9.3 | Coconote

Overview

This lecture reviews human lifespan development, focusing on physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes from prenatal stages to late adulthood.

Prenatal development has three stages: germinal (weeks 1-2), embryonic (weeks 3-8), and fetal (weeks 9-40).
The germinal stage involves conception, rapid cell division (mitosis), and attachment to the uterus.
In the embryonic stage, basic body structures and organs form, and the placenta develops for nourishment.
The fetal stage features growth, brain development, organ maturation, and viability by 24 weeks.
Teratogens (e.g., alcohol, nicotine, drugs, some infections) can cause lifelong harm, especially during critical periods.
Routine prenatal care helps reduce pregnancy risks and supports healthy fetal development.

Newborns have survival reflexes and sensory preferences, such as recognizing faces and their mother's voice or scent.
Physical growth is rapid in infancy and slows through early childhood.
Brain development is marked by neural blooming (rapid growth) and pruning (elimination of unused pathways).
Motor skills develop in a predictable order; milestones indicate progress.
Cognitive growth includes object permanence, language acquisition, and theory-of-mind (understanding others' perspectives).
Secure attachment, developed through sensitive caregiving, is key for healthy psychosocial development.
Self-concept emerges by 18 months and expands in complexity with age.
Parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, uninvolved) influence children's self-esteem and behavior.
Temperament (easy/difficult) affects interactions with caregivers.

Adolescence (ages 12–18) begins with puberty, marked by rapid physical and sexual development.
The adolescent brain is still maturing, particularly the frontal lobes (judgment, impulse control).
Teens develop abstract thinking, cognitive empathy, and identity (Erikson: identity vs. role confusion).
Peer relationships gain importance; most parent-teen conflicts are minor.
Emerging adulthood (18–mid-20s) is a transitional period focused on identity exploration, particularly in love and work.

Early adulthood (20s–40s) is the physical peak; middle adulthood (40s–60s) brings gradual decline; late adulthood (60+) involves more pronounced changes.
Crystallized intelligence remains steady or improves, while fluid intelligence decreases in late adulthood.
Cognitive decline can be delayed by mental and physical activity.
Positive relationships, meaningful work, and social support contribute to well-being at all adult ages.
Socioemotional selectivity theory: older adults prioritize meaningful, close relationships over quantity.

Teratogen — Environmental agent causing harm to the developing embryo/fetus.
Attachment — An infant's bond with a primary caregiver, crucial for psychosocial development.
Theory-of-mind (TOM) — Understanding that others have feelings, thoughts, and beliefs different from one's own.
Self-concept — The understanding and evaluation of who one is.
Parenting styles — Methods of raising children (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, uninvolved).
Emerging adulthood — Transition phase (18–mid-20s) focused on self-exploration.
Crystallized intelligence — Accumulated knowledge and experience.
Fluid intelligence — Ability to process new information and solve problems quickly.

Watch "Life's Greatest Miracle" and "The Wiring of the Adolescent Brain" videos for deeper understanding.
Review developmental milestones and compare with personal or observed experiences.
Reflect on discussion questions about prenatal drug policies, play/recess in schools, and practices in different cultures.
Read about theories by Erikson, Piaget, and Bronfenbrenner for exam preparation.