1.1 Identify the life stages of human development.
The study of human development focuses on how individuals grow and change over time. The six stages of human growth are as follows:
Infancy
Infancy is the first and briefest period of human life, and it lasts from birth up to the age of two. They develop a unique identity that will influence their future. Significant development occurs during this time.
Childhood
The early years are when they learn to fend for themselves. Early infancy is the prime time for shaping a child’s personality. A child develops the adaptive skills necessary to perform some basic activities on his or her own, including self-grooming, self-feeding, and toilet training. The capacity for curiosity grows throughout this time.
Adolescence
Adolescence, provided one has had normal development, is the time when one’s individuality is forged. Adolescents develop a more mature sense of who they are, a clearer understanding of their own identities, and loftier aspirations for their future happiness and fulfilment. They’ve come to terms with their new body and their separation from loved ones back home. In their current state of egocentrism, they see the world in black and white terms of right and evil, horror and delight. Their looks are a continual source of insecurity, and they worry that their friends will judge them harshly for it.
Early Adulthood
In their early adult years, people typically feel the healthiest and most true to themselves. They are more likely to enter the workforce and start a family at this time. The ability to reason critically, establish connections based on their ideas, alter their approach to risk, and make decisions with an eye toward possible consequences is a skill that continues to develop in young people.
Middle Adulthood
At around the time, most people reach their late twenties, the first signs of ageing typically appear. Wrinkles appear on their faces, and they’re more likely to have health issues, including diabetes, and heart disease. People have a better shot at realising their professional aspirations.
Late Adulthood
Most people retire sometime in their late 60s or early 70s. They reflect on their past experiences. People in this stage are not physically fit because they lack the reflexes, muscle mass, and immune function of younger people. Because of this, it is hard for them to combat illness. The potential for acquiring a fatal illness grows. There’s a chance that some people who are now in their late seventies or eighties are still going strong, disease-free, and full of energy because of the choices they made in their youth.
Other answers in the full document:
- 1.2. Describe social, emotional, cognitive and physical developments within each life stage.
- 2.1. Describe theories of human growth and development.
- 3.1. Explain significant life events that can occur within each stage of human development.
- 3.2. Analyse the impact that significant life events have on individuals.