Life Span Development
Characteristics • Developmental Tasks • Psychological Well-Being
Life span development views human growth as a continuous, lifelong process. Psychological development does not stop at childhood; instead, it unfolds through qualitative changes, age-specific challenges, and adaptive tasks from birth to old age.
1) Meaning & Core Characteristics of Life Span Development
Life span development refers to the systematic psychological changes that occur in individuals from conception to death. Modern developmental psychology emphasizes that development is not linear or uniform, but shaped by biological, psychological, social, and cultural forces.
Key Characteristics
- Lifelong: Development occurs from birth to old age
- Multidimensional: Cognitive, emotional, social domains interact
- Multidirectional: Gains and losses coexist
- Plastic: Capacity for change across life
- Contextual: Influenced by culture, history, environment
Psychological Significance
- Explains age-related behaviour patterns
- Highlights adaptation and coping
- Guides mental health interventions
- Promotes age-appropriate well-being
2) Developmental Tasks: The Organizing Principle
Developmental tasks are age-specific challenges that individuals must successfully negotiate to move smoothly to the next stage. Failure or difficulty may lead to adjustment problems, while successful mastery promotes competence and psychological health.
flowchart TB A["Biological Maturation"] --> D["Developmental Tasks"] B["Social & Cultural Expectations"] --> D C["Individual Goals & Aspirations"] --> D D --> E["Successful Mastery"] D --> F["Difficulty / Failure"] E --> G["Psychological Well-Being"] F --> H["Adjustment Problems"]
3) Major Stages of Life Span & Developmental Tasks
| Life Stage | Core Characteristics | Key Developmental Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Infancy & Early Childhood | Rapid brain growth, dependency, emotional bonding | Trust formation, language learning, basic self-control |
| Middle Childhood | Cognitive expansion, peer interaction, skill learning | Academic competence, social cooperation, self-esteem |
| Adolescence | Identity exploration, emotional intensity | Identity formation, autonomy, value clarification |
| Young Adulthood | Peak functioning, role establishment | Intimacy, career choice, responsibility |
| Middle Adulthood | Stability with gradual physical change | Generativity, work-life balance, mentoring |
| Late Adulthood | Physical decline, life reflection | Life review, adjustment to loss, ego integrity |
4) Promoting Psychological Well-Being Across Life Stages
Psychological well-being refers to positive functioning, emotional balance, purpose in life, and effective coping. Each stage of life demands age-appropriate strategies to maintain mental health.
Early Life & Adolescence
- Secure attachment and emotional warmth
- Supportive schooling and peer acceptance
- Identity affirmation and guidance
Adulthood & Old Age
- Work-life balance and social support
- Sense of meaning and contribution
- Active aging and cognitive engagement
5) Integrative Psychological Perspective
Life span development integrates biological maturation, social expectations, and individual agency. Psychological well-being emerges when individuals successfully adapt to developmental tasks, maintain meaningful relationships, and find continuity of self across changing life roles.
Smart Summary: Life Span Development
| Dimension | Essence | Exam Recall |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Lifelong & multidimensional | No stage is psychologically static |
| Tasks | Age-specific challenges | Successful mastery → adjustment |
| Well-being | Positive functioning | Context-appropriate strategies |
| Perspective | Biopsychosocial | Integration across stages |
