Hockenbury Discovering Psychology 5th txtbk

Introduction: Your Life Story369>> Introduction: Your Life StoryKey Theme• Developmental psychology is the study of how people change over thelifespan.Key Questions• What are the eight basic stages of the lifespan?• What are some of the key themes in developmental psychology?developmental psychologyThe branch of psychology that studies howpeople change over the lifespan.One way to look at the “big picture” of your life is to think of your life as a story. You,of course, are the main character. Your life story so far has had a distinct plot, occasionalsubplots, and a cast of supporting characters, including family, friends, and lovers.Like every other person’s life story, yours has been influenced by factors beyondyour control. One such factor is the unique combination of genes you inheritedfrom your biological mother and father. Another is the historical era during whichyou grew up. Your individual development has also been shaped by the cultural,social, and family contexts within which you were raised.The patterns of your life story, and the life stories of countless other people, arethe focus of developmental psychology—the study of how people change physically,mentally, and socially throughout the lifespan. Developmental psychologistsinvestigate the influence of biological, environmental, social, cultural, and behavioralfactors on development at every age and stage of life.However, the impact of these factors on individual development is greatly influencedby attitudes, perceptions, and personality characteristics. For example, theadjustment to middle school may be a breeze for one child, but a nightmare foranother. So although we are influenced by the events we experience, we also shapethe meaning and consequences of those events.Along with studying common patterns of growth and change, developmentalpsychologists look at the ways in which people differ in their development and lifeContinuity and Change over the LifespanThe twin themes of continuity and changethroughout the lifespan are evident inthe changing nature of relationships.Childhood friendships center on sharingactivities, while peer relationships in adolescenceemphasize sharing thoughts andfeelings. Early adulthood brings the challengeof forming intimate relationshipsand beginning a family. Close relationshipswith friends and family continue to contributeto psychological well-being in lateadulthood.