This document looks at how we develop psychologically all throughout our lives. It also looks at how different parenting styles can affect us and how we turn out. We also look at the different stages we go through as we develop at each age
Psychology: The Developing Mind
What does it mean to develop?
Nature and nurture are intertwined. The underlying DNA that makes up our genes is turned on/off
by the surrounding chemical tags (the epigenome) that is accumulated through life. Diet and stress
are examples of factors that can ‘tag’ our DNA.
How do we change prenatally?
An organism that develops immediately after conception is known as a zygote. This term is used to
describe the organism from the time of conception until the embryo stage, or the first two
gestational weeks in humans. The zygote differentiates between 3 germ layers; ectoderm,
mesoderm and endoderm. Ectoderm develops into nerve tissue and skin. Mesoderm gives rise to
the muscle and bone. The endoderm is the source of the body’s soft tissue (e.g. organs of digestive
tract)
Embryo is the term used to describe a developing organism between the zygote and the foetus
stage. In humans it is between gestational weeks 3 and 8.
Foetus is the term used to describe a developing organism between the embryo stage and birth. In
humans is it between gestational weeks 8 and 40 (approx.)
Genetic risks to development
Down syndrome, also known as Trisonomy 21, results when a child receives a third full/partial copy
of the 21st chromosome (along with the usual two). This normally happens because of faulty cell
division. Down syndrome results in a pattern of mild physical abnormalities, intellectual disability,
and a probable life span of 40-50 years
Environmental risks to development
TERATOGEN TYPE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS ON
CHILD
Alcohol Recreational drug Small stature
Face abnormalities
Hyperactivity
Intellectual disability
Tobacco (nicotine) Recreational drug Low birth weight
Premature birth
Lung and brain
damage due to the
carbon monoxide in
smoke
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition resulting from alcohol consumption from the mother
during the pregnancy that produces physical abnormalities and cognitive and behavioural problems
in her child.
, Physical abnormalities include growth retardation, a small head circumference
Other issues: reduced IQ, attention problems, and poor impulse control.
Newborn’s reflexes
Reflex name Action
Babinski Stroking the baby’s foot causes the toes to
spread out
Blink Eyes close in response to a strong stimulus
Moro If the baby’s head falls backward, the arms first
spread out and then ‘hug’
Palmar Placing an object in the hand produces reflexive
grasping
Rooting Stroking a baby’s cheek results in the baby
turning towards the touch and opening the
mouth
Stepping Placing the baby’s feet on a flat surface initiates
stepping
Sucking The baby sucks anything that touches the root
of the mouth
Newborn babies spend 16-18 hours a day sleeping. A large portion of this time is spent on REM
sleep.
Theory of cognitive development
According to Jean Piaget’s theory, cognitive abilities develop through regular stages (this is an
example of the discontinuity approach). Cognition matures as the child increasingly uses concepts
and organising schemas to think
Assimilation is the incorporation of new learning into an existing schema without the need
to revise the schema
Accommodation is the incorporation of new learning into an existing schema that requires
revision of the schema
Object permanence is the ability to form mental representations of objects that are no
longer present
Conservation is the ability to understand that changing the form or appearance of an object
does not change its quantity
Egocentrism is defined as limitations on the ability to understand the point of view of other
people
Sensorimotor stage Jean Piaget’s stage of development
beginning at birth and ending at the age of
2. Characterised by active exploration of
the environment
Preoperational stage Beginning at the age of 2 and ending at the
age of 6. Characterised by the use of
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