Human DevelopmentDevelopmental Psychology- branch of psychology that studies the patterns of growth and change that occur throughout life.

NATURE vs. NURTURE-The viewpoint that weighs the degree to which environment and heredity influence behavior.

-issue or degree -maturation-interactionalist (NATURE + NURTURE)-indentical twinsINFLUENCED SIGNIFICANTLY BY GENETIC FACTORSPHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICSINTELLECTUAL CHARACTERTISTICSEMOTIONAL CHAR. & DISORDERSHeightMemoryshynessWeightintelligenceextraversionObesityage of languageemotionalityTone of voiceacquisitionneuroticismBlood pressurereading disabilityschizophreniaTooth decay mental retardationanxietyAthletic abilityalchoholismFirmness of handshakeAge of deathActivity level___________________________Prenatal DevelopmentI. GerminalII. EmbryonicIII. Fetal

Conception of Birth-23 pairs of chromosomes, rod-shaped structures that contain all basic hereditary information-genes smaller units through which genetic information is transmitted. Either individually or in combination, genes produce the particular characteristics of each person. -DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) -When it receives an XX combination, its a female; with an XY combination, it develops as a male. TraitsRecessive - hiddenDominant - present

Earliest DevelopmentZygote - the new cell formed by the union of an egg and a sperm. The zygote increases to approximately 32 cells, and within a week it has grown to 100150 cells. These first two weeks are known as the germinal period.*Age of viability The point at which a fetus can survive if born prematurely.

Factors & influences or Teratogens- Mothers nutrition- Mothers illness- Mothers emotional state- Mothers use of drugs - Alcohol- Nicotine use

Alternative Paths to Conception

- Infertility - inability to become pregnant- IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization)- Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)- Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT)- Surrogate mother

Environmental Factor Possible Effect on Prenatal DevelopmentRubella (German measles)Blindness, deafness, heart abnormalities, stillbirth SyphilisMental retardation, physical deformities, maternalmiscarriageAddictive drugsLow birth weight, addiction of infant to drug, with possibledeath after birth from withdrawalNicotine Premature birth, low birth weight and lengthAlcohol Mental retardation, lower-than-average birth weight, smallhead, limb deformitiesRadiation from X-rays Physical deformities, mental retardationInadequate diet Reduction in growth of brain, smaller-than-average weightand length at birthYounger than 18 at birth of childPremature birth, increased incidence of Down syndromeOlder than 35 at birth of childIncreased incidence of Down syndromeDES (diethylstilbestrol) Reproductive difficulties and increased incidence of genital cancer in children of mothers who were given DES during pregnancy to prevent miscarriageAIDS Possible spread of AIDS virus to infant; facial deformities;growth failureAccutane Mental retardation and physical deformities

_________________Infancy & Childhood

Concepts- Neonate - newborn-strange appearance- vernix - white greasy covering for protection before birth- lanugo - soft fuzz over the entire body for similar purpose

Reflex - unlearned, involuntary

Rooting reflex - causes neonates to turn their heads toward things that touch their cheeksSucking reflex - prompts infants to suck at things that touch their lipsGag reflex - to clear the throatStartle reflex - an infant flings out the arms, fans the fingers, and arches the back in response to a sudden noiseBabinski reflex - a babys toes fan out when the outer edge of the sole of the foot is strokedHabituation - The decrease in response to a stimulus that occurs after repeated presentations of the same stimulus.

________________________ChildhoodAttachment - The positive emotional bond that develops between a child and a particular individual.

Parenting styleAuthoritarian parents value unquestioning obedience from their children.Permissive parents give their children relaxed or inconsistent direction and require little of them.Authoritative parents are firm and set limits for their children.Uninvolved parents show little interest in their children.

AdolescenceAdolescence The developmental stage between childhood and adulthood.Puberty The period at which maturation of the sexual organs occurs, usually beginning at approximately age 11 or 12 for girls and age 13 or 14 for boys.Sexual attraction to others begins even before the maturation of the sexual organs.Spermarche - first ejaculationMenarche - first menstruation ________________________Adulthood Early adulthood marks the peak of ones physical health. From about ages 18 to 25, physical strength is greatest, reflexes are quickest, and the chances of dying from disease are quite slim. Moreover, reproductive capabilities are at their highest.

Menopause - period when women stop menstruating and are no longer fertile.

ConceptsMidlife transition - The realization that life will eventually end often influences their thinking more, leading them to question their past accomplishmentsMidlife crisis - physical aging and dissatisfaction with ones life marksMarriageFamily ________________________Old AgeLate AdulthoodGenetic preprogramming theories of aging - human cells have a built-in time limit to their ability to reproduce.Wear-and-tear theories of aging - mechanical functions of the body simply work less efficiently as people age.

ConceptsFluid intelligence (that involves information-processing skills such as memory, calculations, and analogy solving) show declines in late adulthood.Crystallized intelligence (intelligence based on the accumulation of information, skills, and strategies learnedthrough experience) remain steady and in some cases actually improve.

Although there are declines in fluid intelligence in late adulthood, skills relating to crystallized intelligence remain steady and may actually improve.

Senility is a broad, imprecise term typically applied to older adults who experience progressive deterioration of mental abilities, including memory loss, disorientation to time and place, and general confusion.

Alzheimers disease is a progressive brain disorder that leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in cognitive abilities.

Disengagement theory of aging, aging produces a gradual withdrawal from the world on physical, psychological, and social levels.

Activity theory of aging , people who age most successfully are those who maintain the interests, activities, and level of social interaction they experienced during middle adulthood.

Adjusting to Death

Denial. In this stage, people resist the idea that theyre dying. Even if told that their chances for survival are small, most refuse to admit that theyre facing death. Anger. After moving beyond the denial stage, dying people become angryangry at people around them who are in good health, angry at medical professionals for being ineffective, angry at God. Bargaining. Anger leads to bargaining, as the dying try to think of ways to postpone death. They may decide to dedicate their lives to religion, for example, if God spares them; they may say, If only I can live to see my son married, Ill accept death then. Depression. When dying people conclude that bargaining is of no use, they move to the next stage: depression. They realize that their lives really are coming to an end, leading to what Kbler-Ross calls preparatory grief for their own deaths. Acceptance. In this stage, people accept impending death. Usually theyre unemotional and uncommunicative; its as if theyve made peace with themselves and are expecting death with no bitterness.