Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Childhood and Adolescence
Other languages of instruction: Catalan
Teaching staff
Introduction
Childhood and Adolescence Development is a subject that aims at teaching the student the different stages of human development. From conception to adolescence, different domains will be addressed such as the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual. The student will acquire knowledge about the normative guidelines of each evolutionary stage to to detect needs and opportunities in their future professional practice as a psychologist.
Objectives
Main aim
The main aim of this subject is for the student to be able to identify the main characteristics and developmental milestones from conception to adolescence.
Specific aims
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To learn about the different theoretical frameworks of human development and its main anthropological postulates.
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To know the development of the fetus, as well as the role played by hereditary and contextual influences.
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To know the changes (physical, psycho-emotional and social) that the mother and father experience during pregnancy.
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To know the developmental characteristics (physical, socio-emotional and cognitive) in early childhood (0-3 years).
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To know the developmental characteristics (physical, socio-emotional and cognitive) in mid-childhood (3-6 years).
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To know the developmental characteristics (physical, socio-emotional and cognitive) in late childhood (6-12 years).
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To know the developmental characteristics (physical, socio-emotional and cognitive) in adolescence (13-18 years).
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To differentiate normative from non-normative developmental markers from conception to adolescence.
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Understand the attachment theory and its importance in late development.
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Understand the role that the family plays on each developmental stage.
Learning outcomes of the subject
At the end of the semester the student should be able to:
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Distinguish the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that occur at each developmental stage, from conception to adolescence.
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Detect the needs, changes or difficulties related to a non-normative development.
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Know the importance of play throughout childhood, as well as its influence on the cognitive and the socioemotional development of the child.
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Understand the importance of the family and external factors in the development of the human being.
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Acquire the ability of case analysis and design interventions considering the corresponding evolutionary markers.
Syllabus
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
1.1 Basic premises (nature vs. nurture)
1.2 Developmental influences
1.2. Developmental milestones: critical periods and sensitive periods
1.3 Developmental Psychology Frameworks
1.3.1 Psychoanalytic perspective
1.3.2 Learning perspective
1.3.3 Cognitive perspective
1.3.4 Contextual perspective
1.3.5 Developmental perspective
MODULE 2. PREGNANCY AND PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT
2.1 Physical development of the fetus
2.1.1 Embryonic development
2.1.2 Central Nervous System development
2.2 Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum
2.2.1 Childbirth and postpartum and sociocultural experiences
2.2.2 Teratogens and environmental influences
2.3 Psychosocial elements during pregnancy
2.3.1 Beliefs around maternity
2.3.2 Psycho-emotional changes in the mother
2.3.3 The role of the father
MODULE 3. EARLY CHILDHOOD (from 0 to 3 years)
3.1 Physical development
3.1.1 El recién nacido
3.1.2 Crecimiento del encéfalo
3.2 Motor development
3.2.1 Milestones of motor development
3.2.2 Crawling and first steps
3.3 Cognitive development
3.3.1 Milestones of cognitive development
3.3.2 Memory
3.3.3 Language
3.4 Psychosocial development
3.4.1 Emotional development
3.4.2 Attachment theory
3.4.3 Temper and character
3.4.4 Play
3.4.5 The importance of parental figures
MODULE 4. MID-CHILDHOOD (from 3 to 6 years)
4.1 Physical development
4.1.1 Milestones of physical development
4.1.2 Motor skills
4.2 Cognitive development
4.2.1 Preoperational thinking
4.2.2 Memory and intelligence
4.2.3 Language
4.3 Psychosocial development
4.3.1 The self and the self-concept
4.3.2 Self-esteem
4.3.3 Parenting styles
4.3.4 Play
4.3.5 Schooling and socialization
4.4 The role of the family
MODULE 5. LATE CHILDHOOD (from 6 to 12 years)
5.1 Physical development
5.1.1 Brain development
5.1.2 Body changes
5.2 Cognitive development
5.2.1 Operaciones mentales concretas
5.2.2 Moral reasoning
5.2.3 Intelligence and other executive functions
5.3 Psychosocial development
5.3.1 Self-concept
5.3.2 Socialization and friendship
5.3.3 Mental health and bullying
5.3.4 The role of family and friends
MODULE 6. ADOLESCENCE (from 12 to 18 years)
6.1. Physical development
6.1.1 The adolescent brain
6.1.2 Puberty and hormonal changes
6.2. Cognitive development
6.2.1 Formal reasoning
6.2.2 Moral reasoning
6.3. Psychosocial development
6.3.1 Identity development
6.3.2 Sexuality and psychological perceptions around body image
6.3.3 Family adjustment and peer support
6.3.4 Mental health and risk behaviors
Teaching and learning activities
In person
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Formative activities |
Methodology |
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Master Class (CM) |
Master Lecture (LM) |
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Case Study (EC) |
Theoretical Class (CT) Case Resolution (PRC) Academic Group Tutoring (TAG) |
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Critical Reading (LC) |
Autonomous Learning (AA) Individual Work (TI) |
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P |
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Autonomous work and exercise performance (TA) |
individual Work (TI) Autonomous Learning (AA) |
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1st Call:
100% Final exam
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Written exam with multiple choice and open questions of the content of the whole exam
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Multiple choice questions: 1 minute per question; each mistake subtracks 0.33 points
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Open questions: The evaluation criteria for writing and spelling established in the Psychology Degree regulations will be taken into account.
*IMPORTANT: The course will be passed with a minimum average of 5.
2nd Call:
In the second call exams it is mandatory to recover the full syllabus with at least a grade of 5.
Bibliography and resources
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García, J. & Delval, J. (2019). Psicología del Desarrollo I (2ª edición). UNED
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Papalia, D. & Martorell, G. (2017). Desarrollo humano (13ª edición). McGraw Hill
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Shaffer, D. (2000). Psicología del desarrollo: Infancia y Adolescencia (5ª edición). Thomson
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More resources uploeaded in the Moodle platform
Evaluation period
- E1 26/05/2025 I3 10:00h