Lifespan Perspective Overview Chapter 10: adolescence and adulthood-

Lifespan perspective  Developmental psychologists are strongly influenced by the lifespan perspective- which states that developmental changes occur during our entire lifespan  From womb to tomb

Erikson’s Psychosocial theory  Individuals pass through eight psychosocial stages during their lifespan  Each stage is defined by conflicts that arise from ones relationship with their social environment  One must resolve these conflicts before they can move onto the next stage

Adolescence  Transitional stage of development between childhood and adulthood  Developmental stage that begins with puberty  Biologically adult but emotionally not at full maturity  13-24, cultural and social phenomenon

Puberty  stage in human lifespan when a child begins to develop secondary sex characteristics  hormones- boys testicles, girls ovaries  Females- first menstrual period; menarche

Psychology of adolescents  Maturity in body leads to an interest in sexual activity, sometimes leading to teenage pregnancy  Greater probability of drug abuse, mental problems- schizophrenia, eating disorders, depression  Search for identity, meaning of life  Role models- sports players, stars, movie and TV performers

Early Adulthood  Ages  At prime physically, cognitive skills becoming finalized

Havighurst: Tasks of Early Adulthood  Getting started in an occupation  Selecting a mate  Learning to live with a marriage partner  Starting a family  Rearing children  Managing a home  Taking on civic responsibilities  Finding a congenial social group

Middle Adulthood (40-60) Key psychological issues and themes-  midlife crisis (midlife review)  identity development (gender identity)  Psychological well-being  Parents of adolescents have come to terms with a loss of control over their children’s lives  Empty nest

continued  Parenting your parents- dealing with aging parents  Middle age grandparents often separated by grandchildren geographically  Increasing number of middle age grandparents raising their grandchildren which can create physical, emotional, and financial strains

Later Adulthood (65 and older)  Physical changes include farsightedness, hearing loss, weakening of sense of smell  Chronic conditions; arthritis, rheumatism, heart problems, high blood pressure  Alzheimer’s Disease- dementia  Death and dying, bereavement