Development is a process that continues throughout our entire span of life. While there are many factors that play into development, there are also general stages that we reach and pass. Studying development over a lifetime is essential because it allows us to see how variables affect individuals short-term and long-term. Studying development helps us better understand a person’s physical state, cognitive functioning, social ability, and many other factors. Developmental studies guide us in understanding the human body and mind as a whole.
Infancy is a unique phase of life because there is a rapid, exponential increase in physical and cognitive functioning. During infancy, development is vital and can affected with extreme ease. Brain stimulation is a key component of an infant’s developmental regimen. Studies show that “children who grow up in a deprived environment may have depressed brain activity” (Santrock pg. 110). This is because when the brain is unoccupied it is not able to create new neural connections. Neural connections form as a result of electrical signals that are relased when the brain is excited by an external stimuli. It is important to expose infants to different stimuli such as visual, auditory, and language stimuli. Biologically, when infants are stimulated, the lobes of the brain are able to develop, and neurons increasingly create new connections. The neuroconstructivist view discusses influences on the human brain. This view states that “the child’s cognitive development is closely linked to development of the brain” (Santrock pg. 112). This means that as a child’s brain is stimulated and continues to grow, the infant’s cognitive development is also improving. For example, as an infant my parents exposed me to things such as colors, tactile toys, music, and different environments. By allowing my brain to soak in new information my brain lobes were capable of developing normally. My brain was constantly active with the help of various stimuli. In the image below the infant is discovering the many aspects of a block. The infant sees color, feels the shape, and is grasping the block. All of these keep the infant’s brain hard at work, creating positive brain development.
Childhood is a time of progressing, learning, and experiencing many new things. This period of life spans over many years, meaning there is a wide range of developmental levels to reach. Moral development is a large part of childhood that is greatly impacted through emotions. Learning to express, cope, and understand emotions is an important lesson for children to learn. By developing this skills, children will then incorporate them into their own morals and beliefs. In other words, “emotion regulation especially plays a key role in children’s ability to manage the demands and conflicts they face in interacting with others” (Santrock pg. 249). Children who can effectively manage their emotions will be better able to work with other individuals. Positive emotion regulation leads to reduced behavior problems, better attention, and respect for authority according to the text. In my life, when I was upset as a child I was told to express my anger through writing. When I would experience negative emotions I would write in a journal to relive the bad thoughts I would have. I believe that learning to cope with my emotions individually and in a positive manner allowed me to become more patient and understand with my peers. I think that this emotional regulation I had a grasp on improved my moral development because rather than lash out, I was able to pour my emotions into writing. In the image below two children are placed in time out. While few children would ‘enjoy’ time out, the difference in their emotional response is very apparent. While one child has less control over his emotions he throws a tantrum. The other child, while still visibally upset, accepts he is in time out and can control his emotional response. He finds comfort in his blanket and is able to calmly express his emotions. This image demonstrates the different ways children react to situations and how the develop their own emotional regulation.
Adolescence is a time in life when children begin transitioning into adulthood. Puberty is one of the largest components of adolescent development. This is a period of rapid physical development in which sexual maturation occurs. Puberty for females includes first menstrual cycles, breast development, weight gain, and growth spurts. For males, erections, body hair growth, voice changes, and changes in height and weight. For both sexes, hormonal changes occur leading to these physical changes. Each sexes bodies develop and become sexually mature, with the ability to reproduce. While puberty does not continue throughout the entire span of adolescence, “puberty is the most important marker of the beginning of adolescence” (Santrock pg. 346). Puberty initiates the physical development that occurs in adolescents. For me, I began puberty at age 12. My body began to develop from a girl to a woman, meaning that I experienced my first menstrual cycle, my breast began to develop, and my hormones changed. I also began a growth spurt which lead me to my current height. I also gained weight which helped my body develop in a sexually mature body! The image shows the bodily changes in males and females who are undergoing puberty. The progressive images show how a child’s body turns into an adult body.
Throughout adulthood individuals will experience many advances in personality development. Some components of personality development at this stage include social contexts like establishing a career, family, marriage, economic status, etc. Adulthood is an extensive period of time, which means that individuals will reach these milestones at their own pace, and sometimes not at all! Personality development is a process that continuous throughout all of adulthood. It is effected and produced by an individual’s experiences in life. There is “ample evidence show[in] that social contexts, new experiences, and sociohistorical changes can affect personality development” (Santrock pg.497). My mother is a great example of personality development in adulthood. After beginning her career late in life, age 45, her personality actually changed quite a bit. She began to become very independent and extremely invested in her line of work; a skill she did not previously have. Beginning a new career allowed her to develop her own personality into a hard-working, dedicated, and self-sufficient woman. The photo shows two adult women who are in a positive work environment. While these women are satisfied with their careers, they also are progressing in personality development. A positive career entails managing time, working well with others, and producing good work. By doing all of these things, these women are always working on themselves as well. A work environment constantly allows women to reach new goals and to grow as individuals.
Many experiences and lessons we learn impact us later on and shape us into who we are. For example, as an infant, increased stimulation will help form creative, optimistic, and aware individuals. Children who learn to regulate emotions early in life will often grow up to be respectful of authority, work well with others, and have positive relationships! Adolescents going through puberty are then transitioned into adulthood. They will then phase into the child bearing stages of life if they so choose. Adults continually developing personality wise are set up for a brighter life filled with activities, new experiences, and liveliness. This course explores the many aspects of development that occur through our lifetime. We have discussed every time period and the interconnectedness between the developmental stages. The class helps teach that each developmental step is reflected as we continue to grow.