Lifespan Development Theory

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer presents an examination of the expectation development theory as it relates to child and adolescent life span development. The theory is developed by the writer using the character Forrest Gump as the case study. The writer notes that though the character Forrest Gump is a fictional character in a movie, the character provides a perfect back drop for understanding and applying the invented theory of expectation development. The writer concludes that the movie shows the world that the theory can be applied to human life with little regard to particular cultures or societies and this lends credibility to the truth of the theory itself.

From the Paper:

"The Expectation Theory of Life Span development involves several stages of life. It is built on the idea that individuals pass through various stages of expectations and if these stages are successfully met and handled they are mentally, emotionally and physically able to move into the next step of their life span development.
The theory examined and discovered that the importance of adults, peers and others in the life of an individual alternates as various stages of development are entered into and conquered.
"The first stage of the theory involves the child's expectations of the world. As the child is born and travels through his or her basic infancy the child develops expectations of the world and how the world should react to his needs.
This is observed by a child's cry when hungry, wet or ill and the expectation of that child that his or her needs will be met by those that surround his or her life.
"One example of this can be seen in the child who cries when hungry. The expectation the child has from that cry is that one of the caretakers will appear with a bottle or breast, however if that does not happen the child begins to expect negative results from his or her cry. This makes it difficult to move into the next stage of development."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Groom, Winston. (1994) Forrest Gump. Paramount Studios
• Stages of Social-Emotional Development In Children and Teenagers. (Accessed 7-11-07) http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/development/erickson.shtml

More papers on Lifespan Development Theory:

• Case Study # 139437 : "Silvo and Lifespan Development"
• Essay # 74186 : "Theories Of Lifespan Development"
• Analytical Essay # 130935 : "William James Psychosocial Development Analysis"

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