Age Period
Physical development
Prenatal Period
Conception
(Conception to
Birth)
Genetic endowment interacts with
environment
Basic body structure and organs form,
Rapid physical growth
Brain growth spurt begins
Vulnerability to environmental influences
Infancy and
Toddlerhood
(Birth to age 3)
All senses and body systems operate at birth
Brain grows in complexity and is highly
sensitive to environmental influence
Physical growth and development of motor
skills are rapid
Early Childhood
(3 to 6 years)
Growth is steady; appearance becomes more
slender and proportions more adultlike
Appetite diminishes, and sleep problems are
common
Handedness appears
Gross and fine motor skills and strength
improves
Middle Childhood
Growth slows
(6 to 11 years)
Strength and athletic skills improve
Respiratory illnesses are common, but general
health is better
Adolescence
(11 to 20 years)
Physical growth and other changes are rapid
and profound.
Reproductive maturity occurs.
Major health risks arise from behavioral issues.
Young Adulthood
(20 to 40 years)
Middle Adulthood
(40 to 65 years)
Physical condition peaks, then slight decline
begins.
Deterioration of sensory abilities, health,
stamina.
Women experience menopause.
Late Adulthood
Some decline in health and physical abilities
(65 years to death)
Slowed reaction time.
Age Period
Cognitive development
Prenatal Period
(Conception to
Birth)
Development of abilities to learn and
remember, and respond to sensory stimuli.
Infancy and
Toddlerhood
(Birth to age 3)
Presence of ability to learn and remember.
Use of symbols and ability to solve problems.
Rapid development of comprehension and
language use.
Early Childhood
(3 to 6 years)
Thinking is egocentric, but understanding of
other people’s perspectives grows.
Illogical ideas and conclusions about the world.
Memory and language improve.
Intelligence becomes more predictable.
Attending preschool.
Middle Childhood
(6 to 11 years)
Egocentrism diminishes. Children think
concretely.
Memory and language skills increase.
Cognitive gains and formal schooling.
Special education needs and strengths.
Adolescence
(11 to 20 years)
Abstract thinking and scientific reasoning
develop.
Immature thinking persists in some areas.
Preparation for college or vocation.
Young Adulthood
(20 to 40 years)
Complexity in cognitive abilities and moral
judgments.
Educational and career choices.
Middle Adulthood
(40 to 65 years)
Late Adulthood
(65 years to death)
High expertise and practical problem-solving
skills.
Decline in creative output and increase in
quality.
Peak of career success and earning power or
Burnout and career change.
Some areas deteriorate.
People find ways to compensate for
deteriorating abilities.
Age Period
Psycho-social development
Prenatal Period
(Conception to
Birth)
Fetus responds to mother’s voice and develops
a preference for it.
Infancy and
Toddlerhood
(Birth to age 3)
Attachments to parents and others form.
Self-awareness develops.
Shift from dependence to autonomy.
Increased interest in other children.
Early Childhood
(3 to 6 years)
Self-concept and understanding of emotions
grows.
Self-esteem is global.
Increase in independence, initiative, selfcontrol, self-care.
Gender identity develops
Play becomes more imaginative, elaborate and
social.
Altruism, aggression, and fearfulness are
common.
Family is the focus of social life, and other
children as well.
Middle Childhood
(6 to 11 years)
Self-concept becomes more complex and
affects self-esteem.
Coregulation.
Peers assume central importance.
Adolescence
(11 to 20 years)
Search for identity – including sexual identity.
In general, relationships with parents are good.
Influence of peer groups on self-concept.
Young Adulthood
(20 to 40 years)
Personality traits and styles become relatively
stable; influenced by life stages and events.
Decisions are made about intimate
relationships and personal lifestyles.
Marriage and parenthood.
Middle Adulthood
(40 to 65 years)
Sense of identity continues to develop
Midlife transition may be stressful.
Double responsibilities
Launching of children and empty nest
Late Adulthood
(65 years to death)
Retirement from workforce; availability of time
Support of close relationships.
Search for meaning in life assumes central
importance.