Nature of Development and its Important Stages

THE NATURE OF DEVELOPMENT

Some of the development processes are shared by all individuals while some are shared by a few individuals and some more are unique to the individuals only. Lifespan development psychologists are interested in our shared as well as our unique characteristics. Development defined as the pattern of movement or change is complex as it is the product of several processes- biological, cognitive and socio-emotional. Biological processes involve changes in the individual’s physical nature. Genes inherited from parents, the development of the brain, gains in height and weight, change in motor skills, etc. reflect the role of biological processes in development.

Cognitive processes involve changes in the individual’s thought, intelligence and language. Socio-emotional processes involve changes in the individual’s relationships with other people, changes in emotions and changes in personality. An infant’s smile in response to its mother’s touch, a girl’s development of assertiveness, etc. reflects the role of socio-emotional processes in development.

PERIODS OR STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

According to S. FELDMAN, ‘human life proceeds by stages. The life periods of the individual are no less real and significant than the geographical ages the earth or the evolutionary stages of life. Each stage is distinguished by a dominant feature, a leading characteristic which gives the periods its coherence, its unity and its uniqueness.’

For the purpose of organization and understanding development is described as periods. The most widely used classification of development periods is as follows:

The Prenatal Period

The period from conception to birth. Tremendous growth occurs in this period, from a single cell to a complete organism which is produced in approximately nine months.

Infancy

From birth through 18 to 24 months. It is a time of extreme dependence upon adults and the beginning of many psychological activities- language, sensorimotor coordination, social learning, etc.

Early Childhood

Sometimes called the ‘preschool years’, it extends from the end of infancy to about six years. During this period young children learn to become more self –sufficient and to care for themselves, develop readiness skills and spend many hours in playing with peers.

Middle and Late Childhood

It is also called the elementary school years and extends from about six to 11 years of age. The fundamental skills of reading, writing and arithmetic are mastered. The child is exposed to the larger world its culture. Self control increases and achievement becomes a more central theme of the child’s world.

Adolescence

It is a transitory period beginning from 10 to 12 years and ending at 18 to 22 years of age. It is an age of rapid physical and psychological changes. At this point search for identity and independence develops. Thought is more logical, abstract and idealistic. More time is spent outside of the family.

Early Adulthood

This period begins in the late teens and early twenties and continues through the thirties. During this period, personal and economic independence is established, development in career takes place. For many it is a time for selecting a mate, starting a family and rearing children.

Middle Adulthood

This period begins at approximately 35 to 45 years of age and extends to the 60s. It is a time of expanding personal and social involvement and responsibility, of assisting the next generation in becoming competent, mature individuals; and of attaining and maintaining satisfaction in a career.

Late Adulthood

Beginning in the 60s or 70s, this developmental period lasts until death. An individual has to make many adjustment during this period; for instance, adjustment to decreasing strength and health, retirement and to new social roles.