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M05.03.01 Stages of development
Understanding developmental milestones is crucial for medical students as it allows for the identification of potential delays or abnormalities in a child’s growth. This section provides an overview of newborn reflexes, developmental stages with key psychosocial concepts, and a table summarizing cognitive development theories.
Newborn Reflexes
Newborns possess certain involuntary reflexes that provide insight into their nervous system function. These reflexes are typically present at birth and disappear over time as the infant matures.
Common Newborn Reflexes
| Reflex | Description | Onset | Disappearance | CNS Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moro (Startle) | Arms and legs extend with abduction and crying in response to a sudden loud noise or loss of support | Birth | 4-5 months | Brainstem/Vestibular nuclei |
| Grasp | Fingers flex and curl around an object placed in the palm | Birth | 3-4 months | Brainstem/Trigeminal nuclei |
| Rooting | Head turns towards a touch on the cheek, searching for the breast or nipple | Birth | 2-4 months | Brainstem/Trigeminal nuclei |
| Babinski | Stroking the sole of the foot causes the big toe to extend upwards (dorsiflexion) and other toes to splay; normal in newborns but abnormal in adults | Birth | 1 year | Spinal cord |
Developmental Stages and Psychosocial Concepts
Development is a continuous process encompassing various domains: physical, cognitive, social, and emotional. Each stage presents unique characteristics and challenges.
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages
Erik Erikson’s theory emphasizes the importance of social interaction and cultural influences on development. Each stage presents a crisis that needs to be resolved for healthy development.
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages
| Age | Stage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Birth – 1 year | Trust vs. Mistrust | Develops a sense of trust or mistrust in the world based on caregiver interactions |
| 1-3 years | Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt | Develops a sense of independence and self-control or feels shame and doubt based on experiences with toileting and exploration |
| 3-5 years | Initiative vs. Guilt | Takes initiative in activities and learns to interact with others, or may develop guilt if exploration is discouraged |
| 5-12 years | Industry vs. Inferiority | Develops a sense of competence and industry through mastery of skills or feels inferior if unsuccessful |
| 12-18 years | Identity vs. Role Confusion | Develops a strong sense of self-identity or experiences role confusion due to social pressures |
| Young Adulthood | Intimacy vs. Isolation | Develops close, intimate relationships or feels isolated if unable to form connections |
| Middle Adulthood | Generativity vs. Stagnation | Contributes to society and feels a sense of accomplishment, or feels stagnant if lacking purpose |
| Late Adulthood | Integrity vs. Despair | Feels a sense of integrity and acceptance of life’s journey, or feels despair about missed opportunities |
Freud’s Psychosexual Stages
Sigmund Freud’s theory focuses on the role of unconscious desires and conflicts in personality development. Each stage is centered on a different erogenous zone.
Piaget’s Cognitive Development Stages
Jean Piaget’s theory describes how children’s thinking patterns evolve through stages as they interact with the world.
Summary of Cognitive Development Theories
| Age | Erikson | Freud | Piaget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth – 2 years | Trust vs. Mistrust | Oral | Sensorimotor |
| 2-4 years | Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt | Anal | Preoperational |
| 4-6 years | Initiative vs. Guilt | Phallic | Concrete Operational |
| 6-12 years | Industry vs. Inferiority | Latency | Concrete Operational |
| Teenage years | Identity vs. Role Confusion | Genital | Formal Operational |
Remember:
- Milestones serve as a general guideline for development, and some variations are expected.
- Delays or deviations from expected milestones may warrant further evaluation by a healthcare professional.
- Understanding developmental stages and psychosocial concepts equips medical students to provide holistic care that addresses the child’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well-being.
Bibliography:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 31). Developmental milestones. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
- Berk, L. E. (2020). Development through the lifespan (8th ed.). Pearson Education.