Term
Major Period of Human Development
Prenatal
Conception to Birth |
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Definition
| The one celled organism transforms into a human baby with remarkable capacities to adjust to life outside the womb. |
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Term
Major Periouds of Human Development
Infancy and Toddlerhood
Birth-2 years |
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Definition
| Dramatic changes in the body and brain support the emergence of a wide array of motor, perceptual, ans intellectual capacities and first intimate ties to others. |
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Term
Major Periods of Human Development
Early Childhood
2-6 years |
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Definition
| During the "play years" mortor skills are refined, thought and language expand at an astounding pace, a sense of mortality is evident, and chldren begin to establish ties to peers. |
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Term
Major Periods of Human Development
Middle Childhood
6-11 years |
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Definition
| School years are marked by advances in athletic abilities; logical thought processes;basic literacy skills; understanding of self, morality, and friendship;and peer- group membership. |
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Term
Major Periods of Human Development
Adolesence
11-18 years |
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Definition
| Puberty leads to an adult-sized body and sexual maturity. Thought becomes abstract and idealistc and school achievement more serious. Adolescents focus on defining personal values and goals and establish autonomy from the family. |
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Term
Major Periods of Human Development
Early Adulthood
18-40 years |
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Definition
| Leave home, complete education, begin full-time work. Concerns about developing career, finding mate, rearing children. |
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Term
Major Periods of Human Development
Middle Adulthood
40-65 years |
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Definition
| Height of careers, leadership positions. Help thier children be independent, adapt to thier parents aging. Become more aware of thier own mortality. |
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Term
Major Periods of Human Development
Late Adulthood
65- death |
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Definition
| Retirement, decreased physical strength and health, sometimes death of spouse, reflect on meaning of life. |
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