Question

Describe the main features of a life-span perspective on development.

Answer 1

The main features of a life-span perspective on development are as follows:

• Development is a lifelong process that takes place across all age groups starting from conception to old age. It also includes the interaction between gains and losses, which is dynamic.

• The biological, cognitive, and socio-emotional processes of human development are interwoven in the development of a person throughout the life-span.

• Development is multi-directional as some dimensions or components of a given dimension of development may increase, while others show a decrease.

• Development is highly plastic since modifiability is found in psychological development within persons, though flexibility varies among individuals.

• Development is influenced by historical conditions.

• A number of disciplines like psychology, anthropology, sociology, and neuro-sciences are concerned with development.

• The response and actions of individuals are related to contexts, which include the inherited traits, the physical environment, and social, historical, and cultural contexts. These contexts vary among individuals.