Stages of development - Research Paper Example

Reflective Paper on Lifespan Development Abstract Psychologists view lifespan development as a special field in their study because it marks the foundation of their work. Most psychoanalysis conducted in the field of psychology depends on studies, which touch on lifespan development. Scientifically, life begins at the time of conception followed by a series of stages that end at human death. It is evident that human behavior depends on environmental and biological factors. Clinical psychologists usually conduct a number of investigations, which aim at evaluating human mind. This study has been essential tool of evaluating intentions behind criminal practices in the society. Life of a person has several developmental stages that it has to pass before a person dies. It is evident that from conception, life begins and it ends when one dies. Apparently, changes that characterize human life are either incidental or due to choices that people make. Scientific studies on lifespan development reveal that major changes that a person experiences in life are because psychological and biological heritage of human nature. Studies in clinical psychologists suggest that parental period and internal environment influence individual abilities such as emotion, attitude and other issues which affect life in general (O'Rahilly, & Müller, 2001). In a view to this argument, this paper will discuss how development stages in life influence behavior development with respect to the environment. The second concern of the paper is to identify how to avert criminal activity among people who believe in doing wrong. Largely, the argument in the paper will rely on information gained in psychological studies in making recommendations. Psychological research has identified various stages in lifespan development. It is arguable that each stage of lifespan development influences the future of an individual. In order to explain issues, which influence character development in an individual, it is important to identify stages in lifespan development. Experts in human development studies have identified various stages in human life. Apparently, in almost every stage, biological factors influence human behavior (Vaglenova, et.al. 2004). The stages identified are prenatal stage, infancy stage, early childhood, middle childhood to adolescence, adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood, and later adulthood stage. Each developmental stage affects the future stage. For instance, children tend to learn what they see in the environment fast than older persons. The reason behind this argument lies on biological development that occurs in human physiology. Prenatal, which is the conception stage, marks the beginning of life of a human being. Festus development depends on mother’s lifestyle because it feeds and shares many essential elements responsible for its development from the mother (Allen & Marotz, 2003). Medics advise expecting women to avoid taking foods or chemical, which would interfere with the growth of the fetus. Broderick & Blewitt (2010) define teratogens as substances, which interfere with fetus development and growth in the womb when introduced to woman blood stream. These substances are dangerous to child development because they cause biological effect to the life of the fetus at later stages in life (O'Rahilly, & Müller, 2001). Alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications, illegal drugs can all case birth defects as well as genetic mutations in development (Vaglenova, et.al.2004). In movie lesson played in class shows the effects of stress on a pregnant woman. In her case, she succumb death at childbirth. Erickson psychosocial theory argues that alcoholic parents risk giving birth to a child who has attention defects (Martin and Fabes, 2008). Notably, attention defect appears at stage five of child development. Experts have tested the effects of stress among pregnant mothers and argued that pregnant women should try to avoid stress. It is arguable from the observation, stress levels among pregnant women interferes with normal process during child development. Broderick & Blewitt (2010) argue that prenatal period is very important time in childbearing stage. To support their point, the authors believe that it is important for mothers to avoid actions, which would lead to emotional imbalance. Since the unborn depend on its mother for almost everything, studies have shown that unborn can acquire hereditary defects from the mother (Ronnan & Miller, 2001). Psychologists and other medics use the knowledge of child development to explain defects and prescribe medication attention. Information on the complexity during the prenatal period is important to clinical psychologists especially when the baby experience abnormal conditions. Infancy stage refers to a period, which begins to the time when a woman gives birth to a time when the baby is two and half years. At this stage, the child bonds with her mother in most cases. Experts in child development studies refer to it as the sensory motor stage because the child uses the senses to learn the new environment. Infancy stage has key areas such as parental bonds, emotional attachment, and temperament. It is observable that children at this stage able to respond to emotions in their environment (Rathus, 2010). A case in point is the movie of Benjamin Button where the baby shows signs of affliction with conditions in its new environment. Further, the movie illustrated the response of the baby to conditions of adults suffering from arthritis, osteoporosis, and cataracts. From the observation made it was evident that infants had emotional attachment, parental bonds and showed response to temperament. Erickson’s theory explains observable conditions in child development (Martin and Fabes, 2008). According to the Erickson’s theory, it is arguable that care, comfort certainty given to the infant makes the child to develop trust. Brinfenbrenner’s biological model explains response of an infant to environment (Rathus, 2010). The model argue that individual body development does not only occur internally by own experiences, but also shaped by the environment. Studies in lifespan development argue that microsystem, macrosystem, ecosystem, and mesosystem work together to influence development (Bronfrenbrenner, 1979). The composition of microsystem include the immediate family members of the child, early influences to the child, local neighborhood of the child which include schools, religious institutions and peers groups who practice a specific culture. Mesosystem refers to influences that a child gets from society or social institution where the child belongs. Exosystem refers to place, which does not affect the activity of the child (Martin and Fabes, 2008). Macrosystem refers to distant influences such as global challenges or a religion regarded as international. The relationship that exists between an infant and caregiver has an influence on how the infant would handle emotions in the future. Children follow clues they get from their caregivers to handle emotions in future. Arguing from this statement it is important to develop positive emotions when handling infants. Broderick & Blewitt (2010) in their book argue that infants who secure early attachments with their caregivers show positive emotional response. Infants view their caregivers as the immediate person they can relate to and confide their fears. Notably, learning occurs due to constant exposure to something. This means that children would learn the attitude of their caregivers because of the confidence they bestow in them. Teratogens can cause diminished parental child bonds due to the child’s level of exposure and the tetragon that was exposed. These can contribute to fetal alcohol syndrome, neonatal withdrawal from drugs, mental disorders, personality disorders, as well as possible physical disorders. Experiences from the mother’s environment can contribute to the child’s attachment. Stress experienced by mothers and passed on to the unborn child can cause physical as well as medical problems with the child as well as the possibility of the mother suffering from post- partum depression which further deteriorates the child’s bond with the mother. Information about early developmental stages of an infant is important in devising best approaches when handling pregnant mothers as psychologist. The research information contained in the study documented above is relevant to my profession as psychologists. Arguing from the information gained in the infant research is evident that forensic psychologists are able to explain probable factors that contribute to abnormalities in children. Psychology profession depends on this information in prescribing the right approach required in helping children and people that suffer mental related disabilities (O'Rahilly & Müller, 2001). Early childhood stage occurs when the child starts developing language command and shows fewer actions. This stage follows the infancy stage. Lifespan development studies attribute the following features to this stage learning to talk, playing with other children and cognitive development (O'Rahilly, & Müller, 2001). Observation from the movie viewed portrayed Benjamin playing, learning to walk, and engaging in scolds. Theories explaining action of children in this stage include Jean Piaget and Erickson theories of child development. Piaget argues in his theory that children learn to use language and do represent the things they see with words (Ginsberg & Opper, 1979). On the other hand, Erickson theory argues that children develop autonomy and uses their own developed sense to master what they see in their environment (Allen & Morotz, 2003). Research methods applied in developing these theories included interviews, observation, and questionnaires. Arguably, these research methods are subjective because they describe the condition as experienced (Bogden & Bilken, 1992). Arguments on theories developed tend to focus on the method used in devising the theory. Primarily, inductive process used in theory development does not rely on statistical data. Further, argument in support to qualitative methods as opposed to quantitative methods claim, that qualitative samples take less time during research. However, quantitative approach provides in-depth information because of the method of evaluation used to process the data collected (Hunter, et.al 2008). Largely, the use of hypothesis helps in testing various notions developed during the research work. Apparently, the quantitative approach makes the researcher focused on the research work. The finding of the study in relation to early focus leads to the following claims. If parental bonds are not formed in positive ways, a child can suffer from shyness, inability to form bonds with others, and cognitive development can be deterred (Rathus, 2010). With a strong bond, the child is more secure in their environment, and will develop faster and more securely with others and will learn new things willingly (Martin and Fabes, 2008). Notably, children who develop shyness are likely to practice the attitude through their adulthood. Research methods find application in psychological practice when a psychologist intends to find out factors that contribute to a specific aspect. Largely, the method applied in research would depend on the desired outcome. For instance, when the psychologist intend to give a comparative analysis between peculiarity observed in the course of duty discharge, then he or she will weigh the appropriate research method to use. When conducting research on factors leading to criminal intent, the psychologist will use the intended result to deduce the right method of research. In this stage, a child begins to develop self-concept. This means that the child act as per the instruction provided in order to avoid punishment (Rathus, 2010). Some notable characteristics of this stage of lifespan development include obeying instructions or rules, learn sharing of items and the child’s feeling become less important thus the child can forgive or help others. Largely, the changes occur gradually as the child age towards adolescence. The movie portrays Benjamin playing with the adults in the home but acting as a child although he is physically not able to do all that young children can do. Benjamin parents seek the attention of a healer to help Benjamin walk. Several theories explain child behavior at this stage. The theories used during the research included Piaget’s theory of child development, cognitive development theory, and Bronfenbrenner theory of learning. Cognitive development explains the role of biological processes and their influence in child development. Piaget developed concrete development stages, which explains the behavior observed during child development (Ginsberg & Opper, 1979). Bronfenbrenner argues in his theory that children learn from their family system, which depend on cultural norms or rules (Broderick & Blewitt, 2010). Broderick & Blewitt (2010) mentions the need of conducting research in lifespan development indicating, some differences between mixed methodologies, quantitative, and qualitative. Broderick & Blewitt (2010) state that qualitative transformation appears to be apparent in most stage theories, with new organizational systems emerging that are different and more complex than those present in previous stages within the specific theory. The theories are in line with the focus of this paper. Factors hindering personality development during the early stages of life can lead to low self-esteem or low regards to personal abilities during adolescence. These attributes affect the way adolescent regard their environment and themselves. The above information is very essential in developing positive parenthood. It is arguable that parents who regard this information would demand respect from their children, show their children the right way to relate in their environment leading to a fulfilled childhood. On the contrary, negative parenting would make children develop negative attitude. Apparently, in my profession, my concern is to identify, evaluate probable factors that contribute to certain behaviors observed in children. Further, relating this attitude with criminal acts experienced in later stages in life. Evidently, attention-seeking behavior among children may lead to criminal activity in adult stage when not corrected at early stages (Broderick & Blewitt, 2010). Adolescence stage in lifespan development is a critical stage because it focuses on moral development(Huitt, 2003). Largely, adolescent would struggle to please others, control impulses, and the sex development would become eminent. Other observable features in adolescent include discharge of responsibility by some children as caregiver, and learning disorders may become pronounced. In the movie display, Benjamin shows a feeling of love and sexual experience. The lifestyle of Benjamin led him to early adulthood making him fail experience life in this stage. Theories explaining developmental changes experienced among children in this include theory, Kohlberg theory and cognitive development theory. Arguing from Piaget theory, it is apparent that children develop moral judgment during adolescent stage (Rathus, 2010). The theory explains that in early adolescence stage children tend to make their judgment based on consequences (Ginsburg & Opper, 1979). In late adolescence, children tend to evaluate intentions of the judgment. Kohlberg theory on moral judgment argue that moral judgment made by adolescent occur in different stages (Broderick & Blewitt, 2010). Apparently, each stage in lifespan takes a different judgment to an event. Cognitive development theory asserts that cognitive development influence reasoning. Research on physical development indicates that adolescent develop pronounced body organs. Further, the study indicates that neurons responsible for mental abilities, emotions and physical abilities are incomplete. This research explains why adolescence not able to perfectly control their feelings. Comparing observations in this stage with the early focus in this paper, it is apparent early stages of development influence behavior during adolescent. Children who experience positive parenting tend to make objective judgment at this stage. It is also arguable that the teratogens usage by the mother of the child may show effects on conduct of the child. For instance, a child whose mother was a smoker would resort to smoking at this stage (Vaglenova, et.al. 2004). This information is very important in my psychology profession because this information would be gainful in explaining certain behaviors at this age among the adolescent. It also helps in reflecting the criminal attitude among adults because the attitude develops during adolescence. In early adulthood stage, children tend to develop their goals about life or their own ideas. At this stage, children develop a desire to societal identification. Parenting style at this stage is crucial because it has an influence of behavior of the child. Rebellion behavior or opposite attitude towards societal norms appear at this stage (Vaglenova, et.al. 2004). It is also apparent that an individual at this stage may deliberately go against the family values. Reflecting the above features at this stage with lesson learnt in class, it is arguable that Daisy felt to be in the same mindset with people who were three years older. Apparently, emotional relationships characterize this stage. Social learning theory, Piaget theory, and environmental pressures theory explain behavior observed in this stage. Social learning theory argues that intrinsic reinforcement such as satisfaction, pride, or sense of accomplishment influence human behavior (Hunter & Erin, 2008). In addition, the theory argues that somebody may learn but may fail to change his or her behavior (Rathus, 2010). Environment pressures occur by the virtue that an individual belong to a certain environment (Broderick & Blewitt, 2010). People are able to learn new ideas due to pressures from the surrounding environment. Piaget argues that at this stage an individual is able to reason and make judgment (Ginsburg & Opper, 1979). Research on physical development at early adulthood stage indicates that an individual experience physical changes such as body size. Cognitive development theory sites creativity, change of thinking, and increase in efficiency among other new development (Hunter & Erin, 2008). Studies indicate previous stage in human development influence this stage. Lesson learnt in early stages of development are essential in shaping the thinking of an individual at this stage. Parental care during early stages in development influences early adulthood. An individual tend to focus his thoughts based on environmental influence during childhood. Information about early adulthood is important in clinical psychology because it helps the psychologists to evaluate complications such as mental retardation, abnormal behavior, and offensive attitude among other psychological problems in adulthood. Notably, judging of adulthood behavior depend on the information from this stage. As a clinical psychologist, I am able to tell mental complication of an adult who fails to respond positively to this stage. Further, the information at this stage is important in analysis early social environment of the individual. In middle adulthood, the brain of an individual seems to develop maturation and often characterized by “am able to handle this” kind of thoughts. Some features of this stage include maturation in terms of gender differences, separation from anxiety, commitment to others, joining parenthood, and develop a feeling of success or failure (Hunter & Elen, 2008). Largely, individuals at this stage are able to set goals, which they show some enthusiasm to achieve. In the movie, Benjamin who turn 49 and Daisy who is 43 are able to come into terms with their conditions positively. Revelation about Daisy’s pregnancy did not surprise Benjamin. Instead, he accepted to take responsibility (Fischer, 2008). Thomas Button at his old age is ready to submit his wealth to Benjamin. Theory of love by Stronberg, John Lee, and Elainehatfield helps to explain the above episode in the movie. Stronberg theory argues that individuals are ready to take responsibility because of love for the unborn (Rathus, 2010). In middle adulthood, individuals tend to control their actions, willing to take responsibility and are keen to listen to their peers. Research on gender differences indicates that individuals develop interest in marriage when they attain certain age. In addition, divorce, love, stresses in marriage depend on early childhood environment. It is apparent that parent to child attachment at childhood is essential because it is hard to convince adults to accept a different identity (Huitt, 2003). Further, it is arguable that Benjamin could not believe the words of Button because of lack of attachment. Relationships rely on trust developed by parties. This does not only apply in families but also at work places. Parental attachment developed at early childhood tends to influence behavior in adulthood. Psychologists find this information important because it helps us to understand reason behind divorce of lack of interest in marriage. In addition, it helps in explaining why a woman would assume a certain role. In late adulthood an individual fail to function effective, asks for assistance and may suffer frequent illnesses. An individual may not be able to take control of his life. In the movie, Benjamin required assistance at this stage (Fincher, 2008). He could no longer walk without support. His actions showed a fading mindset. Piaget theory argues that cognitive development ceases as an individual advance in age (Huitt, 2003). Erickson psychosocial theory argues that an individual tend to lose interest in material, social interest as his or her age advances. Studies show that old people tend to portray a feeling of deprivation based on their age. Childhood complexities play a role in shaping late adulthood life (Huitt, 2003). Sometimes one would show tendency to completing childhood activities. Individual’s action in old age relies on character development at childhood stages. Parental attachment and cognitive development influence mental abilities at old age. Information about this stage is important in psychology because it sites probable factors that contribute to ineffectiveness, lack of creativity at old age. Psychologists need information about character and behavior change in adulthood in analyzing mental abilities of individuals. In conclusion, lifespan development course is full of ideals and instruction about how one can progress and develop attitudes, beliefs, and personalities throughout their lives. The course provides an explanation, which helps psychology students to understand the aging process. In my career of correctional clinical psychology, it has helped me to understand how and when problems with self-image can develop and what can cause peer groups to affect a person’s behavior. The movie provides interesting information that depicts real life experiences as happening in reverse. We see that as older adults we revert to infant like actions and abilities, as if we regress in a normal life. The paper uses Piaget theory of development, Erickson’s psychosocial theory, Stronberg theory, cognitive development theory, and Bronfenbrenner theory of learning to explain different developmental stages. This paper has explored various researches on lifespan development to explain different stages of development. It is apparent that early developmental stages in life influence late stages of life. Lifespan development course is essential in psychology profession because it give information about various stages of physical and mental development. Notably, psychologists use this information to explain abnormalities reported in their profession. Lesson on lifespan development has helped me to build a clear understanding about behavior, abnormalities, and physical changes that I see in life. For instance, I am able to appreciate my abilities during adolescent period as explained by Erickson theory. Cognitive development theory has equipped me with adequate information on how to handle cases as a clinical psychologist. References Allen, E & Marotz, L. (2003). Developmental Profiles Pre-Birth Through Twelve (4th ed.). Albany, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning Bogdan, R. F., & Biklen, S. (1992). Eight common questions about qualitative research. In Qualitative research for education: An Introduction to theory and methods. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Broderick, P.C., & Blewitt, P. (2010). The Life Span: Human Development for Helping Professionals. Pearson Education, Inc.: Upper Saddle River, N.J. Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The Ecology of Human Development: Experiments by Nature and Design. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Fincher, D. (Director). (2008). The Curious Case of Benjamin Button [Motion Picture]. Ginsburg, H. & Opper, S. (1979). Piaget's Theory of Intellectual Development. Prentice Hal Huitt, W. (2003). A systems model of human behavior. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved 7 Mar 2012 from http://chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/materials/sysmdlo.html Hunter, L. & Erin, L. (2008). "Collaborative Research in Sociology: Trends and Contributing Factors". Chicago: American Sociologist. Martin, C. L. and Fabes, R. (2008). Discovering Child Development. New York: Cengage Learning. O'Rahilly, R. & Müller, F. (2001). Human embryology & teratology. New York: Wiley-Liss Rathus, S. A. (2010). Childhood: Voyages in Development. New York: Cengage Learning. Vaglenova, J. et.al. (2004). "An assessment of the long-term developmental and behavioral teratogenicity of prenatal nicotine exposure". Behav. Brain Res. New York: McGraw Hill. Read More