preview

Developmental Psychology

Better Essays

Lifespan Development and Personality
Jasmine Coverson
PSY/103
E. W. Newlin
University of Phoenix
May 5, 2010

In developmental psychology, researchers describe the physical, emotional, and psychological stages of development while relating the specific issues involved in the stages, which can hinder proper development. Developmental psychology, also described as human development, is the scientific investigation of methodical psychological modifications that take place in humans in excess of the path of the average life span. Originally concerned with infants and young children, the field has extended to include adolescence, adult development, the aging, and the entire life span. This field of study scrutinizes adjustments across an …show more content…

Even though genes take part largely in the developmental process, the environment also has a position in determining physical development and characteristics. If a parent exposes an unborn child to pollutants or chemicals in the womb at certain stages in the developmental process, it can modify their deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, and cause transmutations that may not otherwise have transpired.
Understanding adolescents can tend to frustrate parents but one can begin to understand this age group if her or she looks at its position on the growth succession. As one may notice, the adolescent stage is the last step before being an adult. Adolescents may face a range of developmental issues. According to Havighurst (1952), two imperative areas include work and relationships. He highlights the importance of discovering a place and purpose in society. Levinson (1978) focuses on altering relationships and on examination, while Erikson (1968) comments on intimacy and commitment to personal goals. Super (1963) indicates that exploring and crystallizing occupational choice are vital to older adolescents and young adults. What seems palpable is that older adolescents and young adults penetrate conversions with the goal of becoming autonomously functioning adults, as they struggle to meet developing career and personal related needs. Rapid and increasing changes in labor market and post-secondary educational opportunities mean that adolescents are now faced with

Get Access