Life Span Development (Certificate of Completion) from Udemy

Lifespan development can be described as a continuous and active process of coping with developmental tasks, i.e., demands, challenges, and chances that depend on people's environment and life situation in given phases of the aging process. Specific developmental tasks are conceptualized as a consequence of the interaction between biological maturity, normative conceptions of ‘successful’ aging or development in society and individual plans, aims, needs, and values.

Across these three domains—physical, cognitive, and psychosocial—the normative approach to development is also discussed. This approach asks, “What is normal development?” In the early decades of the 20th century, normative psychologists studied large numbers of children at various ages to determine norms (i.e., average ages) of when most children reach specific developmental milestones in each of the three domains. Although children develop at slightly different rates, we can use these age-related averages as general guidelines to compare children with same-age peers to determine the approximate ages they should reach specific normative events called developmental milestones (e.g., crawling, walking, writing, dressing, naming colors, speaking in sentences, and starting puberty).

There are many different theoretical approaches regarding human development. As we evaluate them in this course, recall that developmental psychology focuses on how people change, and keep in mind that all the approaches that is presented address questions of change: Is the change smooth or uneven (continuous versus discontinuous)? Is this pattern of change the same for everyone, or are there many different patterns of change (one course of development versus many courses)? How do genetics and environment interact to influence development (nature versus nurture)?

Are we who we are because of nature (biology and genetics), or are we who we are because of nurture (our environment and culture)? This longstanding question is known in psychology as the nature versus nurture debate. It seeks to understand how our personalities and traits are the product of our genetic makeup and biological factors, and how they are shaped by our environment, including our parents, peers, and culture. For instance, why do biological children sometimes act like their parents—is it because of genetics or because of early childhood environment and what the child has learned from the parents? What about children who are adopted—are they more like their biological families or more like their adoptive families? And how can siblings from the same family be so different?

This course considers basic psychological perspectives on human development. Using the concept of continuing maturation from conception throughout the lifespan.

Course Objectives:

· Describe human behavior and mental processes from various theoretical perspectives in the field of psychology

· Identify the interrelationship between human biology and psychology

· Identify the manner in which psychological research relates to human development

· Demonstrate the skill of identifying information needed to answer questions pertaining to psychological terms and concepts

· Develop an understanding of psychology as an ever-changing discipline, based on contemporary research data

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Learning objectives

Exploring human development from prenatal and throughout the lifespan
Identify the interrelationship between human biology and psychology

Recognize cognitive, physical, and psychosocial developmental stages in human development
Describe human behavior and mental processes from various theoretical perspectives in the field of psychology

Exploring human development from prenatal and throughout the lifespan
Identify the interrelationship between human biology and psychology
Recognize cognitive, physical, and psychosocial developmental stages in human development
Describe human behavior and mental processes from various theoretical perspectives in the field of psychology

Syllabus

Introduction

Course Introduction

Intro to Life Span Development

Gain a better understanding of psychology's perspectives and influences on human behavior.

This is a thinking activity for students to recall theories and information learned, process that information, then test their knowledge.

Career center

Learners who complete Life Span Development (Certificate of Completion) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Developmental Psychologist

A Developmental Psychologist studies how humans change and grow across the entire lifespan, from conception to death, investigating physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development. This course directly aligns with the core knowledge required for this advanced profession. For individuals aspiring to become a Developmental Psychologist, this course helps build a deep foundation in understanding human behavior and mental processes from various theoretical perspectives. It explores pivotal concepts like normative development, continuous versus discontinuous change, and the nature versus nurture debate, all central to the field. The syllabus details modules on prenatal development, childhood, adolescence, middle adulthood, and end of life issues, providing a comprehensive overview of the developmental trajectory. This knowledge is essential for conducting research, designing interventions, and contributing to the scientific understanding of lifelong human change. Entering this career typically requires an advanced degree.

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Gerontologist

A Gerontologist studies the social, psychological, and biological aspects of aging, aiming to improve the quality of life for older adults. This course is highly relevant, with significant portions dedicated to the psychology of older adults, disorders of aging and cognition, and end of life issues such as grief and bereavement. It describes human behavior and mental processes from various theoretical perspectives, crucial for understanding the complexities of aging. For individuals considering a career as a Gerontologist, this course helps build a comprehensive foundation in the challenges and changes that occur in later life, including physical attractiveness and preferences, the psychology of sex and the older adult, and the social contexts of aging. This understanding is essential for developing effective support systems and advocating for the needs of the aging population. This field often involves advanced study.

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Early Childhood Educator

An Early Childhood Educator works with infants, toddlers, and young children in learning and care environments. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of early developmental stages and how to foster optimal growth. This course provides highly relevant modules on prenatal development, developmental milestones in infants and toddlers, cognitive and psychosocial development in early childhood, and building self esteem in children. It also delves into parenting styles and child outcomes, offering insights into family influences. For aspiring Early Childhood Educators, this course helps build a foundation in recognizing normative development, understanding thinking and language development, and appreciating the diverse needs of young learners, enabling them to create enriching and supportive educational experiences.

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Child Life Specialist

A Child Life Specialist helps children and their families cope with the stress and uncertainty of illness, injury, and trauma in healthcare settings. Understanding developmental milestones in infants and toddlers, as well as cognitive and psychosocial development during childhood and adolescence, is paramount for this role. This course explores exactly how we change and grow, covering topics like developmental milestones, mental health disorders in childhood, and social, moral, and emotional development. It demonstrates the skill of identifying information needed to answer questions pertaining to psychological terms and concepts, which is vital for assessing a child's needs and responding appropriately. For those aspiring to become a Child Life Specialist, this course helps build a foundation in recognizing and addressing the unique developmental needs of children in challenging circumstances, enabling tailored support and interventions.

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Marriage and Family Therapist

A Marriage and Family Therapist helps individuals, couples, and families resolve relationship issues and improve communication. This profession inherently requires a deep understanding of individual development within relational contexts. This course explores the interrelationship between human biology and psychology, and covers psychosocial development across the lifespan, including significant adult themes like love, intimacy, self disclosure, and the psychology of human sexuality. It also touches on personality disorders and why some people never marry, offering broad insights into relationship dynamics. For those pursuing a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist, this course helps build a foundation in the psychological perspectives and developmental processes that shape individuals and their relationships. This field typically requires an advanced degree.

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Educational Psychologist

An Educational Psychologist focuses on understanding how people learn and develop in educational settings, designing effective instructional methods and supporting student success. This career heavily relies on a strong grasp of cognitive development, intelligence, and individual differences. This course explicitly covers cognitive development in infants and toddlers, intelligence types and IQ scores, student diversity, and exceptional children, providing a robust framework. It also explores psychology's perspectives and influences on human behavior, which is critical for understanding learning processes. For those interested in becoming an Educational Psychologist, this course helps build a foundation in the theories and research methods relevant to understanding how individuals learn and develop throughout their academic journeys. This role typically requires an advanced degree.

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Parenting Educator

A Parenting Educator provides guidance and support to parents and caregivers, helping them navigate the complexities of child rearing and foster healthy family environments. This role directly benefits from a deep understanding of child development across various domains. This course is particularly relevant, covering topics such as developmental milestones in infants and toddlers, parenting styles and child outcomes, building self-esteem in children, and pro-social behaviors. It explores how genetics and environment interact to influence development, offering insights into the nature versus nurture debate pertinent to family dynamics. For individuals aspiring to be a Parenting Educator, this course helps build a foundation in the cognitive, physical, and psychosocial stages of childhood, equipping them to provide informed, evidence based advice and support to families.

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Adoption Counselor

An Adoption Counselor provides guidance and support to birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees throughout the adoption process. This role requires a sensitive and informed understanding of complex family dynamics, attachment, and child development, especially concerning the nature versus nurture debate. This course directly addresses how genetics and environment interact to influence development, posing questions like whether adopted children are more like biological or adoptive families. It covers psychosocial development in infants, children, and adolescents, as well as the broader influences on human behavior. For an aspiring Adoption Counselor, this course helps build a foundation in recognizing cognitive, physical, and psychosocial developmental stages and understanding the psychological perspectives crucial for supporting all parties involved in adoption, ensuring thoughtful and empathetic guidance.

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School Counselor

A School Counselor supports students' academic, career, and social emotional development from early childhood through adolescence. This role requires a nuanced understanding of cognitive, physical, and psychosocial developmental stages, which this course thoroughly explores. Topics such as parenting styles and child outcomes, mental health disorders in childhood and adolescence, building self-esteem in children, and understanding student diversity are directly relevant. For an aspiring School Counselor, this course helps build a foundation in discerning typical developmental trajectories and identifying potential challenges, enabling effective guidance and support. The focus on psychology's perspectives and influences on human behavior, along with specific modules on adolescent development, equips individuals to address the diverse needs of students and foster their well-being within an educational environment.

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Youth Program Director

A Youth Program Director designs, implements, and oversees programs and activities for children and adolescents, focusing on enrichment, development, and well-being. A deep understanding of the unique developmental needs and challenges of young people is essential. This course explores physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development during childhood and adolescence, covering topics like mental health disorders in childhood, emotional development, and specific issues such as eating disorders and self image in adolescence. The course's focus on psychology's perspectives and influences on human behavior helps in creating effective, age appropriate, and supportive program environments. For those seeking to become a Youth Program Director, this course helps build a foundation in understanding the diverse patterns of change experienced by young people, enabling the creation of impactful and beneficial programs.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker helps individuals, families, and communities enhance their well-being and meet basic human needs, often advocating for vulnerable populations. Understanding lifespan development is fundamental to assessing client situations, identifying contributing factors, and planning effective interventions. This course explores how people change and grow from conception to death, covering critical areas such as child abuse and maltreatment, mental health disorders in childhood, adolescent challenges like teenage pregnancy, and end of life issues. For aspiring Social Workers, this course helps build a foundation in recognizing cognitive, physical, and psychosocial developmental stages, identifying the interrelationship between human biology and psychology, and applying various theoretical perspectives to complex human situations, which are all vital for compassionate and informed practice.

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Rehabilitation Counselor

A Rehabilitation Counselor assists individuals with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities to achieve personal, social, and vocational independence. This role requires a strong understanding of how disabilities impact an individual's development and functioning across the lifespan. This course explores human behavior and mental processes from various theoretical perspectives, identifying the interrelationship between human biology and psychology, and recognizing cognitive, physical, and psychosocial developmental stages. This knowledge is crucial for assessing client needs, setting realistic goals, and developing personalized rehabilitation plans. For those interested in becoming a Rehabilitation Counselor, this course helps build a foundation in understanding the diverse patterns of change and challenges individuals may face, enabling them to provide empathetic and effective support. This role often requires an advanced degree.

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Researcher in Social Sciences

A Researcher in Social Sciences conducts systematic investigations into human society, behavior, and social phenomena to generate new knowledge and inform policy or practice. This profession requires a strong foundation in theoretical approaches, research methodologies, and critical analysis of human development. This course specifically includes a module on research methods in psychology and emphasizes understanding psychology as an ever changing discipline based on contemporary research data. It explores various theoretical perspectives on human development, such as the nature versus nurture debate, providing a robust intellectual framework. For those considering a career as a Researcher in Social Sciences, this course helps build a foundation in psychological research principles and the critical evaluation of theories pertaining to human change. This role often requires an advanced degree.

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Public Health Specialist

A Public Health Specialist works to improve the health and well-being of communities and populations through education, policy, and research. Understanding human development across the lifespan is crucial for identifying health disparities, designing targeted interventions, and promoting preventive care for various age groups. This course may be useful by exploring how we change and grow from conception to death, covering topics from prenatal development and environmental influences to disorders of aging and cognition. It helps build an understanding of the interrelationship between human biology and psychology, and how research relates to human development. For an aspiring Public Health Specialist, this course may help build a general understanding of health behaviors and challenges across the lifespan, informing public health initiatives from maternal and child health to geriatric care.

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Human Resources Specialist

A Human Resources Specialist manages various aspects of employee relations, talent development, and organizational culture. While not directly clinical, understanding human behavior and adult development can be invaluable for fostering a positive work environment and supporting employee growth. This course may be helpful by describing human behavior and mental processes from various theoretical perspectives in the field of psychology, which can inform strategies for communication, team building, and conflict resolution. Modules on psychosocial development in middle adulthood, personal attraction, and values, albeit in a different context, may offer insights into adult motivations and interpersonal dynamics within the workplace. For an aspiring Human Resources Specialist, this course may help build a general understanding of the complexities of human interaction and development across the lifespan, relevant for navigating diverse employee needs.

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Life Span Development (Certificate of Completion)

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