Major Developmental Stages:Birth through Adulthood

Major Developmental Stages

Infancy (Birth to 1 year)

Early Childhood: Toddler (1 to 3 years)

Early Childhood: Preschooler (3 to 5 years)

School Child (6 to about 10 years)

Preadolescent (10 to about 12 years)

Adolescent (about 12 to 19 years)

Adulthood (early, middle, and late)

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Infancy

Infancy is the most dramatic and rapid period of development and growth. In the first year, a human transforms from a completely dependent being into a person who is capable of forming close relationships with other people.

This stage is characterized by:

rapid growth eruption of teeth

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Infants learn about themselves and explore their environment, primarily from when they begin to crawl. Click on the image to learn more details about this developmental stage.

Childhood

Childhood begins with the end of infancy and ends with the beginning of puberty. During this period, exposure to caring and loving people is crucial to the development of a sense of acceptance, self-worth, and self-esteem.

This stage is characterized by:

steady physical growth

bowel and bladder control

refinement of communication skills

Childhood

The toddler stage is a part of early childhood and lasts from ages 1 through 3 years.

During this part of childhood, toddlers:

1. differentiate themselves from others

2. tolerate separating from primary caregiver

3. withstand delayed gratification

4. begin to control bodily function

5. acquire verbal communicationSlide the image down to reveal information.

Childhood

The preschooler stage is a part of early childhood and lasts from ages 3 through 5 years.

During this part of childhood, preschoolers:

1. develop a conscience

2. develop a sense of initiative

3. improve in use of language for social purposes

4. develop readiness for schoolSlide the image down to reveal information.

Childhood

The school child stage is a part of childhood that lasts from age 6 to about 10 years.

During this part of childhood, school age children:

1. master skills needed later as an adult

2. win approval from adults and peers

3. build self-esteem and self-concept

4. take a place in a peer group

5. adopt social standardsSlide the image down to reveal information.

Childhood

The preadolescence stage is a part of childhood that lasts from age 10 to about 12 years.

During this part of childhood, preadolescent children experience rapid growth.

The age levels begin to blend and overlap.

While a child may be at one level physically, he / she could be at a different level intellectually, and still a different level socially.

Around 9 to 10 years, children establish a relationship with a best friend.

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Adolescence

Adolescence is the period between childhood and adulthood. It occurs between the ages of 12 and 19 and starts with the onset of puberty.

This stage is characterized by:

a growth spurt (around 11 - 13 years in females and 13 - 15 years in males)

appearance of secondary sex characteristics

desire for more independence from parents

increased influence of peer group

Adulthood

Adulthood is the period that begins after adolescence and extends through old age. The psychological changes in adulthood are much more pronounced than the physical changes.

Early Adulthood is characterized by:

·independence·self-responsibility·seeking of intimate relationship

Middle Adulthood is characterized by:

·adjusting goals·seeking standards

Late Adulthood is situational. It is characterized by:

·stability·reminiscenceor possibly·depression over loss of control

Major Developmental Stages

Early Childhood: Toddler

School Child

Infancy

Preadolescent

Early Childhood: Preschooler

Adulthood

Adolescent

Put the stages in order, youngest to oldest.