Lecture Notes: Developmental Psychology - Chapter 4

Announcements

• Reminder: Research requirement for the semester is on the syllabus and ILEARN.
• Extra credit options are available; recommended to complete research requirements early.

Chapter Overview

• Focus on developmental psychology, covering full lifespan: infants to aging.
• Key topics: prenatal development, social development, ACEs study (Adverse Childhood Experiences).

Key Concepts

Developmental Psychology

• Examination of physical, cognitive, and social development.
• Emphasis: nature vs. nurture, continuity and stages, stability and change.

Prenatal Development

• Transfer of nutrients and oxygen from mother to fetus.
• Teratogens: toxins that can impact fetal development (e.g., fetal alcohol syndrome, thalidomide).

Impact of Neglect

• Institutionalized children at higher risk for behavior problems.
• Importance of caregiver warmth and responsive caregiving.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

• Traumatic events in childhood linked to long-term health problems.
• Importance of early identification and prevention.
• 61% of adults have had at least one ACE; 16% have four or more.

Language Acquisition

• Pre-speech, babbling, recognizing words, first words.
• Importance of social engagement and interaction for language development.

Theories of Development

Piaget's Cognitive Development Stages

1. Sensorimotor (Birth - 2 years)
2. Preoperational (2 - 6 years)
3. Concrete Operational (7 - 11 years)
4. Formal Operational (12+ years)

Attachment Styles

• Secure: Healthy relationships; can handle challenges.
• Avoidant: Fear of closeness; emotional walls.
• Insecure: Anxious, difficulty trusting.
• Disorganized: Inconsistent care; struggle with relationships.

Parenting Styles

• Authoritarian: Obedience-focused
• Authoritative: Positive relationships
• Permissive: Few rules
• Uninvolved: Little guidance

Adolescence

• Time of rapid brain development and learning.
• Impact of puberty on brain development.
• Susceptibility to social evaluation and peer pressure.

Adulthood and Aging

• Effects of children on marital happiness.
• Challenges of aging, importance of a supportive environment.
• Technology's role in mimicking aging experiences.

Grief and Loss

• Importance of supporting those grieving.
• Recognizing signs and allowing time to heal.
• Encouragement of grief counseling.

Self-Care

• Constant emphasis on self-care.
• Find time for self-care daily, even if brief.

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Additional Resources

• Videos on ACEs and examples of severe neglect.
• Contact information for questions or resources related to grief counseling.