Unit 1847: Developmental Psychology Across the Lifespan

1. Overview of Developmental Psychology

• Definition and scope of developmental psychology
• Key concepts: lifespan development, plasticity, nature vs. nurture
• Major research methods: longitudinal, cross-sectional, sequential studies
• Ethical considerations in developmental research

2. Prenatal Development

• Stages of prenatal development
  • Conception and fertilization
  • Germinal stage
  • Embryonic stage
  • Fetal stage
• Critical periods and organogenesis
• Impact of prenatal factors
  • Teratogens (drugs, alcohol, infections)
  • Maternal health and nutrition
  • Genetic influences

3. Infancy and Early Childhood

• Physical development
  • Growth patterns
  • Motor skill milestones
• Cognitive development
  • Piaget’s sensorimotor stage
  • Early language acquisition
• Socioemotional development
  • Attachment theories (Bowlby, Ainsworth)
  • Emotional regulation
• Early childhood education and its role

4. Middle Childhood

• Physical changes and health
• Cognitive growth
  • Piaget’s concrete operational stage
  • Development of memory and attention
• Social relationships
  • Peer interaction and friendships
  • Family influences
• Impact of school environment and peer groups

5. Adolescence

• Physical changes: puberty and brain development
• Cognitive development
  • Formal operational stage
  • Abstract thinking and moral reasoning
• Socioemotional changes
  • Identity formation (Erikson’s identity vs. role confusion)
  • Peer influence and relationships
  • Risk-taking behaviors and decision-making

6. Adulthood

• Stages of adulthood
  • Young adulthood: career development, relationships
  • Middle adulthood: physical changes, cognitive stability
  • Late adulthood: retirement, reflection
• Physical aging processes
• Cognitive abilities and changes
• Social roles and transitions

7. Aging and Gerontology

• Psychological aspects of aging
• Cognitive changes and memory decline
• Social relationships and support systems
• Interventions promoting successful aging
  • Cognitive training
  • Social engagement
  • Health maintenance

8. Developmental Theories

• Piaget’s cognitive development theory
• Erikson’s psychosocial stages of development
• Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory
• Comparison and applications of theories

9. Cultural Influences on Development

• Role of culture in shaping development
• Cultural norms, values, and beliefs
• Impact of cultural diversity on developmental outcomes
• Cross-cultural research in developmental psychology

10. Developmental Milestones

• Physical milestones across lifespan
• Cognitive milestones across lifespan
• Social and emotional milestones across lifespan
• Identifying typical vs. atypical development
• Use of developmental checklists and screening tools