Chapter 3
Developmental Psychology
Theories on development
Why do we have theories of development?
Helps understanding
Theory – An organized set of ideas designed to explain development.
Functions/advantages of theories:
1. Summaries and explains Key Development Areas
2. Predict future behavior
3. Stimulate new research Physical (Developments
related to the body)
Developmental Stages
Cognitive (developments
The Prenatal (antenatal) stage –Intrauterine development related to the mind)
The neonatal stage –the first two weeks after birth Psycho-social (social and
Infancy – first month to 2 years emotional development)
Early childhood – 2-6 years
Middle childhood – 6 years to puberty (+ age 12)
Adolescence – puberty to adulthood
Adulthood – early (25-30 years), middle (40-60 years) and late adulthood (60+ years)
Prenatal stages
Germinal Stage:
Period of the zygote (single cell)
From conception (Male sperm cell fertilized the
female ovum or egg cell) over first 2 weeks of
pregnancy
Cell division
Mitosis (Zygote divides into a number of
identical cells that forms a cell mass)
Implantation (cell mass moves down the
fallopian tubes to the uterus and attach to the
uterus wall)
, Embryonic stage:
Implantation – 8 weeks after conception
Embryo develops ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm
Umbilical cord and placenta develops (provides protection, nutrition and oxygen to the
embryo and removes waste products)
Blood vessels and stomach develops during third week
Differentiation of the heart and brain areas to develop of these organs
At 6 weeks the women becomes aware of pregnancy
Fetal stage:
8 weeks of conception until birth
Fetus
Sexual characteristics appear
At 4 months’ mother can feel movements
Nervous system and muscles develop
7 months – zone of viability (chance of survival if born prematurely)
Physical development from prenatal to middle childhood
Environmental influences on pre-natal development
Age of the parents
Nutrition of the mother – malnutrition could increase risk of birth complications, low birth
weight and neurological deficits)
Radiation (increased risk for deformities)
Diseases during pregnancy
Use of medication and drugs (fetal alcohol syndrome)
The emotional state of the mother, like maternal stress
The socio-economic situation of the mother
Perceptional development of the neonate
Fetuses can hear sound, which they appear to remember and recognize soon after birth (De
Casper and Spence (1986))
Developmental Psychology
Theories on development
Why do we have theories of development?
Helps understanding
Theory – An organized set of ideas designed to explain development.
Functions/advantages of theories:
1. Summaries and explains Key Development Areas
2. Predict future behavior
3. Stimulate new research Physical (Developments
related to the body)
Developmental Stages
Cognitive (developments
The Prenatal (antenatal) stage –Intrauterine development related to the mind)
The neonatal stage –the first two weeks after birth Psycho-social (social and
Infancy – first month to 2 years emotional development)
Early childhood – 2-6 years
Middle childhood – 6 years to puberty (+ age 12)
Adolescence – puberty to adulthood
Adulthood – early (25-30 years), middle (40-60 years) and late adulthood (60+ years)
Prenatal stages
Germinal Stage:
Period of the zygote (single cell)
From conception (Male sperm cell fertilized the
female ovum or egg cell) over first 2 weeks of
pregnancy
Cell division
Mitosis (Zygote divides into a number of
identical cells that forms a cell mass)
Implantation (cell mass moves down the
fallopian tubes to the uterus and attach to the
uterus wall)
, Embryonic stage:
Implantation – 8 weeks after conception
Embryo develops ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm
Umbilical cord and placenta develops (provides protection, nutrition and oxygen to the
embryo and removes waste products)
Blood vessels and stomach develops during third week
Differentiation of the heart and brain areas to develop of these organs
At 6 weeks the women becomes aware of pregnancy
Fetal stage:
8 weeks of conception until birth
Fetus
Sexual characteristics appear
At 4 months’ mother can feel movements
Nervous system and muscles develop
7 months – zone of viability (chance of survival if born prematurely)
Physical development from prenatal to middle childhood
Environmental influences on pre-natal development
Age of the parents
Nutrition of the mother – malnutrition could increase risk of birth complications, low birth
weight and neurological deficits)
Radiation (increased risk for deformities)
Diseases during pregnancy
Use of medication and drugs (fetal alcohol syndrome)
The emotional state of the mother, like maternal stress
The socio-economic situation of the mother
Perceptional development of the neonate
Fetuses can hear sound, which they appear to remember and recognize soon after birth (De
Casper and Spence (1986))
