The Study of Human Development

Chapter 1

Recurring Issues in Human Development

1.) Nature vs Nurture 2.) Continuity vs Discontinuity 3.) Universal vs Context-Specific Development

Nature vs Nurture
Nature =
biology & genes have a greater effect on development

Nurture =
environment has a greater influence on development

Nature vs Nurture
What do we know? What are researchers concerned with now?

Continuity vs Discontinuity
Continuity = change occurs gradually & smoothly Example: Vocabulary Discontinuity = Change occurs suddenly & abruptly Example: Learning to walk

Continuity vs Discontinuity
Continuous change:

Example: A shy, anxious child almost always becomes a shy, anxious adult.

Discontinuous change:

Example: People can change with the right experiences; a shy child
does not necessarily become a shy adult.

Universal vs Context Specific

Universal: One path of development for all people Example: Stages all go through sitting up, crawling, walking, talking Context Specific: Development involves an interaction of environment Example: Pace at which you develop

Biopsychosocial Framework
Combination of 4 interactive forces 1.) Biological Forces 2.) Psychological Forces 3.) Sociocultural Forces 4.) Life-Cycle Forces

Biological Forces
Genetic & health related factors that affect development Lifestyle factors (diet & exercise) Universal Puberty & menopause Context specific Disease or diet (generational limitations)

Psychological Forces
All internal perceptual, cognitive, emotional, & personality factors that affect development May affect all individuals, specific generations, or only a few individuals

Sociocultural Forces
Interpersonal, societal, cultural, and ethnic factors that affect development Culture = knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors associated with a group of people Provides the context or backdrop of development

Life-Cycle Forces
Same event affects people differently Reflects the influences of biological, psychological, & sociocultural forces at different points in the life span Example Pregnancy

Life Cycle Forces

Pregnant Teen Biological: lack of nutrition in diet Psychological: worried, anxious, depressed Sociocultural: perceived as negative, outcast at school Pregnant Married 30 yr old Biological: Healthy diet, vitamins Psychological: Excited, Nervous Sociocultural: Supported by family and friends

Biopsychosocial Framework Summary

These 4 forces are mutually interactive Development cannot be understood by examining them in isolation Encompasses life span yet appreciates unique aspects of each phase of life