REFLECTION ............................................................................................................ 6 REFERENCES .......................................................................................................... 7 ii 3 DEVELOPMENTAL PERSPECTIVE ON DEATH The developmental perspective on death offers insight into the human experience, highlighting the evolution of our understanding and emotional responses to mortality across the various stages of life. From infancy to old age, individuals undergo a dynamic and intricate process of cognitive, emotional, and social development that shapes their comprehension of death and its significance. This perspective recognizes that the concept of death is not static but evolves alongside an individual's personal growth and maturation. By exploring how individuals perceive and cope with death, we gain a deeper understanding of human development and our innate curiosity and fear surrounding the topic and uncover the diverse ways in which age, culture, and experience influence our perspectives on mortality. CAUSES OF DEATH In the prenatal development, death can occur through miscarriages or still births. Neonatal death can be caused by birth defects, infections, birth asphyxia and other childbirthrelated complications. In childhood, death occurs most often because of accidents or illness. Accidental death in childhood can be the consequence of events such as an automobile accident, drowning, poisoning, fire, or a fall from a high place. Major illnesses that cause death in children are heart disease, cancer, and birth defects. In the first five years of life, the main cause of death is pneumonia, diarrhea, birth defects and malaria. Malnutrition is the underlying contributing factor, making children even more vulnerable to severe diseases. Death in adolescence is more likely to occur because of motor vehicle accidents, suicide, and homicide. Many motor vehicle accidents that cause death in adolescence are alcohol-related. Older adults are more likely to die from chronic ailments such as heart disease and cancer, whereas younger adults are more likely to die from accidents. Older adults’ diseases often incapacitate before they kill, which produces a course of dying that slowly leads to death. Of course, many young and middle-aged adults also die of heart disease, cancer, and other disease. ATTITUDES TOWARD DEATH AT DIFFERENT POINTS IN THE LIFE SPAN The concept of death changes as we develop from early childhood to late adulthood. Cognitive development, societal beliefs, familial responsibilities, and personal experiences all shape an individual’s view of death (Lally & Valentine-French, 2021). Thus, the developmental perspective on death recognizes that the concept of death is not static but evolves alongside 11 3 2 an individual's personal growth and maturation. As children grow, their approach to death also grows to be more mature. Infancy Infants do not comprehend death; they may instead perceive the separation or absence caused by death. Infants separated from their mothers may become sluggish and quiet, no longer smile or coo, sleep less, and develop physical symptoms such as weight loss. Early Childhood Young children experience difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy. It is therefore not surprising that young children have little understanding of death. They do not see death as permanent, assume it is temporary or reversible, think the person is sleeping, and believe they can wish the person back to life. Additionally, they feel they may have caused the death through their actions, such as misbehavior, words, and feelings. They often rely on the reactions and explanations provided by caregivers to form their initial understanding of death. Middle Childhood Children in middle childhood are in the process of developing a more concrete and mature understanding of death. They begin to recognize death as a permanent and irreversible condition. However, their understanding may still be somewhat incomplete, and they might not fully comprehend the biological or universal nature of death. Although children in middle childhood begin to understand the finality of death, they may still believe that through their thoughts they can bring someone back to life. They also may think that they could have prevented the death in some way, and consequently feel guilty and responsible for the death. Late Childhood At this stage, children understand the finality of death and know that everyone will die, including themselves. Children in late childhood begin to exhibit greater empathy and sensitivity towards others who have experienced loss. They can express condolences, sympathy, and support for grieving individuals and may better understand the emotional impact of death on others. However, they may also think people die because of some wrong doing on the part of the deceased. They may develop fears of their parents dying and continue to feel guilty if a loved one dies. Adolescence Adolescents understand death as well as adults. Adolescence is a time of identity exploration and formation, so adolescents can now think abstractly about death, philosophize 11 2 3 2 about it, and ponder their own lack of existence. The awareness of mortality and their own eventual death can influence their sense of identity and purpose, often leading to existential questions and a search for meaning in life. Some adolescents become fascinated with death and reflect on their own funeral by fantasizing on how others will feel and react. Despite a preoccupation with thoughts of death, the personal fable of adolescence causes them to feel immune to the death. Consequently, they often engage in risky behaviors, such as substance use, unsafe sexual behavior, and reckless driving thinking they are invincible. Early Adulthood Individuals in early adulthood typically expect a long life ahead of them, and consequently do not think about, nor worry about death. Early adulthood is often associated with a sense of invincibility and immortality. Many individuals in this stage may believe that death is a distant event that will not affect them for a long time. This sense of invulnerability can influence their risk-taking behaviors and choices. Early adulthood is a time when individuals may become more aware of their physical health and well-being. Health-related concerns can prompt thoughts about mortality, leading to lifestyle changes and considerations of longevity. Middle Adulthood Those in middle adulthood report more fear of death than those in either early and late adulthood. Middle adulthood is often associated with a midlife crisis, a period of self-reflection and reassessment of one's life and accomplishments. During this phase, individuals may ponder their achievements, goals, and the time that remains in their lives. The awareness of mortality can become more pronounced, prompting existential questions about life's meaning and purpose. Adults in middle age have typically reached a stage of cognitive maturity, and they possess a more profound understanding of the finality of death. They may begin to contemplate their own mortality, which can lead to a reevaluation of life priorities and the pursuit of unfulfilled dreams and goals. Some individuals in middle adulthood may engage in discussions and planning related to end-of-life matters, such as wills, advance directives, and funeral arrangements. These actions reflect a practical acknowledgment of the eventual reality of death. Late Adulthood Late adulthood is often marked by increased health concerns and physical decline. Individuals may experience chronic illnesses, functional limitations, and heightened vulnerability to life-threatening conditions. However, contrary to the belief that because they are so close to death, they must fear death, those in late adulthood have lower fears of death 1 43 2 than other adults. Older adults have fewer caregiving responsibilities and are not worried about leaving family members on their own. They also have had more time to complete activities they had planned in their lives, and they realize that the future will not provide as many opportunities for them. Additionally, they have less anxiety because they have already experienced the death of loved ones and have become accustomed to the likelihood of death. It is not death itself that concerns those in late adulthood; rather, it is having control over how they die. And so late adulthood is a time when individuals may engage in end-of-life planning, including the creation of wills, advance directives, and discussions about funeral arrangements. This practical acknowledgment of the inevitable can provide a sense of control and peace of mind. 1 3 SUMMARY The developmental perspective of death discusses the concept of death across various stages of the human lifespan and the evolving attitudes and understanding individuals have toward death as they grow and develop. It emphasizes that death can occur at any stage in life, from prenatal development to late adulthood. As such, the topic also discusses he changing perspectives on death, detailing how cognitive development, personal experiences, societal beliefs, and cultural influences shape an individual's view of death. Children's understanding of death matures as they grow. Infants have no comprehension of death but rather the separation of their caretaker. Adolescents develop more abstract conceptions of death, including religious and philosophical views. Young adults do not think much about death. Middle-aged adults fear death more than young or older adults and become more aware of their aging. Older adults think more about death and have more direct experience with it, which can vary in terms of attitudes and acceptance. Learning the developmental perspectives on death can help individuals and caregivers navigate the complex emotions and thoughts associated with mortality at different life stages. It concludes with the idea that end-of-life planning and acceptance of death are common themes in late adulthood, where individuals seek a sense of control and peace of mind regarding the inevitable. 51 2 3 REFLECTION From prenatal development to late adulthood, we frequently face and overcome death. We grow up learning how confront the reality of death in various ways, each stage shaped by cognitive development, personal experiences, societal beliefs, and cultural influences. As we slowly progress through the stages of life, we are also navigating the growing awareness of death. Our beliefs and attitudes shift as we internalize cultural values and grapple with the profound questions of existence. I am no stranger to death, having had some family members who have passed away, and despite not being close to them, their death is a reminder to me to make the most of my life while I still have the time and energy to do so. Additionally, it also reminds me of the importance of open conversations, empathy, and support to help the friends and family who are having to grieve a loved one. While researching about my topic, I also found out that wondering and philosophizing about death is such a universal experience. It’s comforting in a way to find that it’s quite normal to be wondering about death and dying as every so often I find myself wondering the various possibilities of my death and how it would affect the people and world around me; wondering how people would react if I were just suddenly gone one day. In the end, I think that exploration of death is an affirmation of life itself. It calls us to seize the present, to embrace the joys and sorrows, and to value the people who walk with us on our journey. While the questions about our own mortality may persist, they serve as a testament to our curiosity and our yearning for understanding in a world filled with mysteries. 61 2 3 REFERENCES Beyer, A., & Lazzara, J. (n.d.). Psychology Through the Lifespan. Maricopa Open Digital Press. https://open.maricopa.edu/psy240mm/chapter/chapter-twelve-death-and- dying-2/ Lally, M., & Valentine-French, S. (2021). Lifespan Development - A Psychological Perspective. Concordia University Open Textbooks. https://opentextbooks.concordia.ca/lifespandevelopment/chapter/10-4developmental-perceptions-of-death-and-death-anxiety/ Santrock, J. W. (2018). Life-Span Development (17th ed., pp. 612-613). McGraw Hill Education World Health Organization. (n.d.). Newborn Mortality. https://www.who.int/news-room/factsheets/detail/levels-and-trends-in-child-mortality-report-2021 71 2
