Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Why do many developmental psychologists view the prenatal period as a model for all subsequent development?

1. The scientific method has helped to explain prenatal development.

2. The continuities in prenatal development aid in understanding long-term outcomes.

3. Nature is more important than nurture in explaining developmental outcomes.

4. Many principles that explain prenatal development also apply after birth.

The correct answer is: Many principles that explain prenatal development also apply after birth.

Many developmental psychologists consider the prenatal period as a crucial model for understanding subsequent development because the principles observed during this early stage of life often extend into later development. This perspective is rooted in the idea that certain biological, environmental, and social factors that influence growth and behavior during the prenatal phase also play significant roles throughout infancy, childhood, and beyond. The frameworks and theories developed to explain how prenatal development shapes an individual can be applied to later stages, making it a powerful reference point for understanding the continuity and change in human development throughout the lifespan. For instance, concepts related to attachment, neurodevelopment, and the impact of external stressors or maternal health can shed light on behaviors and outcomes later in life. The prenatal environment sets the stage for crucial developments, such as brain formation and physical health, which are foundational for later psychological and emotional outcomes. The intertwining of genetic predispositions and environmental influences observed prenatally helps emphasize the ongoing interplay of these factors through all levels of development.