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Developmental Psychology Reflection

Student's Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course Code and Name
Instructor's Name
Due Date
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Developmental Psychology Reflection

Introduction
Currently, I am in the middle adulthood stage of life according to developmental
psychology's categorization of life stages. In terms of physical age, I am 42 years old. During
this stage, which generally takes place between the ages of 40 and 65, people are typically in
their peak years of physical and mental health, are often more established in their careers, and
may be more focused on their relationships and families. In my case, I am married with two
children and have been a successful professional in the healthcare field for the past 20 years.
The concept of "Nature vs. Nurture" has significantly influenced my life journey. The
idea that our experiences and environment shape us, while our genetics and biological
makeup provide the foundation, has been particularly relevant for me. Growing up, I was
fortunate to be born into a loving family that provided a safe and nurturing environment for
me to flourish. My parents were supportive and encouraging, providing me with a solid
foundation of emotional and psychological security that has served me well throughout my
life. In addition, I was born with an inquisitive and creative mind, which gave me the skills
and confidence to explore, learn, and grow.
My physical development has been impacted by both my genetics and my
environment. I was born with a naturally athletic body type and have always been physically
active. However, I also made a conscious decision early on to focus on staying fit and
healthy, leading to a lifetime of physical activity and healthy eating habits. A combination of
nature and nurture has also shaped my mental development. My inquisitive nature has been a
major factor in my academic and professional success. Additionally, I was exposed to books
and ideas from an early age, which gave me the knowledge and skills to think critically and
analytically.
My emotional development has also been heavily influenced by nature and nurture.
My parents provided an emotionally stable home and modeled healthy relationships, which
allowed me to develop the skills to cope with and navigate life's challenges. I was also born
with an innate sense of empathy and compassion, a significant influence in my relationships.
As I move through middle Adulthood and into the later stages of life, I am sure that both
nature and nurture will continue to shape my development and journey.
Life Stages
Infancy (0-2 years old)
A vital experience from my infancy was the emotional bond I developed with my
parents. That bond was especially strong with my mother. I felt secure and loved in her
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presence from a very young age. I knew that she was always there to nurture and protect me.
This experience is reflected in the attachment theory of John Bowlby, which states that a
secure bond with a primary caregiver is essential for healthy development (Stern, 2018). This
secure bond provides a sense of security and trust which allows a child to explore their
environment and build on their cognitive, social, and emotional skills. One significant
experience from infancy that stands out was my time playing with my stuffed animals. I
loved to cuddle with them and makeup stories. I would spend hours playing with them and
creating make-believe worlds. This experience reflects the psychosocial development of Erik
Erikson, which states that young children need to experience a sense of trust and security to
develop a strong sense of identity (Rathus, 2015).
Another essential experience from infancy was my physical development. As a baby,
I was active and enjoyed exploring the world around me. I gained more independence and
autonomy as I learned how to move more freely. I also had the opportunity to explore my
environment and learn more about the world around me. This experience was influential in
my development as it provided me with new pathways of learning and understanding. I was
fascinated by my environment's colors, textures, and shapes and was constantly on the move.
This is in line with Piaget's theories of cognitive development which state that young children
learn best through exploring and manipulating their environment (Stern, 2018). Through this
exploration, I developed motor skills, such as crawling and walking, and my cognitive and
language skills.
Early Childhood (2-6 years old)
An important experience from my early childhood was the development of my social
skills. At this age, I was very curious and eager to learn. I was fascinated by the world around
me and was eager to make new friends and explore new experiences. Through this
experience, I learned how to be a part of a group and develop a sense of belonging. I also
understood the importance of cooperation, negotiation, and compromise. This experience was
influential in my emotional development as I learned how to express my feelings, manage my
emotions, and understand the feelings of others. This is in line with Erikson's psychosocial
stages of development which state that children at this age are learning how to interact with
others and building their sense of self (Baltes, 2019). This process taught me how to make
and keep friends, develop empathy, and build self-confidence.
Another vital experience from my early childhood was my cognitive development. At
this age, I was learning to think critically and problem-solve. I learned how to read, write, and
do basic math. This is in line with Piaget's theories of cognitive development, which state that
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children learn best through exploring and manipulating their environment (Baltes, 2019).
Through this exploration, I developed my cognitive skills and understood the world around
me. These experiences were important in my physical development as I was able to refine my
fine and gross motor skills.
Middle Childhood (6-12 years old)
An essential experience from my middle childhood was the development of my moral
compass. At this age, I was beginning to understand the importance of right and wrong and
was learning how to make moral decisions. This is in line with Kohlberg's stages of moral
development, which state that children at this age are learning how to make moral decisions
based on their values and beliefs (DelGiudice, 2018). Through this process, I developed a
sense of right and wrong and understood the consequences of my actions. I developed better
communication and negotiation skills. I also learned how to manage conflicts with others and
resolve disagreements. These experiences were meaningful in my emotional development as I
could better express my feelings and learn how to manage my emotions.
One of the most memorable experiences from my middle childhood was when I went
to my first sleepover. I was excited to stay the night at my friend's house and play with her
and her siblings. However, I was also a bit anxious about sleeping in a strange place and
being away from my parents for the night. During this experience, I learned how to handle
my fear and anxiety healthily. I could talk to my friend's parents and ask them questions to
make myself feel more comfortable. I could also connect with my friend's siblings and
communicate with them effectively, which helped me build relationships and make new
friends. This experience taught me the importance of communication and helped me learn
how to handle different situations healthily.
Another important experience from my middle childhood was my emotional
development. At this age, I was learning how to manage my emotions and healthily express
them. I was learning how to identify and cope with my feelings. This is in line with Bowlby's
attachment theory which states that a secure bond with a primary caregiver is essential for
healthy development (DelGiudice, 2018). Through my relationship with my parents, I was
able to learn how to manage my emotions healthily and develop positive coping strategies.
Adolescence (12-18 years old)
A vital experience from my adolescence was the development of my identity. At this
age, I was exploring who I was and discovering my interests and passions. This is in line with
Erikson's psychosocial stages of development which state that adolescents are learning to
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define their identity and build their sense of self (Moffitt, 2017). Through this process, I
could explore my interests, discover my strengths and weaknesses, and build my confidence.
When I was 15 years old, I had to make a big decision about my future. I had to
decide whether to pursue a college degree or go into the workforce. This was a difficult
decision, but I eventually chose to pursue a college degree. This was a crucial decision in my
development as it helped me to define my identity and understand my interests and passions.
I also realized the importance of a good education and its opportunities. Through this
experience, I learned about myself and the world around me, which was an essential part of
my development.
Another vital experience from my adolescence was my social development. I was
learning how to interact with my peers and build meaningful relationships at this age. I also
learned to express my thoughts and feelings healthily and negotiate conflicts. This is in line
with Piaget's theories of cognitive development, which state that adolescents learn best
through exploring and manipulating their environment (Moffitt, 2017). Through this
exploration, I was able to develop my social skills and better understand the world around
me. These experiences were important in my emotional development as I could better express
my feelings and learn to manage emotions more effectively.
Early Adulthood (18-40 years old)
A vital experience from my early Adulthood was the development of my career. I
learned how to take responsibility for my decisions and become more self-reliant. At this age,
I was exploring my career options and discovering what I was passionate about. This is in
line with Erikson's psychosocial stages of development which state that adults are learning to
build their sense of purpose and find meaning in their lives (Newman, 2017). Through this
process, I could explore my interests, discover my strengths and weaknesses, and begin to
build a career I was passionate about.
One of the most memorable experiences from my early adulthood was my first job. I
was 18 years old when I started working at a law firm as a receptionist. It was here that I
learned a great deal about the importance of responsibility and hard work. I was developing
my organizational skills as I managed multiple tasks and prioritized them accordingly. I also
learned how to interact with different personalities and maintain a professional demeanor.
This experience was important in my social development as I learned how to interact with
others in a professional setting and how to manage complex relationships. This experience
helped me to become more independent and self-reliant.
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Another important experience from my early Adulthood was my emotional

development. At this age, I was learning how to manage my emotions and healthily express
them. I was learning how to identify and cope with my feelings. This is in line with Bowlby's
attachment theory which states that a secure bond with a primary caregiver is essential for
healthy development (Bush & Simmons, 2017). Through my relationships with my parents, I
learned how to manage my emotions healthily and develop positive coping strategies. I also
developed a better understanding of complex concepts and was able to analyze and evaluate
information more effectively. These experiences were important in my physical development
as I refined my fine and gross motor skills and developed greater coordination.
Middle Adulthood (40-65 years old)
A vital experience from my middle Adulthood is the development of my
relationships. At this age, I am focusing on developing and deepening my relationships with
my family and friends. This is in line with Erikson's psychosocial stages of development
which state that adults are learning to build meaningful relationships and find intimacy in
their lives (Abbott, 2021). Through this process, I can build strong relationships with my
family and friends and learn how to manage conflicts and negotiate differences.
Another critical experience from my middle Adulthood is my cognitive development.
At this age, I am learning to think critically and problem-solve. I am learning to use my
experiences and knowledge to make informed decisions and solve complex problems. This is
in line with Piaget's theories of cognitive development, which state that adults learn best
through exploring and manipulating their environment (Abbott, 2021). Through this
exploration, I can develop my cognitive skills and understand the world around me.
Late Adulthood (65+ years old)
A possible important experience from my late Adulthood is the development of my
legacy. At this age, I will likely reflect on my life and the impact I have had on the world
around me. This is in line with Erikson's psychosocial stages of development which state that
adults are learning to find meaning in their lives and leave a legacy (Kail & Cavanaugh,
2018). Through this process, I am likely to reflect on my life and my accomplishments and
consider how I can continue to make a positive impact on the world.
Another possible significant experience from my late Adulthood is my social
development. I will likely focus on building meaningful relationships with my family and
friends at this age. This is in line with Bowlby's attachment theory which states that a secure
bond with a primary caregiver is essential for healthy development (Rathus, 2015). Through
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my relationships with my family and friends, I will likely develop a strong sense of
community and find joy in the relationships I have built throughout my life.
I have experienced key milestones in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional
domains of development throughout my life. These milestones are reflective of the theories
and concepts discussed in the book. As I continue to age, I anticipate furthering my
development in these domains and look forward to future experiences.
Epilogue
At the end of my life, I hope to leave behind a legacy of a life well-lived. I want
people to remember me for being a kind, generous, and compassionate person who was
always willing to lend a helping hand. I want them to remember me for my positive attitude
in the face of adversity, for being a good listener, and for always being willing to offer
advice. My ultimate wish for my body is to be laid to rest in a peaceful and natural setting,
with the knowledge that I had a good life filled with love and laughter. I want my body to rest
in a way that honors my soul and celebrates my life. I hope that my loved ones will be able to
take comfort in knowing that I had a good life and will be able to take solace in the memories
they had with me.
In terms of what happens after death, I believe in reincarnation. I believe our souls are
eternal, and we are given multiple lifetimes to learn and grow. As an individual who has had
many spiritual experiences, I have concluded that death is not the "end" but rather the
beginning of something new. I believe that our souls constantly evolve and constantly learn
and grow even after death. My beliefs in reincarnation and the afterlife come from my
personal experiences, as well as my understanding of the theories of developmental
psychology. According to the book Developmental Psychology, our beliefs and values are
shaped by our environment and experiences (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2018). This is why my
personal experiences and spiritual journey have influenced my beliefs about the afterlife.
In addition, the book states that our beliefs are shaped by our culture, which is why
many people believe in different things regarding death and the afterlife. Ultimately, at the
end of my life, I hope to leave behind a legacy of a life well-lived. I want people to remember
me for being kind, generous, and compassionate and to take comfort in knowing I had a good
life. I also hope that my beliefs about reincarnation and the afterlife will comfort my loved
ones and provide them with peace, knowing that I am still with them in spirit.
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Work Cited
Abbott, T. (2021). Social and personality development. Routledge.
Baltes, P. B. (2019). Life-span developmental psychology: Observations on history and
theory revisited. In Developmental psychology (pp. 79-112). Routledge.
Bush, D. M., & Simmons, R. G. (2017). Socialization processes over the life course. In Social
psychology (pp. 133-164). Routledge.
DelGiudice, M. (2018). Middle childhood: An evolutionary-developmental synthesis.
Handbook of life course health development, 95-107.
Kail, R. V., & Cavanaugh, J. C. (2018). Human development: A life-span view. Cengage
Learning.
Moffitt, T. E. (2017). Adolescence-limited and life-course-persistent antisocial behavior: A
developmental taxonomy (pp. 69-96). Routledge.
Newman, B. M., & Newman, P. R. (2017). Development through life: A psychosocial
approach. Cengage Learning.
Rathus, S. A. (2015). HDEV. Cengage Learning.
Stern, D. N. (2018). The interpersonal world of the infant: A view from psychoanalysis and
developmental psychology. Routledge.