1. Chapter 1: The Development Through Life Perspective

2. The Development Through Life Perspective
Chapter Objectives
To introduce the basic assumptions that underlie the organization and focus of the text
To introduce the psychosocial approach to the study of development, including the interrelationships among the biological, psychological, and societal systems
To note historical changes in life expectancy and examine the implications of these changes for the study of development over the life span

3. The Development Through Life Perspective
Assumptions of the Text
Growth occurs at every period of life, from conception through very old age
Individual lives show continuity and change as they progress through time
We need to understand the whole person, because we function in an integrated manner
Behavior must be interpreted in the context of relevant settings and personal relationships
People contribute actively to their development

4. The Development Through Life Perspective
A Psychosocial Approach: The Interaction and Modification of 3 Major Systems Produces Human Life
The biological system
The psychological system
The societal system
The psychosocial impact of poverty
Overview of the psychosocial approach

5. The Development Through Life Perspective
Figure 1.1 The Biological System

6. The Development Through Life Perspective
Figure 1.2 The Psychological System

7. The Development Through Life Perspective
Figure 1.3 The Societal System

8. The Development Through Life Perspective
Conditions Leading to Poverty
Decline in well-paying, blue-collar jobs
Large increases in single-mother households due to births to unmarried women and to divorce
Erosion of the economic safety net for poor children, including the decline in cash transfers and benefits to families in the new welfare program, Transitional Assistance to Needy Families
Decline in purchasing power of minimum wage

9. The Development Through Life Perspective
The Psychosocial Impact of Poverty
African American, Hispanic, and Native American families are over represented among poor Americans
Chronic poverty is linked with health problems, delays in reaching developmental milestones, and reduced life expectancy
Some children living in poverty are resilient escape its negative effects, and continue to develop optimally

10. The Development Through Life Perspective
Case Study: Rose
Thought Questions
How does this case illustrate the interconnections among the biological, psychological, and societal systems?
Given what you know about the assumptions of psychosocial theory, how might Rose’s stage of development influence her perceptions of this situation and her approach to coping with this conflict?
How might you frame a research question based on the information raised in this case study?
How do the assumptions of this text influence your approach to understanding the case of Rose?

11. The Development Through Life Perspective

12. The Development Through Life Perspective
Figure 1.4 Percentage Surviving by Age: , , and 2000.

13. The Development Through Life Perspective

14. The Development Through Life Perspective
Factors that Contribute to Longevity
High family income
Having no hypertension, arthritis, or back pain
Being a nonsmoker
Having normal body weight
Consuming a moderate amount of alcohol