Lifespan Perspective

Lifespan Perspective

Human development from childhood to adulthood is characterized by numerous different changes that make up the functioning of the individual in an environment. Due to the differences in development among human beings, Baltes, Reese and Nesselroade (2014) believe that the human lifespan development can best be understood by evaluating the different principles that make up the beliefs that define the nature of development. The first principle is that development is lifelong. This implies that human development continues beyond infancy and even in old age. Thus, one may witness new development processes later at adulthood, illustrating that development does not stop, but continues at adulthood. Another principle is that development is multidimensional. Baltees et al. (2014) explained that development cannot be viewed only based on a single dimension, such as physical development. This is adequately illustrated when a lady begins her menstrual cycle. She is likely to depict changes in a physical body, emotions and cognitive abilities, all within the adolescence stage. All these dimensions represent development towards teenage hood.

Another principle is the multidirectionality of development. This means that there is no predefined path within which development must occur. Generally, people tend to optimize those functions that would allow them to be efficient. For instance, a teenager is likely to adopt a cautious approach to issues as opposed to being spontaneous, which is characteristic of their teenage hood. Additionally, development is plastic. In this regard, although everybody develops at their own pace, any limitation in one’s development only signifies the potential in other aspects. For instance, Baltes et al. (2014) suggest that an epileptic child whose section of the brain is removed can still perform normal functions of the brain that was removed because the remaining section learns and acquires the new functions. The other principle is that development is contextual, which can be summarized as the influence of normative and non-normative environmental and biological factors in an environment. Normative factors such as age (like puberty) and historical experiences (such as economic depression) can help to define personalities. Similarly, non-normative or unpredictable factors such as the death of a loved one can also lead to a change in personality or behavior.

Finally, Baltes, Reese and Nesselroade (2014) note that the lifespan perspective can also be understood through the multidisciplinary principle. At this point, Baltes and his colleagues (2014) were acknowledging that human development cannot be adequately understood through a single discipline such as psychology alone. Instead, different disciplines have to contribute to the understanding and interpretation of human development for proper understanding. Some of these disciplines that have to be included are computer science, linguistics, anthropology, among others. Working with interpretations from only one discipline may provide an incomplete assessment.

Personal Developmental Changes: Physical, Cognitive and Socioemotional

My personal development from childhood to adulthood was characterized by numerous changes and development issues that shaped the person I am. Specifically, my childhood was predominantly a period of self-discovery, both physically and emotionally. Based on Piaget’s developmental stages, at 18 to 24 months, I predominantly sought to learn about my environment and I recalled how I was bold and courageous to confront everyone and everything. Although I do not remember everything during this period of my life, my parents keep telling me about how I would be courageous and experimental that I would want to touch the flame on my birthday candles. Evidently, all the key lessons from the time were from experimentation. Nonetheless, during this period, I mostly trusted my parents because I always felt safe around them. They also showed me consistent love that led me to trust them and feel safe around them. Ostensibly, I always found myself running back to my parents whenever I felt scared or threatened by anything or anyone.

Between the ages of two and seven years, I learned how to speak and became more imaginative. Although I was at the same height as most of my peers at the time, I was more egocentric that I would play with older children with a larger physique. Perhaps this is because my parents encouraged me to do whatever I wanted, leading to an increased sense of autonomy by the time I was three years of age. At this stage, Erik Erikson notes that a child is nurtured to be more confident and any attempt to shame them would only lead to self-doubt (McLeod, 2013). Fortunately, my parents always encouraged me and allowed me to experiment in different sports and activities that helped to develop my passion for sports like soccer at the time. I also made more friends both at school and at home with whom we played with and shared memorable experiences such as birthdays and other celebrations. By the time I was approaching seven years, I was confident and able to assist my parents in doing house chores. Academically, I was becoming more competitive. Another notable characteristic at the time was that I was taller than most of my peers in class.

At 7 to 11 years, I was able to relate to happenings within my environment. I would note whenever my parents argued and in some cases, would feel bad whenever they spent more time away from home. Meanwhile, I had also begun to witness changes in my body, and thus, would find myself confiding most of my issues to my mother. For instance, by the age of 10, I noticed that my breasts had become larger and I started developing hormonal changes that affected my moods. I always discussed such issues with my mother, but there were times when my father would join these conversations and encouraged me not to be ashamed. This early preparation helped me to handle my menstrual cycle adequately as I was more prepared and aware of how I should handle the issues that come with the cycles. By the time I was starting my cycle at the age of 12 years, I was already prepared for it and knew how to use sanitary towels. However, this introduced me to the adolescent stage, which was challenging in some ways.

During the ages of 13 to 18, I began getting into opposite-sex relationships and experience hormonal changes that led me to begin demanding that my parents consider me as a “grown-up”. There were times I was even unable to understand my own identity and found myself spending more time with girls than boys. However, my mother was also keen to help me understand issues around me, such as opposite-sex relationships. One important memory at the time was when I broke up with my boyfriend. I was 17 years of age, but this was my first breakup. I was highly emotional and even refused to talk to my parents and friends for about a week. However, after a while, I talked to my parents, and I was able to outgrow the relationship. At 18 years, I joined the university and this presented me with a new opportunity to plan my life based on long-term goals such as my career and own family. At the university, most of my relationships were more open. I, however, was able to settle with one partner at the age of 22 years. Upon completing my studies a year after this, I got a job, and together with my partner, we settled down and even got our own kids. Currently, as a mother, there are numerous fears I face, such as the ability to provide my children with the best care and life. Therefore, I am always working hard and training them to be confident and strong, just as I was trained by my parents.

Personal Obituary

(Name) passed away on March 24, 2087, at the age of 94 years, due to heart failure. She was born on (Date), 1993 in (Location), and was widowed at the age of 87 years. His late husband died seven years ago following a stroke. The couple had been married for over 60 years. Before her death, (Name) had been working as a counseling psychologist. She worked with many different people facing various problems such as addictions, family conflicts and stress. She will mainly be remembered for her contribution in assisting company employees in demanding environments to deal with stress and maximize their performance. Her books titled The Stranger Within and A Home for My Myself will continue to offer the counseling and guidance desired in modern workplaces and families to date (2087).

(Name) is survived by two sisters (Names) and one brother (Name); her two sons (names) and a daughter (Name); four grandchildren (Names); and two grandchildren (Names). For each of them, the deceased left a lasting impact that has and will continue to shape their lives forever.

Please join us on Saturday morning March 31, 2087, starting from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon as we celebrate her life and give her the sendoff she deserves. The event will take place at the (Name) cemetery. Kindly carry flowers for the event and let us comfort her family as they say their final goodbyes.