MODULE 2: THE STAGES

OF DEVELOPMENT AND
DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS
PRE-NATAL PERIOD

Physical
Development
Prenatal (from conception to
birth)
It involves a tremendous
growth from a single cell to
an organism complete with
brain and behavioral
capabilities
 INFANCY (birth to 2 years)

Locomotion is
established,
rudimentary in
language, social
attachment
Infancy ( from birth to 18-24
months)
A time of extreme dependence
on adults. Many psychological
activities are just beginning –
language, symbolic thoughts,
sensorimotor, coordination and
social learning
 EARLY CHILDHOOD (3 TO 5 YEARS)

Language is well
established, sex
typing, group
play, ends with
readiness for
schooling
Early childhood (end of infancy
to 5-6)
The preschool years. Young
children learn to become more
self-sufficient, and to care for
themselves, develop school
readiness skills and spend many
hours in play with peers
 MIDDLE AND LATE CHILDHOOD (6 TO
12 YEARS)
Many cognitive
processes
become adult
except in speed
of operations
Middle childhood( 6-11, the
elementary school years)
The fundamental skills of reading,
writing, and arithmetic are mastered.
The child is formally exposed to a
larger world and its culture.
Achievement become a more
central theme of the child’s world
and self-control increase
 ADOLESCENCE (13 TO 18 YEARS)

Begins with puberty,

ends at maturity,
attainment of highest
level of cognition,
independence from
parents, sexual
relationships
Adolescence (10-12 of age to
18-22 years of age)
Begins with a rapid physical change-
dramatic in height and weight, change in
body contour, and the development of
sexual characteristics such as
enlargement of breast, development of
pubic and facial hair, and deepening of
voice. Thought is more logical, abstract
and idealistic. Spent more time outside
the family
 EARLY ADULTHOOD (19 TO 29 YEARS)

Career and
family
development
Early adulthood ( late teen or
early 20s to 30s)
Time of establishing early
personal and economic
independence, career
development, selecting a mate,
learning to live with someone in
an intimate way, starting a family.
 MIDDLE ADULTHOOD (30-60 YEARS)

Career reaches
highest level,
self-assessment,
“empty nest
crisis”
retirement
Middle adulthood (40-60 years
old)
Time of expanding personal and
social involvement and responsibility;
of assisting the next generation in
becoming competent and mature
individuals; and of maintaining
satisfaction in a career
LATE ADULTHOOD (61 YEARS AND ABOVE)

Enjoy family
achievements,
dependency,
widowhood,
poor health
Late adulthood (60s and
above)
It’s a time for adjustment to a
decreasing strength and
health, life review, retirement,
and adjustment to a new
social roles