Course Name: Life Span Development

Course Code:MPSY203
Course Credit: 3

Course Biography:
The Lifespan Development course explores the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes
that occur across the lifespan, from conception to old age. Alpha Master Counsellors will examine
theories, research findings, and practical implications related to human development at different
stages, considering both normative patterns and individual variations. The course emphasizes the
application of lifespan development knowledge to practical contexts. Alpha Master Counsellors
will explore implications for education, healthcare, counselling, and other domains that involve
working with individuals at different stages of development.
They will consider developmental milestones, individual variations, and the importance of creating
supportive environments for optimal development. By the end of the course, Alpha Masters
Counsellor will have a comprehensive understanding of lifespan development, including the
physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that occur across different stages of life. They
will be able to critically evaluate theories and research findings, apply developmental concepts to
practical scenarios, and recognize the importance of context and diversity in understanding human
development.
Course Learning Outcomes:
CO 1. Understanding human development and determine the theories of life span evolution
CO 1. Examining the biological, cognitive, and social factors that influence development
throughout the lifespan
CO 3. Apply the developmental theories and evidence based findings to understandcounselling
practices and issues across different stages of life
CO 4. Equipping with knowledge, skills and sensitivity to work with individuals in different
Circumstances
CO 5. Analyze, evaluate theories and research findings of developmental concepts and
understanding human transitions
Course Contents:
Unit -I
Introduction to Life-Span development
1.1. Life span development and its importance
1.2. Nature, scope and characteristics of development
1.3. Research Methods of studying human development
1.4. Need for a developmental perspective
1.5. Role of counselling in life span development
Unit -II
Biological processes in Human Development
2.1 Biological bases to explain human development- Heredity, Environment, Prenatal
development and Birth
2.2 Prenatal Assessments, problems of newborn and postpartum maternal concerns
2.3 Development of brain and its maturation across different stages of life
2.4 Biopsychosocial model of Health- Sleep, eating, obesity, health, illness andlifestyle
issues across life span
2.5 Biological and social theories of Aging: Causes of death across life span, Suicide in
adolescence and adulthood; Facing own death and coping with someone else’s death

Unit –III
Cognitive processes and development
3.1. Piaget’s theory of cognitive development
3.2 Vygotsky’s theory of cognitive development
3.3 Cognitive challenges across ages
3.4 Language development across transitions
3.5. Challenges in Language development in Infancy and old age
Unit -IV
Emotional development across life span
4.1 Emotional regulation and Temperament
4.2 Attachment and Love (Bowlby, Ainsworth and Sternberg)
4.3 Identity Development (Erickson theory; Marcia Identity status, moraldevelopment)
4.4 Developmental concerns during adulthood: Marriage and Family
4.5. Developmental concerns during adulthood: work roles and relationships, Mid-Life crisis

Unit -V
Recent Trends
5.1. Developmental issues across globe
5.2. Developmental challenges in Indian context across ages
5.2. Successful Aging and Unsuccessful Aging
5.4. Old Age challenges and concerns
5.5. Recent trends of research in Life span development
References:
• Feldman, R. S. (2015). Discovering the life span. 3rd ed. Pearson global education
• Santrock, J. (2017). Life-Span Development. 13thed. McGraw Hill education.
• Broderick, P.C., & Blewitt, P. (2010). The life Span: Human development for helping
professionals. 3rd ed. Pearson
• Sirvastava, A.K. (1997). Child development. An Indian perspective. New Delhi