What Is Developmental Psychology?

Developmental psychology can focus on how and why people might develop and change physically, emotionally, and intellectually throughout their lives. Psychologists that work in this field, primarily developmental psychologists, may treat mental health conditions connected to certain life events during a specific developmental life stage. In some cases, these psychologists work on research or teaching. Those looking to work in the field of developmental psychology may need to pursue a Ph. D., university degree, or other psychology certification.

Exploring the various factors that influence human growth and development can be essential for advancing psychology and learning more about how we develop over time.

What is developmental psychology?

The American Psychological Association defines developmental psychology as “the branch of psychology that studies the changes—physical, mental, and behavioral—that occur from conception to old age.” This psychology field focuses on investigating the biological, social, cultural, psychological, and environmental factors that affect development throughout a person’s life span. The roots of developmental psychology were established long before it became a formal discipline, all the way back in medieval times. 

Human development and a new view of the mind of a child

Many other psychologists developed theories of childhood development. One of the later influences on this area of study was psychologist Sigmund Freud. Sigmund Freud is known for his psychological theory of human personality, specifically that it is comprised of the ego, superego, and id psychology. Many of Freud's theories about psychological development and the human mind have been debunked. However, his first psychological theories on childhood development may have paved the way for others. 

Freud developed his psychosexual theory in the early 1900s to explain five "erogenous zones" on which children focus throughout development. He claimed that if there were difficulties during psychological development, children would form an innate fixation, which may look like anxiety or another mental health issue. 

The eight life stages of human development according to Erik Erikson

American psychologist Erik Erikson developed an eight-stage model describing each life stage's psychosocial development in the early 1900s. He believed that when the fundamental aspects of a development stage were not completed successfully, the following stages may also not be completed successfully, and an individual may develop psychological concerns. In these cases, Erik believed a developmental psychologist could help clients return to past life-stage failures and repair them. 

3 to 5 years: Initiative vs guilt

Debates on developmental psychology

As the study of developmental psychology expanded in the past, debates developed around conflicting psychological opinions and ideas. Some of these psychological ideas and opinions being debated can be found in peer-reviewed academic journals like Developmental Psychology, which is published by the American Psychological Association. This developmental psychology journal focuses on articles and studies that advance knowledge and theories pertaining to human development. The American Psychological Association’s Developmental Psychology interest group also publishes a developmental psychology newsletter called Developmental Psychologist. 

Due to the manuscript acceptance rules that Developmental Psychology and other academic journals utilize, the information within them may be considered more trustworthy than non-academic psychology sources. In addition to what can be found in modern journals, debates about developmental psychology can be found throughout history. Some of these developmental psychology debates include:  

Nature vs. nurture is an ancient philosophical debate. Plato and Descartes believed that we are born with some knowledge, while John Locke believed that people are born a blank slate and gain understanding through experience. Most modern developmental psychologists believe that cognitive, emotional, and intellectual development are focused on both nature and nurture, with both exerting influence on development. 

Freud believed a child's personality was complete and unchangeable by age five. This psychological theory meant that healthy psychological and emotional development would be beyond the reach of those who have experienced childhood trauma. However, current empirical research shows that adults can change their attachment styles, make positive life changes, and develop psychologically even after childhood. Additionally, the brain is still developing until age 25. This and other psychology findings are what led to the debunking of much of Freud’s published work. 

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Caregivers might feel nervous when a child doesn't meet developmental milestones. Researchers debate whether a child should be labeled abnormal if the developmental milestones aren't met or if their differences are just psychological differences. 

Each child can be unique, and their environment may play a role in their psychological development. For example, research findings have shown that children from dysfunctional families may not meet developmental milestones, and may experience behavioral or psychological problems. Child development milestones and environmental issues may be considered simultaneously in modern psychology before creating a psychological treatment plan. 

Developmental psychology issues

Negative developmental outcomes may lead to psychological or mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. These psychological problems may occur if: 

• Life stages have not been completed
• Adolescents struggle with the challenges and difficulties unique to the teenage years
• People are unable to form healthy relationships and overcome problems relating to emotional growth
• People feel isolated and lonely
• People feel unable to face the challenges of aging

Developmental psychologists study these psychological problems extensively, helping facilitate healthy intellectual, interpersonal, and emotional development by conducting research and providing mental health care. According to the American Psychological Association, their overarching goal is “to help people reach their full potential”. They might use psychological screening tools to determine when the problem started in one's development. Depending on the results, the developmental psychologist could choose one theory or a combination of development theories to treat psychological symptoms.

Other views of developmental psychology beginning as a child 

There are many developmental psychology theories, including the following: 

• Piaget's theory of cognitive development: Piaget believed children learn by experimenting and observing. According to Piaget’s theory, cognitive development occurs over four stages. 
• Bowlby's theory of attachment: Bowlby's theory focuses on the long-term attachments children form with their caregivers. 
• Vygotsky's theory of sociocultural development: Vygotsky's theory is newer than others and looks at the interaction between people and their cultures. Vygotsky suggests that human development is a social process.

How to find a counselor

Developmental psychology may be continually expanding and adapting new psychological theories. Developmental psychologists might continue to explore prenatal development, adult attachment, and how mental health conditions develop over time. The more psychologists gain a complete understanding of developmental psychology and how it relates to us, the more we may fulfill our potential, form healthy relationships, and live happy lives into our old age.

If you're experiencing distressing psychological symptoms or have been diagnosed with a mental health condition related to the developmental stages, you might benefit from speaking to a psychologist about your experiences. You can look for a psychotherapist in your area or try a modern form of psychotherapy, such as online psychological counseling. 

Online psychotherapy is often more convenient and less expensive than traditional psychotherapy. Additionally, online psychotherapy is as effective as in-person psychotherapy in many circumstances. If you're interested in trying this treatment modality, consider reaching out to a psychotherapist on a platform like BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for couples.