Jenna Hansen

Lifespan Reflection Paper

PSY1100 - Flynt

The lifespan human development perspective is described as from our lecture notes as,

the process of change associated with age which characterizes all human beings from

conception to death. This includes all aspects of physical, cognitive, social, moral, perceptual,

and personality development. It is important to view this perspective of the lifespan development

in segments because in order for one to understand and accept aging, they must be placed in

multiple different frameworks and situations. The human lifespan development perspective

makes it possible for us not to be overwhelmed with the change that occurs to ourselves

throughout the years.

During this semester, we learned the ins and outs of the lifespan perspective. However,

my favorite lessons were on moral development. As described in our lecture notes, the term

Moral means; A set of values - laden behaviors embraced by a cultural group whose main

function is to guide social behavior. Before taking this class, when I thought of being moral I

believed it to be a choice. One has principals they choose to live by. Simple as that. What I

learned though is that morality is much more complex, its not simple at all.

Moral development is has four components; emotion, intuition, reasoning, and behavior.

We cant say for a fact where morality comes from, but two guys have theories that include these

four things above. First we learned about Jonathan Haitis Theory, he believed morality depends

on innate emotions which are universal. A persons sort of moral intuition, meaning their gut

feelings about what is right and wrong, not based on reason. His third core belief was that
emotions are at the root of our moral intuitions, thus our moral reasoning and moral behavior. I

did agree that everyone must have some sense of moral intuition, but then what I didnt

understand was how people chose to do bad things? Does this mean morality comes from

something else?

Second we learned about Lawrence Kohlberg and he believed that morality depends on

cognitive maturity and experience. Meaning we construct moral principles based on our

experiences that guide moral reasoning. He taught three levels of moral reasoning: 1.) Pre-

conventional - morality is driven by a reward for obedience, and avoiding punishment. 2.)

Conventional - morality is driven by an emphasis on social approval, or societies rules. 3.)

Post-conventional - driven by your own moral principles. This made sense to me because I can

relate to it. No one wants punishment, or to be considered different in society (most of the

time), therefor that influences your decisions. But then what about his third level? Not every

single persons principles of morality can be the same, so whose is correct and how did they come

about that differently than the next persons if most people go through the same levels one and

two?

With these in mind David Premark then introduced the Theory of Mind; an understanding

that anothers behavior is motivated by a range of mental states (beliefs, intentions, desires,

perceptions, and emotions) and that these states help explain their behavior. It begins developing

at thirty six months and is well developed by eleven/twelve, but it is still being refined long after.

Bottom line your morality is continued to be influenced and developed throughout your life.

We might not know exactly where it comes from, but we do know that. Experiences can help

shape who we are and how we act.

Reflection:

When I think back to my time in this class throughout the semester, I remember how

engaged I was in the topic. I was so fascinated and interested in the lectures, learning things I

didnt know before, it made the learning process more fun. When we would dive into a topic,

especially like morality, I was truly and honestly engaged. I would have an opinion but the

person sitting next to me would have a different opinion. I think more than anything you get to

grasp the concept that there are so many different ways of thinking. I got to see things in a new

perspective.

This specific chapter during the course of this class stuck out to me because of how

intricate it was, it was fascinating to learn about the depths of morality. It just goes to show how

complex we are as humans. Our minds are incredible tools. Now in my own mind when I make a

choice I wonder why I decided upon it and how my own morality is influenced by it. And of the

lifespan perspective in general, I am more aware of what comes from the life I am living today,

the life I lived yesterday, and the life I will live tomorrow.

Now that my knowledge of the lifespan perspective (especially morality) has been

widened, I would suggest to everyone to look into the experiences in life, starting at birth and

ending at death, that shape us to be who we are today. Not only will your understanding of

developed life be wider, but you may find answers to the questions of what your future may hold

as well.