Learning Objective
Describe the major stages of human development and explain how physical, cognitive, intellectual, and social–emotional domains progress and interact across the lifespan.
Human development unfolds across physical, cognitive, intellectual, and social–emotional domains. Each follows a predictable sequence but varies in pace among individuals.
1. Physical Development
Growth of the body, brain, and motor abilities.
- Infancy: rapid growth, reflexes → voluntary control
- Early childhood: improved fine and gross motor skills
- Middle childhood: increased coordination and strength
- Adolescence: puberty, sexual maturation
- Adulthood/aging: physical peak → gradual decline
2. Cognitive Development (Piaget)
How individuals think, reason, and process information.
- Sensorimotor (0–2): object permanence
- Preoperational (2–7): symbolic thought, egocentrism
- Concrete operational (7–11): logical thinking, conservation
- Formal operational (12+): abstract reasoning
3. Intellectual Development
Growth in reasoning, academic skills, and problem-solving.
- Language and concept development
- Improved memory, attention, and processing speed
- Complex problem-solving in adolescence & adulthood
4. Social–Emotional Development (Erikson)
Formation of identity, relationships, and emotional regulation.
- Trust vs mistrust → integrity vs despair (eight sequential stages)
- Development of empathy, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills
- Identity and role formation during adolescence
