Lifespan Development Three Ways(Prenatal -Death)

1. Physical Development 2. Cognitive

Development3. Social Development

Prenatal Physical Development

The Basics of ConceptionMost psychologists study the lifespan from CONCEPTION to DEATH. It is believed andevidence shows that what happens to us from the moment of conception impacts our personalities, development, and abilities. A. During intercourse, 200 Million sperm are ejaculated. 1. Only one or two will penetrate the OVUM (egg). B. A fertilized egg becomes a Zygote

Mnemonic = ZEF (Zero Eggs Forgotten)(Zygote Embryo Fetus)

C. Each parent (egg and sperm) provides 23 chromosomes which contain our genetic information.

Conception … Sex/Gender

D. The chromosome for our SEX is located on the 23rd pair. (Chapter 4)

E. Each of us receives an X chromosome from the EGG.

F. We may receive an X or Y from the SPERM.1. An XX pairing produces a ____________.2. An XY pairing produces a ____________.

Conception … Sex ChromosomesG. Chromosomal Abnormalities

1. If there is an abnormality in the pairing of sex chromosomes, the sex of an individual can be compromised. (behavior-genetics)

*Jot Notes As DescribedTurner’s Syndrome: X only Kleinfelter’s Syndrome: XXY Double Y Syndrome: XYY Fragile X Syndrome: Thin, weak X

2. Hermaphrodite:Hormonal, NOT chromosomal. Prenatal overexposure to

androgens (testosterone). Hormonal excess may run in families. Middlesex

3. Down’s Syndrome: Extra chromosome on the 21st pair. (trisomy)•

Conception … Fetal Development

H. Once sperm and egg join and chromosomes pair, cells begin to separate and differentiate into specific, specialized jobs. I. 10 days after conception, cells connect to the UTERINE wall,

forming the PLACENTA. 1. When this occurs, the zygote becomes an EMBRYO.

An embryo represents the times of:7 days (implantation) to 2 months (8 weeks).

J. After two months until birth, the embryo becomes a FETUS.

Childhood (post-natal) Physical Development

Childhood ReflexesI. Reflexes:Rooting – stroke cheek, turn head, open mouth

Sucking – object in mouth, rhythmic sucking

Swallowing – food/liquid in throat, swallow

Grasping – pressure on palms, fingers curl,grasp carries own weight

Stepping – hold above surface, simulates

Babinski – stroke side of foot, toes fan, twist in

Babkin – lay relaxed on back, pressure on palms, head turns, mouth open, eyes close

Doll Eye - raise up from laying down, open eyes

Development Pattern

Childhood Senses/Sensual AbilitiesA. Babies prefer sights and SOUNDS that facilitate SOCIAL responsiveness.

(parentese) 1. Will gaze at HUMAN FACES 2. Will turn toward VOICES rather than just general SOUNDS. B. Newborns, also called NEONATES can see objects 8 – 12 INCHES away. 1. This has evolutionary implications for nursing/bonding. C. Within days of birth, neonates can distinguish a mother’s ODOR and VOICE. 1. Pacifier (habituation) studies - 3 week old infants.

SUCK FASTER IN MOTHER’S PRESENCE OR WHEN NEAR SMELL/VOICE

Childhood Brain DevelopmentD. We are all born with all the NEURONS and GLIAL cells we need to form connections

and learn. E. Within DAYS of birth, neural networks begin to form by creating CONNECTIONS between TERMINALS and RECEPTOR SITES. 1. These connections allow our senses to SHARPEN. F. We have enough connections at birth to form memories for associations and movement, but not those involving language. PROCEDURAL LONG-TERM MEMORIES

1. Repetition helps to CUE our memories. “Da Da Da” 2. The more REPITITION, the more that area of the brain and the connections

used are enhanced. 3. Enriching an infant’s environment with stimulation of all senses, including TOUCH, fosters better CEREBRAL connections and PHYSICAL growth.

Childhood Brain Development

D. Brain maturation is complete at PUBERTY.

1. This means that all of our CONNECTIONS are finalized and formed.

2. Continuing to experience things, maintains these CONNECTIONS.

3. Otherwise, skills/connections can DEGENERATE – You snooze, you lose!

4. Enriching environments allow these connections to REMAIN/BECOME COMPLEX.

Childhood Brain Development

E. Early on, the brain has what is called PLASCTICITY. (bendy/reshapey)

1. If something changes structurally or physically to the brain and it cannot function as it is genetically programmed, the brain will “REWIRE” itself with new synapses and new uses for each part of the brain.

2. Neurons cannot REGROW (most of them) they can only REORGANIZE to compensate.

** Hemispherectomy Example – Maranda Francisco’s brain!

Childhood Motor Development

IV Motor Development (Physical Development)A. Movement progresses in the following manner:

(for MOST) –Hold head upRoll overSit (6 mo.)Supported Standing (9 mo.)Crawl (7 - 10 mo.)Walk (13 mo.)Others …

B. We do not develop through these steps at the

same times. (asymmetry)

Childhood Motor DevelopmentC. According to the normal curve, 90% of infants walk by 15 MONTHS. Some walk sooner, some later. Visual Cliff Studies:Gibson and Walk – Describe(write diagram)*Depth Perception D. What brain part MUST develop first for a baby to begin walking? Why? E. After a child begins to walk, the SENSORY and MOTOR cortexes continue to mature for finer movements of muscles.

Adolescent Physical Development

A. Begins with puberty – sexual “maturation”B. Endocrine glands surge hormones

1. Hormones cause rapid physical developmentC. Amygdala swells (fear/aggression), leading to intensified moods

What else do you learn about the adolescent brain from Dr. Sarah Jayne Blakemore?• http

://www.ted.com/talks/sarah_jayne_blakemore_the_mysterious_workings_of_the_adolescent_brain.html

•

Adolescent Physical DevelopmentD. Timing

1. Timing for females - 122. Timing for males – 13

E. Sexual Maturation (tee hee hee)1. Primary Sex Characteristics develop dramatically.

Boys:First EjaculationGirl: First Period (menarche)

*Required for sexual reproduction (testes and ovaries)2. Secondary Sex Characteristics begin to develop.

*Not required for sexual reproduction *Name some ….

F. Physical/Psychological Concerns:1. asymmetry/acne/weight gain2. early/late maturation

Physical ChangesLate Adulthood

• What are the first three words that come to mind when you think “old” person?

Physical ChangesMiddle Adulthood

1. Decline accelerates gradually as we grow older.

2. Decline depends on exercise and eating habits more than actual age.

3. Differs between Western and Eastern countries.

Physical ChangesLate Adulthood Continued

b. Most classifications of old age are generally negative in westernized nations.

c. This negative trend may be gender-related. A recent study found that more women than men found old age to be “daunting”. Why?

Physical ChangesLate Adulthood Continued

2. After 30, the risk of death doubles every 8 years.

3. Men die faster than women.a. Women outlive men by 3 years worldwide and 7 years in North American countries.

4. Body cells stop reproducing.5. Bone systems become frail.6. Individuals become vulnerable to disease and

illness.

Physical ChangesLate Adulthood Continued

7. Senses Change:a. Visual sharpness

declines.b. Harder to adapt

vision to light. This results in

falls/accidents.c. Listedd. Pupils shrink,

allowing less light.

Physical ChangesLate Adulthood Continued

8. The immune system becomes compromised, making us vulnerable to diseases like cancer and pneumonia.

9. Common colds become less “common”.

10. Brain regions atrophy – break down

11. Memory distorted

Physical ChangesLate Adulthood Continued

12. There is a gradual loss of neural cells.a. This can be gradual if we stay mentally and physically active.

13. Some ailments that lead to brain damage or early deterioration:

• Strokes• Tumors• Chronic alcoholism

– Karsakoff’s

• Alzheimer’s

14. Alzheimer’s symptoms are not the same as “dementia” or aging. Symptoms:Listed

AcH = memory and attention

Neurons producing AcHdeteriorate.

Calculate YOUR Lifespan

• Males• 66 Years and 11 Months

• Females• 74 Years and 1 Month