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. 
Terrific analysis of the readings. The Bio- Psycho social approach to development is one of my favorite perspectives. You really do get the best of both worlds with nature and nurture. That argument is often so hard to figure out in development. Most research suggests that both play important roles. I think your background as a nurse offers a very valuable insight into understanding how culture effects attitudes. Culture is also a product of development. Your example of the blood transfusion is spot on. Development makes us who we are. Culture makes us who we are. As development changes throughout our lives often times culture remains a guiding light. Exploring that interactions fully gives one insight into development
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your thoughts on the chapter. The part that stood out to me the most in what you said had to do with your growth when you moved to this country. You said you assumed the role of an adult. I too took on this role at a young age. When I was about 12 years old I started cooking for my family, cleaning, and doing the laundry. I had a single mother who worked very hard to keep a roof over my sister and I's head. It was important to me to keep the household chores to a minimum for her. I think this encouraged me to become more mature at a younger age. This also influences the way I am today. I am the one who does most of the laundry and cleaning in my home. I leave the cooking to my fiance :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Monsurat.
hi monsurat your sharing is really intresting.i am totally agree with you as culter belief. in USA we have defferent culter pepole.i am my self from hindu culture but as nurse we always respect every one culture belief as you says that if patient is not believe in blood transfusion, we respect their culture and belief.
DeleteMonsurat, I agree with you completely in regards to culture beliefs. I am from Ghana, West Africa; we believe and respect our culture, irrespective of its negative effects. As you mentioned, standing up against your husband is considered disrespecting him even when he is maltreating you, which I feel is wrong because this has caused the death of many married women.
ReplyDeleteAlso, in nursing we should respect the culture of others as you stated about the blood transfusion. Another example is respecting the people who come from the Muslim countries to our hospitals who don't eat pork and also need to pray at certain times of the day without interruptions. We have to respect their culture and make changes to diet, nursing procedures and medication times in order to accommodate them.