General views on the nature of psychological changes in adulthood

Persistence ModelThe theoretical view that suggests that adults acquire attitudes and behaviors early in life and tend not to change them later.

Openness ModelThe theoretical view that suggests that adults change their attitudes and behaviors to adjust to changing life situations.

Source:Shiraev E. and Levy, D. Cross-Cultural Psychology. (2007). Boston: Allyn and Bacon

Customs followed by some immigrant women in families in the maternity ward in the United States.

Origin / Description of the custom followed by some (sometimes many or most) people
Russia / A child is not supposed to be seen by strangers for at least 1 month to protect the infant from the “evil eye”
Vietnam / A new mother should not be exposed to cold because it disrupts the equilibrium they believe is crucial to good health.
Muslim Countries / Examination or delivery must not be done by male health workers
Several African countries / The tradition is to take the placenta home and bury it
Latin American countries / Women do not breast-feed in the first couple of days after delivery

Source:Shiraev E. and Levy, D. Cross-Cultural Psychology. (2007). Boston: Allyn and Bacon

Handout: The Periods of Human Development.

Prenatal period / Infancy / Childhood / Adolescence / Adulthood
From conception
to birth. Takes approximately 266 days in every ethnic, racial, or social group / From birth to 2 years. The child acquires initial motor, cognitive, and social skills / From 2 to 11-12 years. The child acquires language and learns about the most important social skills. / From 11-12 to 19-20 years. The child has reached sexual maturity but has not yet taken on rights and responsibilities of the adult status. / From 20 years onward. The individual has achieved adult status as prescribed by the norms and laws of a particular society

Handout: Developmental stages according to Erikson.

Stage Ego Crisis Age Positive Outcome

1 Basic Trust versus Mistrust 0-1 Hope

2 Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt 2-3 Will

3 Initiative versus Guilt 3-5 Purpose

4 Industry versus Inferiority 5-12 Competence

5 Ego Identity versus Role Confusion Adolescence Fidelity

6 Intimacy versus Isolation Young Adult Love

7 Generativity versus Stagnation Adulthood Care

8 Ego Integrity versus Despair Maturity Wisdom

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(Source: Based on E. H. Erikson, Childhood and Society, 1950.)

Table 8.2. Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Stage 1. Preconventional level. Judgments about what is right and what is wrong are based on fear of punishment.

Stage 2. Preconventional level. Moral conduct produces pleasure, whereas immoral conduct results in unwanted consequences.

Stage 3. Conventional level. Any behavior is good if it is approved by significant others.

Stage 4. Conventional level. The existing laws determine what is moral and immoral.

Stage 5. Postconventional level. Moral behavior is based on individual rights and underlying social circumstances.

Stage 6. Postconventional level. Moral conduct is regulated by universal ethical principles that may rise above government and laws.

Practicum on Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Stage 1. Preconventional level. Judgments about what is right and what is wrong are based on fear of punishment. Example: “I don’t drive above the speed limit because I could be easily caught.”

Stage 2.Preconventional level. The assumption is that moral conduct produces satisfaction, whereas immoral conduct results in unwanted consequences. Example: “I don’t drive above the speed limit because I could get into an accident.”

Stage 3. Conventional level. Any behavior is good if it is approved by significant others. Example: “I don’t drive above the speed limit because this is how I was taught to drive”

Stage 4. Conventional level. The existing laws determine what is moral and immoral. Example: “I don’t drive above the speed limit because otherwise I would violate the law.”

Stage 5. Postconventional level. Moral behavior is based on interpretations of individual rights and underlying social circumstances. Example: “I don’t drive above the speed limit because what if everyone else begins to violate traffic rules?”

Stage 6. Postconventional level. Moral conduct is regulated by universal ethical principles that may rise above government and laws. Example: “I don’t drive above the speed limit because I think by doing this I could save someone’s life.”

Source:Shiraev E. and Levy, D. Cross-Cultural Psychology. (2007). Boston: Allyn and Bacon

Class exercise. Topic: Culture and concerns about own attractiveness.

When you were a child, were you satisfied with these physical characteristics and parts of your body? Did people around you expressed similar concerns about their bodies?

Source:Shiraev E. and Levy, D. Cross-Cultural Psychology. (2007). Boston: Allyn and Bacon

Hair texture and color

Eyes

Ears

Nose

Teeth

Mouth

Chin

Arms

Body built

Waist

Thighs

Shape of legs