Life Span Development - 1429 Words

Introduction The goal of the life span perspective of development is to understand how and why all different kinds of people, everywhere, and of every age, change over time (Berger, 2011). Developmental psychologists study the constant changes we experience throughout life, including physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Psychologists also study how we are affected by, react to, and process the world around us (Stone, 2011). The first aspect of developmental science is to understand how and why people change. Another aspect of developmental science is to identify universal similarities and differences among people, and then use that information to unify humanity as well as distinguish us as individuals (Berger, 2011).†¦show more content†¦Human traits can be molded, and yet individuals sustain a durable identity (Berger, 2011). Because of these five aspects of life span development, scientists use observations, experiments, and surveys to explore human behavior (Berger, 2011). Summarize two theories of life span development. Developmental theories came about as a way to understand how and why people change throughout their life span. There are two grand theories, and they happen to be opposing theories. Sigmund Freud founded the psychoanalysis and the psychoanalytic theory. Psychoanalysis studied the influence of the unconscious mind and childhood experiences on behavior. Freud believed that the human mind was made up of three elements: the id, the ego, and the superego. The id is something we are all born with. It is an important part of our personality because it allows us to get our basic needs met. Freud believed that the id is derived from our pleasure principle. The id wants what it wants, when it wants it. When a baby is hungry, the id wants food, so the baby cries. When the id wants something, nothing else matters. As the baby gets older, it interacts with the world and its personality starts to develop. This part of development is called the ego. The ego is based on the reality principle. The ego realizes that other people have needs and takes them into consideration. The ego understands you cannot be selfish and impulsive. The ego meets the needs of the id while consideri ngShow MoreRelatedLife Span Development Paper664 Words   |  3 Pagesof age-related changes throughout the human life span. A discipline of scientific inquiry, developmental psychology recognizes humans of all societies and cultures as beings who are â€Å"in process,† or constantly growing and changing. This discipline identifies the biological, psychological, and social aspects that interact to influence the growing human life-span process. Within the last 25 years, developmentalist’s researchers who study human development expanded their focus to include the study ofRead MoreThe Life Span Development Perspective838 Words   |  4 PagesIn this chapter they discuss the life span development perspective. They talk about the different methods of changes in human during their life span. The connection of the biological, cognitive, and socio-emotional process. Human development change trough family influences as well as society, brain development (cognitive), friends, media, and so on. The developmental theories contribute in the view of the human development in some similar ways and different perspectives. I personally like more EricksonRead MoreLife Span Development Essay754 Words   |  4 PagesLife Span Development and Personality Paper Rebecca Barney PSY/300 July 26, 2010 Dr. Theresa Watts LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT AND PERSONALITY PAPER The famous person I choose to write about from the 20th or 21st Century is Princess Diana. I have conducted a large amount of research on Princess Diana and have found what forces have influenced her life from the viewpoint of developmental psychology. Influences of Heredity and Environment Princess Diana was born on July 1, 1961 to parents EdwardRead MoreA Study Of Life Span Development1466 Words   |  6 Pagesthey have certain characteristics or why they did not have those leadership or charismatic traits that they wish they could have. All these questions can be explored through the study of life-span development. Within this science, we can explore the factors that influence who you are with identity development, gender, stereotypes, ethnicity and culture. Identity is what makes the individual. The uniqueness, such as specific traits ranging from religious to intelligence. Despite having the sameRead MoreLife Span Development Essay1402 Words   |  6 PagesLife Span Development and Personality Paper Pedro M. Perez PSY/300 June 26th, 2013 Dr. Andrews Life Span Development and Personality Paper Michael Joseph Jackson was born August 29, 1958-June 25, 2009. He was well known for being an recording artist, dancer, singer-songwriter and philanthropist. He was a famous icon for over four decades. Michael was the eighth child of the Jackson’s family and shared hisRead MoreMy Development and Life Span2339 Words   |  10 Pages[pic] Human development is the process of how people grow and change psychologically over the complete span of the human life; from birth to old age/death. In the past years many theorists have studied human development in five different areas such as physical, cognitive, emotional and social spiritual development. Erik Erikson is one of the most prominent theorists who identified eight stages of human development. One of the stages are identity versus role confusion; which is highlightedRead MoreMy Development and Life Span2332 Words   |  10 Pages[pic] Human development is the process of how people grow and change psychologically over the complete span of the human life; from birth to old age/death. In the past years many theorists have studied human development in five different areas such as physical, cognitive, emotional and social spiritual development. Erik Erikson is one of the most prominent theorists who identified eight stages of human development. One of the stages are identity versus role confusion; which is highlightedRead MoreLife Span Human Development Paper748 Words   |  3 Pages3/31/10) http://answers.google.com Life Span Perspective Paper : To understand change in life is probably one of the most important aspects of human development. Our perspective on life and understanding the changes that occur during the different stages of the human life is the key to understanding why we tick and operate the way we do. Lifespan perspective is a key to understanding this and is something a person must do basically lifelong. Life development is basically ones understanding of theRead MoreLife Span Development and Personality Essay764 Words   |  4 PagesLife Span Development and Personality Paper on Oprah Winfrey La Traviata Smith Psych 300 October 31, 2011 Dr. Brian Hawkins Life Span Development and Personality Paper on Oprah Winfrey Oprah Winfrey was born as â€Å"Oprah Gail Winfrey† on January 29, 1954 in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Born to a single teenage mother Vernita Lee and teenage father Vernon Winfrey, but was raised by her grandmother who lived in rural poverty stricken area of Mississippi. Oprah spent her first six years of life withRead MoreThe Life Span Theory of Development613 Words   |  2 PagesLifespan Development Development happens to people which, of course, goes without saying, but does development stop at a certain stage or does it continue throughout ones lifetime. The development of the person does not happen overnight, and it has been the purpose of many researchers to determine exactly how far development extends. The theories of lifespan development are among the most complete at attempting to codify development, but even they are not complete in and of themselves. That is