In this chapter, I learned that lifespan development is "a rich, multilayer complex of interactions". Lifespan psychology looks at different kinds of behavioral patterns that occur in one's life. We cannot depend upon age alone in defining the process of human development but we should put into consideration growth, change, and stability. The bio-psychosocial model shaped us as human beings. After reading chapter one, the most interesting part is the role that culture plays in lifespan development. "Culture can be defined as the customs, values, and traditions inherent in one's environment". I can relate this to the changes I went through since I came to United States twenty-eight years ago, at nineteen years of age. I could remember how quickly I assumed the role of an adult, however the dictate of my native culture did not depart from me even when I became a mother and wife. When things were going wrong in my marriage I stuck to my cultural beliefs that I must respect my husband, adhere to his instructions.
The book also states that to understand the importance of culture in development, there are three answer to this questions"How well do you understand the cultures of your friends, coworkers, and neighbors? (P.14). For me, I understand culture at the significant level especially in respect to my nursing career one has to grasp the values, beliefs, and norms of patients and coworkers. As a nurse we have to be aware that being different is not deficient. For example if a patient does not believe in blood transfusion, we have to respect that particular patients beliefs and culture and help them identify some other ways to maintain their health.We have to understand that their behavior is in fact due to cultural effect. 