STAGES IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT.a progressive series of changes that occur in orderly predictable pattern as a result of maturation and experience”.

a progressive series of changes that occur in orderly predictable pattern as a result of maturation and experience”.

1. INTRODUCTION Development means, “a progressive series of changes that occur in orderly predictable pattern as a result of maturation and experience”. Development is continuous process from conception to death. Developmental psychology is concerned with the scientific understanding of age-related changes in experience and behaviour.

2. Prenatal Stage It is the period from conception to birth. The development of the brain is of particular importance. At 22 weeks the fetus can react to acoustic stimuli and can be studied. Development of speech is based on prenatal learning. Babies can remember musical patterns they hear in the womb.

3. Infancy This period extends from birth to 18 months of age. The age of trust or mistrust. The child only needs nourishment and care. The newborn has to adjust with the temperature changes. Learns to breath, deficate, suck and swallow. It is a time for radical adjustments. Infancy is a hazardous period

4. Early Childhood This stage ranges from 18 months to 3 years. The muscular and nervous systems develops remarkably by the second year. The child needs guidance as it learns to distinguish right and wrong and begins to develop conscience Gets ready to read and is able to speak effectively by this stage.

5. Middle Childhood This stage extends from 3 to 5 years. It is at this time, the child’s willingness to try new things is facilitated or inhibited. Can understand and express relationships between the past and the future.

6. Late Childhood This period ranges from 5 to 12 years. The child develops greater attention span, needs less sleep and gains rapidly in strength. The child learns to get along with age-mates and learns physical skills necessary for ordinary games. Spend more time in acquiring skills and need accomplishment regardless of ablility .

7. Adolescence This period extends from 12 to 20 years. The individual attains puberty leading to many changes in the individual’s sexual, social, emotional and vocational life. Described as a period of storm and stress. Understanding and responding to the unique developmental characteristics of young adolescents is central among the tenants of middle level education.

8. Early Adulthood This stage extends from 20 to 30 years. As an adult, the individual takes a firmer place in society, usually holding a job, contributing to community and maintaining a family and care for offspring. Shows increase in leadership qualities.

9. Mature Adulthood This period ranges from 30 to 65 years of age. It is also called the ‘Middle Age’. One has to adjust to the deterioration of body and strength of this age. The person becomes able enough to assist teenage children to become responsible and happy adults.

10. Old Age This stage is the extension after 65 years till death. By this age people’s goals and abilities have become more limited. Rapid decrease in strength.

11. Conclusion It is important to consider the stages of development in order to understand developmental psychology. People in similar developmental stages display similar psychological characteristics.