Phases of the Life Cycle: Developmental Tasks Across All Stages

Overview

• Focus on developmental tasks throughout stages of life.
• Includes Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development.

Prenatal Development

• Germinal Stage (First 2 Weeks):
  • Creation of zygote and cell division.
  • Implantation in uterine wall begins.
  • Formation of placenta.
• Embryonic Stage (2 Weeks to 2 Months):
  • Formation of vital organs and bodily systems (heart, spine, brain).
  • Period of vulnerability with risk of miscarriage.
• Fetal Stage (2 Months to Birth):
  • Rapid growth of body, formation of muscles and bones.
  • Development of physical movements and functioning organs.
  • Brain development and viability at 23-26 weeks.

Dangers in Fetal Life

• Teratogens: Drugs and viruses that can harm the embryo/fetus.
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): Caused by alcohol exposure; leads to cognitive and physical abnormalities.

Infancy

• Physical Development:
  • Reflexes for survival (rooting, sucking).
  • Neural connections grow in brainstem and limbic system.
• Cognitive Development:
  • Object permanence begins to develop.
  • Initial egocentric thought.
• Social Development:
  • Major social achievement is attachment.

Childhood

• Cognitive Development:
  • Language development and understanding of symbols.
  • Development of memory and attention control.
  • Piaget’s stages of development (sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational).
• Social Development:
  • Self-concept begins to form.
  • Understanding of others’ beliefs progresses.

Adolescence

• Physical Development:
  • Puberty triggers growth and sexual maturity (primary and secondary sex characteristics).
• Cognitive Development:
  • Abstract and logical thinking develops.
  • Focus on self-centered reasoning.
• Social Development:
  • Peer relationships grow in importance.
  • Development of identity and independence.

Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development

• Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy):
  • Importance of meeting basic needs for trust.
• Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood):
  • Development of personal responsibility.
• Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool):
  • Encouragement of initiative fosters self-esteem.
• Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age):
  • Achievement through school and social interactions.
• Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence):
  • Exploration of personal identity.
• Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood):
  • Formation of intimate relationships.
• Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood):
  • Contribution to society and future generations.
• Integrity vs. Despair (Maturity):
  • Reflecting on life with a sense of fulfillment.

Adulthood

• Early Adulthood:
  • Peak in physical abilities.
  • Focus on career and relationships.
• Middle Adulthood:
  • Transition often includes reassessment of life (midlife crisis).
  • Decline in reproductive abilities.
• Late Adulthood:
  • Physical decline (sensory abilities, health).
  • Increased focus on positive emotions.

Aging and Death

• Challenges of Aging:
  • Weakened immune system and cognitive decline.
  • Emphasis on emotional control and positive feelings.
• Approaching Death:
  • Responses vary; support from friends and groups is beneficial.
  • Importance of Erikson’s integrity for well-being.