Developmental Psychology

At the end of this course, students should be able to: 1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of human development through the lifespan; 2. demonstrate knowledge and appreciation for the role of sociocultural, socioeconomic, and diversity factors and lifestyle choices in the development of young children; 3. relate the concepts of traditional developmental theorists to the health care of children; 4. describe typical development of occupational behaviours during the periods of infancy, pre- school, and school age, and explain the influences of family, and cultural and society context on occupational performance; 5. demonstrate beginning skills in observation and interpretation of objective behaviours relative to motor, perceptual-motor, cognitive, psychological, and social development, and within the sociocultural environment of that child; 6. develop initial skills to observe developmental milestones, and describe its influence of on occupational skill development; 7. observe the development behaviours of a typical child. Prepare clear and accurate written documentation describing a child’s current developmental performance; 8. identify common problems that may lead to an interruption in occupational skills development such as health and environmental issues, and developmental delay. discuss methods of prevention and the promotion of children’s health; 9. demonstrate objectivity in documentation and professional work behaviors through participation in the laboratory activities and execution of course assignments; 10. demonstrate ability to critically review articles developmental research by preparing a review and taking part in a discussion of the implications of research in health care; 11. demonstrate knowledge and appreciation of the role of sociocultural, socioeconomic, and diversity factors and lifestyle choices in contemporary society; 12. demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and practical considerations that affect the health and wellness needs of adolescents, adults and older adults who are at risk for occupational deprivation; 13. describe common social, occupational and health challenges associated with the stages of adolescent, adult and older adults’ development, and the problems that may lead to an interruption in occupational skills development; 14. discuss methods of prevention and the promotion of health; and 15. describe impact of occupational role at various stages of adolescent, adult and older adult development, including the sequential and/or cyclical changes in occupational role.

1. Paediatrics: Human growth and development in infancy, childhood, and adolescence in the areas of sensory, motor, physiological, cognitive, psychosocial, and self-care skills. Principles of health promotion and disability prevention and influences of culture and diversity. Examination of the role of age-related occupations on development and within the framework of performance components, performance areas and contexts. Observation and participation in community service and learning settings. Understanding the meaning and cultural influence of occupation, reasons for performing occupation, occupational justice and injustice, therapeutic use of occupations, and occupational right in childhood and adolescence. 2. Adult: Human development for adulthood and elders, with an analysis and integration of normal growth and development in the areas of sensory, motor, perceptual, physical, cognitive, physiological, psychosocial and self-care skills. Principles of health promotion and disease prevention and influences of culture and diversity. Examination of the role of age-related occupations on maturity, aging, death and dying, quality of life and well-being. Study of performance components, performance areas and contexts. observation/participation in community service setting. Understanding the meaning and cultural influence of occupation, reasons for performing occupation, concepts of occupational justice and injustice, therapeutic use of occupations, and occupational right in adults.