Introduction
Lifespan development covers the integrative sphere where biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors interact to shape how a person grows from birth to maturity. I will comprehensively explore my development throughout my lifespan as an outcome of this essay with the help of knowledge gained from textbooks. My focus will be on analyzing the meaning of the significant biological impacts and cultural dynamics that have ruled some of my experiences. I plan to look at crucial life experiences, systematic factors, and personal interactions which have led to me being shaped into who I am today through the lens of human development theories.
Biological influences on lifespan development
Biological factors are at the basis of an individual’s lifespan development, gaining great power from infancy to adulthood. The biopsychosocial approach proposed by Wong et al. (2020) affirms the interconnection of biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors in human development. The basis for later development is both created by genetics and prenatal events in infancy. Healthy prenatal development, as described in Ivey et al. (2005), is considered to be a crucial factor for stimulating good cognitive and social-emotional development. In the same way, exposure to the mother’s distress or teratogenic factors during the critical stage may damage both physical and mental health.
During adolescence, these developments of the brain and the adjusting of hormone levels become the basic influence of personal experiences. As Erik Erikson’s stage of psychosocial development theory illustrates, the primary task of adolescence is the formation of identity and the development of peer relationships (Orenstein & Lewis, 2022). Also, as seen from Piaget’s stages of cognitive development, which explain reasoning and problem-solving development in the process of adolescent development, this period is really the most dynamic time in the world when the brain becomes more mature (Malik & Marwaha, 2023). Throughout the entire lifetime, neurological development is a continuous process capable of influencing cognition, emotion, and behaviour. The neurobiological bases of psychological processes and their role in exploring human development are fundamental to understanding of human development (Duerler et al., 2022). For example, the relationship between neurotransmitters and brain structures affects the various aspects of functioning, including mood regulation and decision-making.
Cultural forces and socio-cultural influences
Generally, the cultural forces of society and social-cultural norms have had an influential role in my life span development, and I attribute that largely to the biological nature of things. Coming from a multicultural community, I was surrounded by various cultures, religions, and traditions, which completely influenced and shaped my idea of the self and the structure of my world. It is evident that the world of cultural diversity, as explained by Wong et al. (2020), has profoundly shaped me by changing my values, behaviours, and relationships. Our family’s cultural background has significantly impacted our family dynamics, such as gender expectations and spiritual beliefs.
Through traditions and rituals, the transfer of cultural values was vital in the maintenance of a strong identity and sense of belonging within our family. Furthermore, I have been shaped by the gender norms and expectations in society, which has helped me to develop a better understanding of my self-concept and how I relate with others. The cultural background of my upbringing was a valuable life experience for me personally that provided rich cultural exchange and a place for self-realization. Through my interaction with the variability of cultures, I acquired an understanding of human experiences and established links with people from different cultures.
Impact of trauma, crisis, and addiction
Over time, I have experienced different obstacles, for instance, trauma, crisis, and drug addiction, which have reshaped my character and personality. Traumatic situations like the death of an individual or natural disaster can result in long-term psychological effects, as discovered by Ivey et al. (2005). My trauma therapy process led me to better understand and cope with trauma by using my personal experiences to develop and apply in cases of counselling trauma-informed care. In addition, I have battled with addiction and mental disorders that have interfered with my well-being and performance. Affective disorders caused by substance abuse can worsen the condition, which may cause problems with friends and daily functioning. The knowledge of the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction was the main factor in my recovery and becoming aware of my overall health.
Wellness plan for future development
Incorporating wellness practices into my day-to-day life is a necessary step toward achieving all aspects of wellness. Inspired by knowledge acquired throughout course materials, I have come up with a wellness plan involving three main aspects. First, I intend to achieve mindfulness through such mindful practices as meditation and yoga, which help to improve the awareness of the present moment and decrease tension levels. I will also focus on building social support networks made up of friends, family, and acquaintances, which provide a platform to foster personal connections and strengthen emotional endurance (Karien Henrico et al., 2019). Eventually, I highlight the essential role of self-care and a healthy lifestyle, including, for instance, the routine of regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and enough rest for the sake of physical and mental balance. Through these preventive measures, I aim to not only improve my wellness but also create a solid foundation for me to face the challenges of life with more resilience.
Conclusion
Many biological, psychological, and socio-cultural components impacted the development of my lifespan. The synthesis of human growth concepts with the situation I have gone through in my life has allowed me to develop a clearer understanding of the numerous intricacies associated with my journey. Through facing trauma, crisis, and addiction and adapting wellness strategies, my commitment to growth and resilience in response to life´s challenges remains solid.
References
Duerler, P., Vollenweider, F. X., & Preller, K. H. (2022). A neurobiological perspective on social influence: Serotonin and social adaptation. Journal of Neurochemistry, 162(1), 60–79. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15607
Ivey, A. E., Ivey, M. B., Myers, J. E., & Sweeney, T. J. (2005). Developmental counselling and therapy: Promoting wellness over the lifespan. Wadsworth.
Karien Henrico, Maritz, J. E., & Johan Bezuidenhout. (2019). Self-managing individual wellness for the health professional: A somatology perspective. Health Sa Gesondheid, 24. https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v24i0.1119
Malik, F., & Marwaha, R. (2023, April 23). Cognitive Development. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537095/
Orenstein, G. A., & Lewis, L. (2022, November 7). Erikson Stages of Psychosocial Development. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556096/
Wong, D. W., Hall, K. R., & Hernandez, L. W. (2020). Counselling individuals through the
Lifespan. Sage. Second Edition