Reflections on Two Major Development issues

Continuity & stages Adults life does not progress through the fixed, predictable series of steps Erikson envisioned. The human brain does not experience growth spurts during childhood and puberty that correspond roughly to Piaget’s stages. Stage theories contribute a developmental perspective on the whole life span, by suggesting how people of one age think and act differently when they arrive at a later age.

Stability & change The first two years of life provide a poor basis for a person’s eventual traits Although delinquent children have elevated rates of work problems, substance abuse, and crime many troubled children have blossomed unto mature, successful adults As people grow older, personality does stabilize

Stability and changes Most shy fearful toddlers begin opening up by age 4, and most people become calmer and more self disciplined. Conscientiousness increases especially during the twenties and thirties Many 20-year-old-goof-offs have matured into a 40-year-old business or cultural leader