Chapter 1 An Introduction to Lifespan Development 9
As people develop, moral issues become more prevalent. Moral issues
deal with what a person judges to be right or wrong. Moral decision making is
included under the category of cognitive development. This is because moral
decision making involves problem solving and reasoning.
In moral development, people are able to understand and approach prob-
lems differently based on their life stage. For example, a 3-year-old may struggle
with the concept of sharing toys. A teen may struggle with the decision to partici-
pate in illegal behavior. An adult may face challenges with decisions regarding
relationships with coworkers or family members.
Socio-emotional Development
The ways in which you feel about yourself and interact with people change
throughout your life. Socio-emotional development refers to changes in the way
a person’s social relationships, feelings, social skills, self-esteem, gender identity,
and ways of coping with situations change over time.
Babies learn to trust and depend on their care-
givers. Young children learn about themselves and
become aware of others. Learning to control emotions
is an important part of this stage. Students learn to
wait their turn, form a line, raise their hand, and lis-
ten as their parent or teacher is giving instructions.
Children learn to make friendships with their
peers. They form a concept of themselves. They begin
to appreciate that people can act one way, but feel
differently on the inside. Children learn to care about
others. They also learn how to cope with stress. They
begin to see differences in others’ abilities and talents.
Teens learn to identify themselves in different
roles. They make decisions and choices that affect
their adult life. They learn to take responsibility for
themselves, care for others, and form intimate rela-
tionships with others, 1-4.
Adults learn to form relationships with others,
too. These relationships often result in choosing to
parent children. In many capacities, adults become
caregivers. They are employees and employers. They
are responsible for their own health and well-being
and many times that of others. Their moral decisions
can carry significant consequences.
Checkpoint
1. List the three major ways in which people develop over time.
2. Defi ne gross-motor skills and fine-motor skills. Give an example of each.
3. What is cognition?
4. Defi ne socio-emotional development.
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1-4
Forming close relationships is a part of
development.