Life-Span Perspective: Two Dimensions Of Development

The life-span perspective identifies that development is multidimensional, that is development consists of three separate dimensions. These dimensions are biological, cognitive, and socioemotional dimensions. There are several theories as to how an individual develops, that are rooted in the life-span perspective. Two popular theories of development are Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory and Jean Piaget’s Cognitive Developmental Theory. I will be discussing my personal biological, cognitive, and socioemotional development, the stages of Erikson’s and Piaget’s theories, as well as my own progression through the stages.
The biological dimension is composed of changes in an individual’s appearance, genes, fluctuation of weight, brain development, motor skills, and hormones (Santrock, 2016). As an infant I reached weight and developmental goals in an acceptable manner. However, by the time I reached adolescence I was beginning to become overweight. By the time I reached the
This stage continues throughout an individual’s twenties and thirties which is dominated by forming intimate and plutonic relationships. If an individual forms healthy relationships during this time he reaches what Erikson calls intimacy. However, if an individual fails to create health relations the result is identity confusion (Santrock, 2016). I started dating when I was 15 and since that time I have only had two healthy intimate relationships. The first when I was 16, which lasted 16 months. The second one I am still currently in and have been for the last four months. In terms of plutonic relationships I have formed several friendships that have lasted since I was 16 only one of which that has ceased to exist. Because of the fact that I have several friendships that have lasted for many years and I am currently involved in a healthy intimate relationship I feel that I have reached Erikson’s