Chapter 5: Developing Through the Life Span

Prenatal development progresses through three phases in which a zygote rapidly divides, an embryo forms organs, and a fetus continues maturing until birth, with exposure to teratogens during this critical window potentially causing lasting impairments. Infants demonstrate innate reflexes and early sensory preferences that support survival and bonding. During early childhood, physical growth accelerates alongside cognitive development through Piaget's sensorimotor and preoperational stages, during which children develop object permanence and symbolic thought, while Vygotsky's framework emphasizes how social scaffolding from caregivers facilitates learning. Secure attachment to caregivers and authoritative parenting that balances warmth with clear expectations promote healthy social-emotional outcomes. Adolescence brings puberty-related physical changes, the emergence of abstract reasoning, exploration of moral principles through Kohlberg's stages, and the psychosocial task of identity formation amid increasing peer influence. Adulthood involves distinct phases: emerging adulthood as a prolonged transition, middle adulthood characterized by career consolidation and family responsibilities, and late adulthood in which cognitive changes occur alongside maintained wisdom and often improved emotional well-being, though neurocognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease represent significant concerns. Throughout life, individuals navigate the social clock, which prescribes culturally expected timing for major transitions such as marriage, parenthood, and retirement.