What is development psychology

So, taking our cue from Dr. You will analyze and discuss the strengths, and the weaknesses of the major theories of lifespan development, as well as learn about the impact of biological and genetic influences, such as ethnicity, and gender, alongside other cultural factors, on physical growth, cognition, and behavior.

You will then assess how current research supports and critiques these theories. As is common with all National University classes, the developmental psychology online course is taught over a rolling four-week period, meaning that students are never more than 30 days away from starting their education and can better schedule their study around pre-existing work and family commitments.

The developmental psychology class online does have some prerequisite classes which must be completed before being accepted in the course.

If you want to practice in a clinical setting, you will need further education and a license. However, there are many other career options open to students who major in psychology aside from the couch or coaching. It could be argued that the diversity of opportunities available to psychology graduates makes the subject a great degree opportunity for students who want to keep their career options open.

These are called developmental stages-periods of life initiated by distinct transitions in physical or psychological functioning. Psychologists of the discontinuity view believe that people go through the same stages, in the same order, but not necessarily at the same rate. When trying to explain development, it is important to consider the relative contribution of both nature and nurture. Developmental psychology seeks to answer two big questions about heredity and environment:. Nature refers to the process of biological maturation inheritance and maturation.

One of the reasons why the development of human beings is so similar is because our common specifies heredity DNA guides all of us through many of the same developmental changes at about the same points in our lives. Nurture refers to the impact of the environment, which involves the process of learning through experiences.

Stability implies personality traits present during infancy endure throughout the lifespan. In contrast, change theorists argue that personalities are modified by interactions with family, experiences at school, and acculturation. This capacity for change is called plasticity. For example, Rutter discovered than somber babies living in understaffed orphanages often become cheerful and affectionate when placed in socially stimulating adoptive homes.

Developmental psychology as a discipline did not exist until after the industrial revolution when the need for an educated workforce led to the social construction of childhood as a distinct stage in a person's life. The notion of childhood originates in the Western world and this is why the early research derives from this location. Initially, developmental psychologists were interested in studying the mind of the child so that education and learning could be more effective.

Developmental changes during adulthood is an even more recent area of study. This is mainly due to advances in medical science, enabling people to live to old age. Charles Darwin is credited with conducting the first systematic study of developmental psychology.

In he published a short paper detailing the development of innate forms of communication based on scientific observations of his infant son, Doddy. However, the emergence of developmental psychology as a specific discipline can be traced back to when Wilhelm Preyer a German physiologist published a book entitled The Mind of the Child.

In the book, Preyer describes the development of his own daughter from birth to two and a half years. Importantly, Preyer used rigorous scientific procedures throughout studying the many abilities of his daughter.

Erikson also viewed the elder years as a time of reflection back on life. Those who are able to look back and see a life well-lived emerge with a sense of wisdom and readiness to face the end of their lives, while those who look back with regret may be left with feelings of bitterness and despair.

Developmental psychologists may work with elderly patients to help them cope with issues related to the aging process.

To determine if a developmental problem is present, a psychologist or other highly trained professional may administer either a developmental screening or evaluation. If a problem is found to be present, the patient may then be referred to a specialist such as a speech-language pathologist, physical therapist, or occupational therapist. Receiving a diagnosis of a developmental issue can often feel both confusing and frightening, particularly when it is your child who is affected.

Once you or your loved one has received a diagnosis of a developmental issue, spend some time learning as much as you can about the diagnosis and available treatments. Prepare a list of questions and concerns you may have and discuss these issues with your doctor, developmental psychologist, and other healthcare professionals who may be part of the treatment team. By taking an active role in the process, you will feel better informed and equipped to tackle the next steps in the treatment process.

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Erikson EH. Childhood and Society. New York: Norton. Identity: Youth and Crisis. Related Articles. Understanding Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development. What to Know About Neurobehavioral Disorders.