Life Span Development DeAndre M. Jackson, M.Ed.

Life Span Development Theoretical Approaches to Life Span Development Transition Periods in Childhood, Adolescence, and Adulthood Biblical Worldview to Learning and Tranistions References

Theoretical Perspectives Psychodynamic Perspective The approach stating that behavior is motivated by inner forces, memories, and conflicts that are generally beyond people's awareness and control. Behavioral Perspective The approach suggesting that the keys to understanding development are observable and outside stimuli in the environment. Cognitive Perspective The approach that focuses on the process that allow people to know, understand, and think about the world. Humanistic Perspective The theory that people have a natural capacity to make decisions about their lives and control their behavior. Contextual Perspective The theory that considers the relationship between individuals and their psychical, cognitive, personality, and social worlds. Evolutionary Perspective The theory that seeks to identify behavior that is a result of genetic inheritance from our ancestors.

Three Theorists Piaget, Erickson, and Skinner

Piaget’s Contribution to Life Span Development

Jean Piaget Contribution Believed movement from one stage to the next occurs when a child reaches an appropriate level of physical maturation and is exposed to relevant experiences. Believed that the basic building blocks of the way we understand the world are mental structures called schemes. Suggested that two principles underlie the growth in children’s scheme: assimilation and accommodation. Viewed development as amore gradual process than notion of different stages might seem to imply. Jean Piaget Contribution

Erik Erikson Psychosocial Development The approach that encompasses changes in our interactions with and understanding of one another, as well as in our knowledge and understanding of ourselves as members of society.

Erickson’s Contribution to Life Span Development In Erickson’s views, both society and culture challenge and shape us. Suggests that developmental change occurs throughout our lives in eight distinct stages. Can be compared to Sigmund Freud except he believed that we continue to develop in stages past adolescence.

B. F. Skinner Behavioral Perspective

Skinner’s Contribution to Life Span Development Discovered operant conditioning which is a form of learning in which voluntary response is strengthen or weakened by its association with positive or negative consequences. Whether or not children will seek to repeat a behavior depends on whether it is followed by reinforcement. Behavior that is reinforced, then, is more likely to be repeated in the future, while behavior that receives no reinforcement or is punished is likely to be discontinued.

Transition Periods in Childhood, Adolescence, and Adulthood Height and Weight Growth Egocentric thinking Develop self concepts Childhood Girls reach puberty around age 11 or 12, boys around age 13 or 14. Adolescence are able to think hypothetically, divide attention, and monitor thought through meta-cognition. Self-concept becomes organized and accurate and reflects other’s perceptions. Adolescence Growth is mostly complete, although some organs, including the brain, continue to grow. Intelligence is applied to long term goals involving career, family, and society. Identity is largely defined in terms of work, as young adults consolidate their careers. Adulthood

Biblical Worldview & Life Span Development Psalms 137:1-3 By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down and wept, When we remembered Zion. Upon the willows in the midst of it We hung our harps. For there our captors demanded of us songs, And our tormentors mirth, saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion." Nehemiah 6:12 Then I perceived that surely God had not sent him, but he uttered his prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. Hebrews 11:27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. Proverbs 11,12 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.

References Feldman, R. S. (2011). Development Across the Life Span (6th ed.). Upper Saddie River, NJ: Prentice Hall Some pictures and diagram's are from google images.