To what extent and in what ways are people ?fixed? and ?open to change?

Charles Darwin was not only a pioneer in evolutionary psychology, also todays theories of modern life growth sweep up on and are influenced by Darwins ideas. His functionalist perspective primarily centre on the reason for development of specific human characteristics over numerous another(prenominal) generations, and thereof an enormously long timescale. However, inspired by the observations in the development his consume son, Darwin also acknowledged that an individual is the result of a bit-by-bit sequence of prior changes, both in a broad evolutionary sense and within individuals own lifetime and come on development and changes lies ahead (Cooper and Roth, p.50, 2003). This notion provided the basis for other researchers to further seek the development of humans over a lifetime period. The human lifespan development give the axe be explored in many varied ways, e.g. in terms of biological maturity of the body from a new-born to a physically amply-grown adult, physic al deterioration in later stages of live and how that effects flock psychologically. Individual physiological and psychological characteristics are potential factors that have different impact on distributively individual, they accordingly are considered as versed influences (Cooper and Roth, p.5, 2003). The development of cognitive abilities, specific historical circumstances or the tender and cultural environments of each person present external influences (Cooper and Roth, p.5, 2003). It has to be noteworthy that both internal and external factors can influence each other. We therefore we have to look at these transactions rather than just winning single factors into consideration.Initially, researchers considered the observation of children as a very instructive heart in investigating at what organize of time certain changes in human behaviour evolve. Through identifying a pattern of changes that father start in the development of a new born into a fully grown adult, researches developed the organismic approach. They believed that in order to achieve adulthood, wad go through different phases and that a later stage incorporates and expands on the experiences from an earlier stage in life (stage theory). slice adulthood was considered as the end-stage, external factors were identified as potential causes for a delay, acceleration or slowing-down in certain stages of development, but it was suggested that the pat... ... we can consciously change, e.g. getting rid of what we sometimes define as bad habits, or unconsciously after powerful, sometimes traumatic life-events. Human development therefore should be seen as the complex construct of interactions between age-related factors, historical factors and ergodic environmental occurrences that only relate to one individual (Cooper and Roth, p.59, 2003). While first experiences in life might predict certain characteristics that define each individual throughout his/her life, life events and expe riences are considered to be major factors that can enhance and undoubtedly change these characteristics. Human development over a lifetime can be seen as a constant journey, with many possible routes, turns, cross-points and sometimes dead-ends. We, as the drivers of the vehicle that takes us through our own individual journey can often chose which road we want to take out of all routes available. Sometimes our choices are limited, but the end point of our journey is the end of our lives, rather then the achievement of adulthood.ReferencesCooper, T. and Roth, I. (eds) (2003) Challenging psychological Issues, Milton Keynes, The Open University.