This document provides an overview of lifespan development and developmental psychology. It discusses several key topics:
1. Development is shaped by biological, social, cognitive, and personality changes across the entire lifespan from conception to death.
2. The nature vs nurture debate examines the roles of heredity and environment in psychological development. Development may be continuous or occur in distinct stages.
3. Several theories of development are described, including Piaget's stages of cognitive development, Erikson's psychosocial stages, and Kohlberg's stages of moral reasoning. Language, gender role, and identity development are also covered.
4. Prenatal development, infant abilities and reflexes, attachment styles, and