Life span refers to the typical length of time that any particular organism can be expected to live.
In psychology, the term "life span" refers to the period of time between an individual's birth and their death. It encompasses the entire course of a person's life, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development, as well as the various life transitions and events that occur over time.
Examples of life span-related phenomena in psychology include:
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Developmental milestones: The study of life span development focuses on the various physical, cognitive, and social milestones that individuals reach as they progress from infancy to old age. Examples of these milestones include crawling, walking, language development, and the emergence of abstract reasoning.
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Aging: Aging is a key aspect of life span psychology, as it involves changes in physical, cognitive, and social functioning that occur over time. This includes changes in sensory perception, memory, attention, and decision-making, as well as changes in social roles and relationships.
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Life events and transitions: Life span psychology also focuses on the various events and transitions that occur over the course of a person's life, such as starting school, getting a job, getting married, and having children. These events can have a significant impact on an individual's development and well-being.
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End-of-life issues: The study of life span psychology also includes a focus on end-of-life issues, such as coping with terminal illness, managing grief and loss, and preparing for death.
Understanding the different stages and transitions of the life span is important for psychologists, as it can inform interventions and treatments aimed at promoting well-being and resilience throughout the life course. Life span psychology also has practical applications in fields such as education, healthcare, and social policy, as it can inform the development of programs and policies aimed at supporting individuals at different stages of the life span.