Topics In Developmental Psychology And Human Development

Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW

Updated August 15th, 2025 by BetterHelp Editorial Team

When some people think of developmental psychology, they may equate it with child psychology. However, this type of psychology goes beyond childhood and covers growth areas among all age groups. Understanding how past and present psychologists theorize about developmental psychology can help you understand the current treatment methods for various age groups.

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Developmental psychology overview

For psychologists, developmental psychology has a specific meaning. The definition of this phrase has several components, including the following:

The study of human growth, maturity, learning, and adaptation
The study of development, which refers to growth and change
Comprehensive research across the entire human lifespan
A focus on all stages of lifespan development
A focus on all areas of human change, including physical, social, motivational, cognitive, intellectual, emotional, perceptual, and behavioral change
A focus on research methods to explain the social, genetic, and environmental factors that lead to deficiencies in child and adult development

The principles and concepts of developmental psychology overlap with those of several other disciplines, including social psychology, educational psychology, and cognitive psychology. There have been several prominent psychologists engaged in developmental psychology. Some of the most prominent include Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, Sigmund Freud, and Paul Baltes.

Where is developmental psychology used?

Developmental psychology is used by psychologists specializing in the subject and other mental health professionals who use its concepts and techniques to support others. A few areas where these theories are used include the following:

Health clinics
Assisted living homes and nursing homes for older adults
Group homes and clinics that serve people with developmental disabilities
Hospitals
Centers for houseless individuals
Mental health clinics
Teen rehab centers
Government agencies
Schools and universities

If you’re still in university or pursuing higher education, knowledge about the theories and principles of developmental psychology is commonly taught to students. Meanwhile, concepts related to human development are applied by professionals in various fields of practice, such as clinics, rehabilitation centers, companies, and governmental agencies.

Theories and topics in developmental psychology

Several theories have been proposed to explain childhood development and maturity beyond childhood. Four of these theories outline progressive stages of development, including Freud's psychosexual stages, Piaget's four stages of cognitive development, Erikson's psychosocial stages, and Kohlberg's moral development stages.

Piaget's theory is often considered one of the most influential theories of human development in developmental psychology. Professional childcare professionals and therapists primarily use Jean Piaget's psychology theories. Below are further explanations of these theories.

Freud's psychosexual development theory

In Freud's psychosexual theory, each stage focuses on a specific body part. Freud believed that childhood conflicts could arise relating to these pleasure centers. If the child resolves the conflicts successfully, they move to the next stage and healthy adulthood. If not, they may develop mental illness in childhood or later in life. However, Freud's theory is less influential today than decades ago.

Freud's stages included:

The oral stage: Birth to one year
The anal stage: Ages one to three
The phallic stage: Ages three to six
The latent stage: Ages six to puberty
The genital stage: From puberty to the end of life

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Piaget's four stages of cognitive development

Piaget's theory of cognitive development addressed the cognitive (thinking) aspects of development. Piaget combined concepts from both sides of the nature vs. nurture debate, positing that people grow and develop cognitive abilities through a relationship between environmental and biological factors. His theory started with the assertion that children think differently from adults. Piaget's four stages of cognitive development included:

The sensorimotor stage from birth to age two
The preoperational stage from age two to six
The concrete operational stage from age seven to eleven
The formal operational stage from age twelve to adulthood

Erikson's psychosocial stages

Erik Erikson developed one of the most widely used theories of developmental psychology. He expanded on Freud's ideas to form his psychosocial development theory. An area that differed from the other psychologists was that Erikson's theory followed development throughout life. The stages of Erikson's theory included:

Stage One: Trust vs. mistrust (infancy)
Stage Two: Autonomy vs. shame and doubt (early childhood)
Stage Three: Initiative vs. guilt (preschool)
Stage Four: Industry vs. inferiority (school age)
Stage Five: Identity vs. confusion (adolescence)
Stage Six: Intimacy vs. isolation (young adulthood)
Stage Seven: Generativity vs. stagnation (middle adulthood)
Stage Eight: Integrity vs. despair (old age)

At each stage, Erikson theorized that individuals would face a conflict to overcome. When accomplished, the child or adult may develop the social skills and attitudes needed for the next phase. He believed that if an individual became stuck on one of the stages, it could indicate a mental health condition.

Kohlberg's theory of moral development

Lawrence Kohlberg designed a theory of moral development with three levels of morality. His theory involved moral reasoning but not necessarily moral behavior. He also recognized that although a level might be most common in one age group, that doesn't mean people in other age groups don't use it. His three levels of moral development included:

Preconventional Morality: Decisions are based on obeying fixed rules
Conventional Morality: People try to be "good" and live up to socially accepted norms for behavior
Post-Conventional Morality: People rely on universal ethical principles, agreed-upon standards, and abstract reasoning to come to their moral conclusions

Because much of Kohlberg’s research focused on how men make moral decisions, his theory has been criticized for failing to account for gender differences in moral reasoning.

Applying topics in developmental psychology to children

Researchers and practicing psychologists can help children throughout early childhood through the age of college students by using theories from developmental psychology. Those who are pursuing education or studying this branch of psychology in a research situation may seek to discover the typical stages and rates of development during the human lifespan. They may focus on language acquisition, moral development, or infant attachment.

Clinical psychologists can use the information to help children and their parents more directly. Because they know when infants often start walking, talking, developing moral reasoning, and venturing away from their parents' reach, they can identify potential developmental disabilities. Clinical psychologists may detect any type of disabilities, such as language, learning, and motor disabilities, that may impact the psychological development of children.

Research topics in developmental psychology can apply to several different aspects of early life, including changing family dynamics, the formation of self-esteem, early childhood education, the impact of environmental influences on prenatal development, and childhood perspectives on gender roles. Through ongoing studies and research, psychologists also continue to uncover varied developmental factors that can affect emotional well-being in children, with some experts suggesting that certain conditions, like anxiety disorders, are primarily developmental in nature.

Developmental disabilities

The treatment of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other developmental disabilities in children is one of the most well-researched trends in developmental psychology. A psychologist can often recognize when a child may benefit from being evaluated for developmental disabilities. They can conduct tests with the child and provide treatment if needed. The goal of treatment for children with these disabilities may be to give them tools and teach them skills for coping with their challenges and reaching their highest potential. Developmental psychologists also use research to understand the causes of these developmental challenges in children.

Learning disabilities

In addition to addressing disabilities related to psychological and prenatal development, developmental and child psychology may also help psychologists identify and treat learning disabilities, including language-related and information-processing disorders. Language-related learning disabilities include dyslexia and dysgraphia, for example. People with information-processing disorders may have trouble recognizing, responding to, and remembering the information they get through their senses. Aside from language-related learning disabilities, another example of a learning disability that may occur in children would be dyscalculia, which is a difficulty in learning number-related concepts.

Developmental psychologists may help people with learning disabilities in many ways. For example, they may work with a special education teacher to assess students and devise strategies for their success in school. In addition, they may help children learn through individual or group therapy. Assistive technology may be used in some cases, such as unique fonts on a computer for reading comprehension or note-taking devices, which can also be beneficial for some children studying at a university or college institution.

Developmental psychology and human development topics in adulthood

In adulthood, developmental psychologists are often interested in a client's past and how it impacts their current stage of development. Any stage in the developmental models discussed above may affect how you respond to today's problems and dilemmas. Particularly, experiences in child and adolescent development may impair growth in early adulthood and beyond.

The effect of technology use on human behavior is an increasingly common developmental psychology research topic in relation to how it affects social development, emotional development, and personality. Of particular interest is the proliferation of social media. Many articles and research studies have examined the developmental implications of the role social media plays in modern culture. For example, in one case study, researchers found a connection between certain types of social media use and depression in young adults, stating that the “question of how online experiences are linked to health and well-being is essential.”

Treatment in these cases may be recognizing your current life stage and how you can use current knowledge to cope with past problems. You may find acceptance as you understand where you are in life and how to care for yourself. Your therapist can also guide you in reaching the next steps. For many individuals, these steps include talk therapy and homework assignments that allow them to practice new ways of thinking and behaving.

In adulthood, many people start building a life, forming long-term relationships, and seeking a career. Your therapist may draw on developmental psychology concepts to help you reach your highest potential and emotional development in this process. They may discuss topics like getting into and succeeding in college, advancing in your career, and building a family within the context of these stages.

As new psychology research studies have theorized that adolescence can last until age 24, many young adults may also discuss brain development and learning new skills in young adulthood. Other life milestones that may occur for adults can include getting married, having your first child, learning who you are without your parents, or managing finances. A therapist can help you navigate these psychological and social development areas while offering mental health guidance.

Developmental psychology topics in older adults

While developmental psychology is often paired with child development and psychology, people continue to develop, learn, process things, and experiment into old age. Developmental psychologists can also study developmental issues for those over 50. Human development is a lifelong process. Developmental therapists can be helpful for a variety of things. For example, a developmental therapist might guide you as you think back on your life and help you positively make sense of it, or they may work with you to help you navigate fears about aging.

For many in old age, a key concern can be adapting to life and routines while experiencing physical changes or challenges. These challenges might include limitations to physical activity, susceptibility to illness, declining cognitive ability, menopause, and other age-related changes. As your therapist has studied these life changes, they may help you devise strategies to cope with them on your own, build a support network, and accept help as needed.

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Developmental psychology options

There are several reasons why speaking to a therapist can be beneficial. Those concerned with life changes may benefit from talking to a therapist trained in developmental psychology. For example, if you feel that you aren't living up to your potential, this therapy may help you gain the skills, knowledge, and maturity to move forward in your life stage. Whether you choose a professional who relies on developmental psychology exclusively or one that uses it as a part of an eclectic practice, this type of psychology can help you understand yourself and others.

Life can pose challenges at any stage, and sometimes, it can be difficult to find a therapist who matches your unique needs. Through an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can match with a therapist based on your preferences from home or anywhere with an internet connection. In addition, you may receive worksheets, activities, and resources unique to your life stage. Therapy sessions can be conducted via phone, video, or live chat.

Although not everyone experiences mental illness, many people of all ages can be susceptible to anxiety, depression, stress, and other conditions that can affect how they process things and function in life. Research has shown that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for these mental health conditions and many other mental health concerns. In addition, clients can get started quickly, often within 48 hours of signing up.

Takeaway

Developmental psychology studies human growth, maturity, learning, and adaptation, which covers the entire lifespan. It can be used in various settings to help people of all ages. If you want to connect with a therapist to support your growth and development, you may consider counseling with a licensed therapist.

Frequently asked questions

Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.

What main topics in developmental psychology are related to human development?

Developmental psychology covers cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development across the lifespan. It examines how people change from infancy to old age, focusing on factors such as brain growth, relationships, and learning, as well as the process of human development itself. Researchers also study how genetics and the environment influence development over time. The importance of developmental psychology lies in its aim to explain and provide a better understanding of the physical, emotional, and mental development of individuals across their lifespan from infancy to late adulthood.

Below are some theories in developmental psychology:

Piaget’s cognitive development: Jean Piaget proposed the theory of cognitive development, which explains how children develop through four cognitive development stages. The four stages of cognitive development include the sensorimotor stage, the preoperational stage, the concrete operational stage, and the formal operational stage. His research in the field of psychology shaped how teachers design lessons, which are based on their students’ cognitive abilities, individual differences, language, and learning pace. Piaget’s approach recognizes learning and development as a dynamic process that can vary among children.
Freud’s psychosexual theory: Sigmund Freud’s psychosexual theory states the five stages of human development, which are oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital. According to Freud, each stage focuses on a specific body part, where childhood conflict may arise related to those pleasure areas. These stages aim to explain the personality growth of a person from infancy to adulthood.
Erikson’s psychosocial stages: Compared to Freud, psychologist Erik Erikson focused on the psychosocial aspect and originally developed the eight stages of psychosocial development. This process highlights that during each stage, individuals would face a conflict to overcome. Social skills, for example, can be developed after overcoming each stage of development. Unresolved conflicts can negatively impact the process of overcoming the other stages. Erikson’s stages are as follows:

Stage 1: Trust vs. mistrust (infancy)
Stage 2: Autonomy vs. shame and doubt (toddlerhood)
Stage 3: Initiative vs. guilt (early childhood)
Stage 4: Industry vs. inferiority (childhood)
Stage 5: Identity vs. confusion (adolescence)
Stage 6: Intimacy vs. isolation (early adulthood)
Stage 7: Generativity vs. stagnation (middle adulthood)
Stage 8: Integrity vs. despair (old age)

Bandura’s social learning theory: Albert Bandura’s theory posits that individuals learn by observing, imitating, and modeling the behavior of others. Individuals acquire new knowledge and behaviors through the process known as vicarious learning. Bandura’s social learning theory views human development as a social process. One example of Bandura’s theory is the process by which children learn to speak by listening to or mimicking their caregivers, a concept that is important in both psychological development and language education. Children may learn behaviors simply by observing an example, another person, or their peer groups, without direct reinforcement.
Darwin’s evolutionary perspective: Basic principles from naturalist Charles Darwin contributed significantly to the field of developmental psychology. Darwin’s theory of natural selection and adaptation has influenced how psychologists and researchers explore how survival mechanisms, physical maturation, environmental influences, and natural traits shape the behavior and growth of individuals over their lifespan.

What does a developmental psychologist study in terms of cognitive processes?

Through research, developmental psychologists study how thinking, problem-solving, memory, and language skills develop from infancy to adulthood. This includes an understanding of aspects of intellectual development, such as how children acquire new knowledge, how children develop schemas, how memory changes with age, and how cognitive disorders affect learning. They also explore the impact of early experiences on later intellectual abilities.

What are the three major issues addressed in developmental psychology and cognitive growth?

The three major issues are nature vs. nurture, continuity vs. stages, and stability vs. change. Nature vs. nurture examines whether development is driven by genetics or the environment. Continuity vs. stages explores whether growth happens gradually or in distinct phases, while stability vs. change looks at whether personality and abilities remain constant or shift over time. Research on these developmental issues continues to be conducted by psychologists and researchers to this day.

What are the big issues of focus in developmental psychology related to peer-reviewed research?

Researchers examine how early childhood influences later development, how cognitive function is affected by aging, and how environmental factors impact behavior. Peer-reviewed research examines brain plasticity, the impact of trauma on mental health, individual differences linked with human development, and learning, language, or motor disability development. These research discoveries contribute to enhancing educational practices, parenting practices, and therapeutic techniques.

What is the main focus of developmental psychology?

Developmental psychology focuses on how people grow and change mentally, emotionally, and socially from birth to old age. Through research, psychologists investigate the factors that influence personality, intelligence, and behavior throughout life. This research on human development can help identify ways to support healthy development and address challenges such as learning difficulties or emotional struggles.

What is a real-life example of developmental psychology?

A teacher adapting lessons for different age groups based on how children learn and process information is an example. Developmental psychology helps educators understand how students’ cognitive abilities change over time. This knowledge allows them to create age-appropriate teaching strategies that support learning and development. Another real-life example of developmental psychology is identifying speech, language, and developmental delays in a child. Mental health professionals study how individuals develop through research, which allows them to identify any signs of language or social skill delay.

What is an example of a developmental disorder studied in psychology, developmental, and cognitive contexts?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social skills, and cognitive development. People with ASD may struggle with language, have difficulty understanding social cues, or display repetitive behaviors. Psychologists study ASD to develop effective interventions, education plans backed by research, and support systems. Children who are experiencing health issues related to their physical, mental, or emotional development may consult a developmental psychologist to address underlying concerns.

Who can benefit from developmental psychology?

Children, parents, educators, therapists, and healthcare professionals can all benefit from developmental psychology. Developmental psychology examines the developmental processes of human beings throughout their lives—the process of how people change, grow, and adapt across their lifespan. Understanding how people grow and change can help parents support their children’s learning and emotional needs. It also helps many older adults as they navigate through life and ensures the success of the next generation. Educators use developmental psychology to improve teaching methods, while therapists can apply it to help individuals overcome challenges.

What type of professional activity might a developmental psychologist do in a peer-reviewed research setting?

A developmental psychologist might conduct childhood learning, aging, or brain development studies and publish findings from empirical research in academic journals. Their research may involve observing children in classrooms, testing memory in older adults, or studying the effects of early life experiences. These research studies in the psychological development of children and adults can contribute to evidence-based education, mental health, and healthcare practices.

When should you see a developmental psychologist?

You should see a developmental psychologist if you or someone you know is experiencing speech, language, learning, or social skills delays. These professionals, who have undergone training, education, and experience in empirical research, can help assess developmental milestones and provide guidance on interventions to support growth. Examples of developmental delays in areas such as language acquisition and motor development can impact a child's emotional, physical, and psychological development if left unaddressed. Early detection of developmental challenges can lead to better outcomes through therapy or specialized education plans backed by empirical research. Another importance of seeking support when it comes to issues related to human development is to address other mental health concerns that may arise in children and adults, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

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