What is a fundamental characteristic of the lifespan perspective on human development?

A fundamental characteristic of the lifespan perspective on human development is that it emphasizes the concepts of multidirectionality and plasticity. This perspective recognizes that development is not a linear process that occurs uniformly across individuals or across the lifespan. Instead, development can take various paths and directions, leading to gains and losses in different areas throughout a person’s life.

Multidirectionality acknowledges that people can experience different changes across various dimensions of development, such as cognitive, emotional, and social skills. For instance, an individual may become more adept in certain areas while facing challenges in others. Plasticity refers to the potential for change and adaptation throughout life, indicating that individuals can modify their behavior and capabilities in response to experiences, environments, and individual choices.

This perspective contrasts with models that suggest development happens only once in a fixed sequence of stages or is solely determined by genetic factors. Instead, the lifespan perspective highlights the dynamic interplay between biology, environment, and personal agency throughout a person's life.