The Developmental Psychology Definition

Developmental psychology is an area of psychology committed to understanding human development across a lifespan. It contributes to multiple scientific fields. Understanding definitions of developmental psychology, why it is crucial, and how it is applied to the world today can help you understand yourself, your children, and the world as a whole.

Developmental psychology definition

However, developmental psychology is also used in modern times to understand human development throughout the lifespan, as changes occur during not only early childhood but also adolescence and adulthood. Developmental psychology can also be used to understand developmental disabilities. 

Goals of developmental psychology

There are three primary goals of developmental psychology. These are to describe, explain, and optimize development. Describing development often requires focusing on patterns of change and individual variations on patterns. While there is a typical path of development that many people follow, every person is different and has a unique developmental experience. Developmental psychologists work to explain their findings and apply them to optimize development in humans at all stages of life. They also use theories from developmental psychology to optimize learning.

Stages of cognitive human development: Childhood, adulthood, and later life

One way that developmental psychology optimizes development and learning is through specific theories about growth and brain development. There are many theories in developmental psychology, and sometimes they are contradictory. Research is ongoing to determine the best methods for understanding and exploring development.

Continuity vs. discontinuity definition in developmental psychology

The continuity vs. discontinuity argument is about the stages of life that children and adults go through. Developmental psychologists who believe in continuity assert that normal development is a gradual and continual process. Children develop much in the same way as they grow taller.

Discontinuity is the more common argument in this debate. Psychologists who believe in discontinuity assert that changes are more abrupt and occur in stages. Psychologists who believe in discontinuity hold that everyone goes through the same stages of life, and biological factors prompt those stages. However, not everyone may go through the same stages simultaneously. Individuals develop at their own pace, and while there may be defined norms, everyone is unique and can develop differently.

Nature vs. nurture in developmental psychology

The nature vs. nurture debate is among the oldest psychological and philosophical debates. Some psychologists believe that nature, or genetics, primarily dictates a child's development, while others believe that nurture, or environmental factors, play the most significant role. However, many modern psychologists have found that both can play an equal role in development. 

Stability vs. change in developmental psychology

The stability vs. change argument is about personality. Psychologists who are pro-stability believe that some aspects of the personality are present upon birth and cannot change. Pro-change psychologists believe that your environment, family interactions, life experiences, and other factors can change your personality over time. For example, children who spend their early years in an orphanage and struggle to develop socially as babies may become more outgoing and affectionate in a stable family home. However, most psychologists believe that a combination of the two is possible. 

Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, and other developmental psychologists

Developmental psychology was first majorly studied during the Industrial Revolution. As it became apparent that an educated workforce was needed, more emphasis was placed on child development and learning. This need led to increasing research into developmental psychology. As the Industrial Revolution occurred in the Western world, developmental psychology was a Western school of thought. The original goal of developmental psychology was to determine how children learn, make education more effective, and create a more robust workforce.

The development of adults is a new area of study, but one that is proving to be fruitful. People living until old age go through many developmental changes. This area of developmental psychology can clarify mental health in aging populations.

The rise of developmental psychology

Two psychologists were responsible for the rise of developmental psychology. Charles Darwin contributed to early psychological debates with his scientific observations of his son's communication patterns. Later, in 1882, German psychologist Wilhelm Preyer wrote the book The Mind of the Child, based on his scientific observations of his daughter from birth to age two. These two initial works were the kicking-off point for more research and the development of other theories. The three most famous developmental psychologists were Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and John Bowlby, all of whom defined developmental psychology theories that are still used and fine-tuned today.

Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, and later developmental psychologists

Jean Piaget psychology has had the most influence. Jean Piaget was a developmental psychologist who created a theory of cognitive development that altered people's perceptions of the world when it came to children. According to Piaget, cognitive development in children occurs during four stages, and it involves the construction of schemas, or psychological frameworks for interpreting the world. Piaget’s theory continues to shape the way developmental psychologists study intelligence. 

Many other theories have been put forth by psychologists over the years, helping us better understand the various ways human development unfolds over time. These include Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, which posits that a series of conflicts must be resolved so that growth can occur, and Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, which sought to explain how children acquire the capacity for moral reasoning.  

Applications of developmental psychology: Child education and more

The theories and practices brought about by developmental psychology have numerous applications. For example, developmental psychology can be used to determine if a child is developing appropriately or if they have developmental disabilities. Developmental psychology also optimizes learning environments, and its theories influence many school systems. 

In addition, developmental psychologists work in clinical and academic settings to assess, diagnose, and treat adults with developmental disabilities. Those with developmental disabilities are often supported in learning skills that contribute to well-being and independence. Developmental psychologists may also work with older adults in nursing homes, hospitals, mental health clinics, and homeless shelters. Psychologists can use developmental theories to help individuals of all ages understand their stages of life. 

Talking to professionals to understand child and human development from a cognitive perspective

One of the primary reasons individuals may turn to developmental psychology is to understand their children better. When you read about human development, you may find that your child doesn't meet the usual developmental standards. There could be many reasons for not meeting developmental norms, and many parents can benefit from talking to a professional. 

One of the ways to get more information on developmental psychology as it pertains to your child is to talk to a licensed therapist experienced in developmental psychology. These professionals can examine your child's history and behavior, talk to the child, and discover why they may be struggling. 

Counseling options 

Many individuals seeking support with developmental concerns and mental health challenges may struggle to find in-person options due to demand, cost, or other factors. More people are choosing online counseling to treat these concerns due to its convenience and lower cost. The study of child-computer interaction has increasingly aided the field of developmental psychology. One recent scholarly article praised online counseling's ability to use techniques like storytelling and gameplay to address developmental issues better.

If you are worried about your child's development or how your early development is impacting you, therapists are available to help lead you in the right direction. Platforms like BetterHelp for adults and TeenCounseling for those aged 13 to 19 offer convenient online therapy options for you and your family. With services like these, you can get more information on developmental psychology, receive support in coping with developmental challenges or trauma, and find guidance.