Psychology of Childhood (U - 1)
Psychology of Childhood (U - 1)
UNIT – 1
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
SYLLABUS
1.1 Human development,
1.2 Period of life span,
1.3 Conception through Birth,
1.4 Heredity and environment
1.5 Birth – Stages, Methods and settings of Child birth
1.6 Characteristics of Infancy and Babyhood.
Life span development deals with important common developmental stages that
human beings pass through: birth, infancy, adolescence, adulthood, old age and finally
death. As the humans grow up from stage to stage, they learn to make use of their
body parts, learn how to express themselves and communicate with others, how to
form relationship with others, how to care for others, how to love and how to work.
Definition
“The pattern of change that begins at conception and continues through the life
cycle.”
Life Span Development or Developmental psychology is the branch of
psychology that studies intra-individual changes and inter-individual changes.
Its task, as La Bouvie has pointed out, is "not only description but also explication
(analyse) of age-related changes in behavior in terms of antecedent-consequent
relationships".
1.2 Period of Life Span
Prenatal period: conception to birth
Infancy: birth to the end of the second week
Babyhood: end of the second week to end of the second year
Early childhood: two to six years
Late childhood: six to ten or twelve years
Puberty or preadolescence: ten or twelve to thirteen or fourteen years
Adolescence: thirteen or fourteen to eighteen years
Early adulthood: eighteen to forty years
Middle age: forty to sixty years
Old age: sixty years to death.
Development begins at the moment of conception, when the sperm from the father
merges with the egg from the mother.
Within a span of nine months, development progresses from a single cell into a zygote
and then into an embryo and fetus.
The fetus is connected to the mother through the umbilical cord and the placenta,
which allow the fetus and mother to exchange nourishment and waste. The fetus is
protected by the amniotic sac.
Smoking, alcohol use, and drug use are all likely to be harmful to the developing
embryo or fetus, and the mother should entirely refrain from these behaviours during
pregnancy or if she expects to become pregnant.
Environmental factors, especially homelessness and poverty, have a substantial
negative effect on healthy child development.
1.4 HEREDITY AND ENVIRONMENT
Heredity and environment are two fundamental factors that shape human development across
the lifespan. Together, they influence physical, emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of an
individual’s life. Here's a detailed look at how heredity and environment interact and impact
human development throughout the lifespan:
1. Heredity (Nature)
Definition: Heredity refers to the genetic traits and information inherited from our
biological parents. It influences aspects like physical appearance, temperament, and
susceptibility (sensitive) to certain health conditions.
Genetic Influences on Development:
o Physical Traits: Inherited characteristics such as eye color, hair color, height,
and body structure are determined by genetic factors.
o Health and Disease: Genetic predispositions play a key role in the
development of certain diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types
of cancer.
o Temperament: A child's basic emotional nature, such as being calm, anxious,
or energetic, is partly influenced by genetic inheritance. Some children are
born with more predispositions toward emotional regulation, while others may
be more sensitive to stress.
o Intelligence and Cognitive Ability: While intelligence is influenced by both
genetic and environmental factors, research suggests that heredity can set
certain limits on cognitive abilities, although these can be modified through
environmental stimulation and experiences.
2. Environment (Nurture)
Definition: The environment includes all external factors that influence a person’s
development. This encompasses physical surroundings, family upbringing, culture,
social interactions, education, and life experiences.
Environmental Influences on Development:
o Family and Parenting: The way children are raised by their caregivers
significantly impacts their emotional, social, and cognitive development.
Parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, etc.) affect how
children learn to handle stress, emotions, relationships, and academics.
o Social and Cultural Environment: The community, culture, and society in
which a person is raised also shape their values, beliefs, and social behaviors.
Cultural norms and traditions influence everything from language
development to social roles.
o Education and Learning Opportunities: Schooling and educational
experiences are vital in shaping cognitive abilities. Access to quality education
often determines academic success, social skills, and opportunities for
personal growth.
o Socioeconomic Status (SES): Socioeconomic factors (income, family
stability, access to resources) can influence an individual’s opportunities for
education, healthcare, and even nutrition, which in turn impacts physical and
mental development.
o Peer Interactions: As individuals age, especially during adolescence,
interactions with peers begin to have a profound impact. Friendships, romantic
relationships, and social groups contribute to emotional development, identity
formation, and social skills.
STAGES OF CHILDBIRTH
The process of childbirth is divided into three main stages, each involving distinct
physiological changes and steps. Here is an overview:
Stage 1: Labor (Dilation Stage)
This stage is the longest and is divided into three phases:
1. Early Labor (Latent Phase):
Duration: Averages 6-12 hours for first-time mothers, shorter for subsequent births.
Characteristics: The cervix begins to dilate (up to 3-4 cm) and efface (thin out).
Contractions are mild and irregular, gradually becoming stronger and more frequent.
Symptoms: Lower backache, light cramping, and possible loss of the mucus plug.
2. Active Labor:
Duration: Averages 4-8 hours.
Characteristics: The cervix dilates from 4 cm to 7 cm.
Contractions are stronger, closer together (every 3-5 minutes), and last longer (45-60
seconds).
Symptoms: Increased discomfort and difficulty talking through contractions.
3. Transition Phase:
Duration: 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Characteristics: The cervix dilates from 8 cm to 10 cm (fully dilated).
Contractions are very strong, frequent (every 2-3 minutes), and last 60-90 seconds.
Symptoms: Intense pressure, nausea, and a strong urge to push.