Skip to main content
Super TutorResources
Chapter 3 of 8
QuestionsNotesFlashcardsSummaryFormulasQuizConceptsSyllabusPlan
Syllabus

Lifespan Development

ICSE · Class 12 · Psychology

Complete topic list for Lifespan Development in ICSE Class 12 Psychology. Key concepts, sub-topics, and what to focus on for board exams.

5 concepts

Interactive on Super Tutor

Studying Lifespan Development? Get the full interactive chapter.

Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan — built for syllabus and more.

Try Super Tutor — Free

1,000+ Class 12 students started this chapter today

4 Topics · ICSE Class 12 Psychology

Topics in Lifespan Development

1

3.1 Importance of the Study of Lifespan Development

  • Development is a lifelong process beginning at conception and continuing until death.
  • The study of lifespan development helps individuals understand normal developmental milestones and identify deviations.
  • Parents benefit by understanding and addressing concerns of children and adolescents.
2

3.2 Development, Growth and Maturation

  • Development: Progressive series of changes that are continuous, cumulative, consistent, and individualised.
  • Growth: Quantitative changes (height, weight, size) — has a limit in terms of age; slows or stops after a certain age.
  • Maturation: Gradual unfolding of characteristics dependent on biological factors; pioneered by Arnold Gesell, advanced by Jean Piaget.
3

3.3.1 Physical Development across Infancy and Babyhood

  • Physical development occurs through neural, lymphoid, musculo-skeletal and genital development.
  • Brain weight at birth: 1/8th of body weight → 1/18th at age 10 → 1/25th at age 15 (brain grows proportionally smaller relative to body).
  • Height at birth: 17–21 inches; at end of 2nd year: 32–34 inches.
4

3.3.2 Motor Development across Infancy, Babyhood and Childhood

  • Motor development: Gradual gaining of control over bodily movements.
  • Newborn reflexes are automatic, unlearned responses that aid survival.
  • Key newborn reflexes: Grasping, Moro (embracing reflex), Rooting, Tonic neck (fencing reflex), Babinski (toe fanning), Eye blinking, Stepping, Sucking reflex.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Lifespan Development: Physical, Cognitive and Socio-Emotional changes from Conception to Death

Development, Growth and MaturationPhysical DevelopmentMotor DevelopmentCognitive Development - PiagetSocio-Emotional DevelopmentMoral Development - KohlbergAdolescenceHeredity and Environment

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Lifespan Development for ICSE Class 12 Psychology?
Key topics in Lifespan Development include Lifespan Development — Complete Chapter Overview, Overview of Lifespan Development – Chapter Concept Map, Overview of Lifespan Development — Key Concepts. These are the concepts ICSE Class 12 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in Lifespan Development — ICSE Class 12 Psychology?
Start by understanding all key concepts. Practise previous year questions from this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly. Use flashcards for quick revision before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

More resources for Lifespan Development

All 8 chapters — ICSE Class 12 Psychology Syllabus

For serious students

Get the full Lifespan Development chapter — for free.

Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan for ICSE Class 12 Psychology.

Try Super Tutor Free
Try the full chapter — Free