Developmental Psychology: What It Is And How It’s Applied
Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW
Updated April 12, 2024by 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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What is developmental psychology?
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 deficiency 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
Significant theories 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 end of life
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 than 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 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.
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, and childhood perspectives on gender roles. 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 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.
Learning disabilities
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.
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.
How developmental psychology is used in adulthood
In adulthood, developmental psychologists are often interested in a client's past and how it impacts their current stage of development. Any stages 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 effects social development, emotional development, and personality. Of particular interest is the proliferation of social media. Many articles and 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 you 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 psychology and social development areas while offering mental health guidance.
How developmental psychology is used for older adults
While developmental psychology is often paired with child development and psychology, people continue to develop, learn, and experiment into old age. Developmental psychologists can also study developmental issues for those over 50. 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 counseling options
Those concerned with life changes may benefit from talking to a therapist trained in developmental psychology. 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 that 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 that 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. 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 that 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 (FAQs)
Below are a few of the most frequently asked questions about developmental psychology.
What is a developmental psychologist?
Developmental psychologists study human development as it occurs throughout the human lifespan. These professionals are concerned with all areas of human change, including physical, social, motivational, cognitive, intellectual, emotional, perceptual, and personality. Some of the most influential developmental psychologists include Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson.
What are the major concerns in developmental psychology?
Several concerns have sparked debates in developmental psychology. They include questions about the form, reason, mode, and influences of human development. A few questions can include:
- Is child development due to genetics or the environment?
- How important are the events of early childhood?
- What is the difference between abnormal behavior and social differences?
Who is the most famous developmental psychologist?
Several influential developmental psychologists have been referenced in detail in modern psychology, including Sigmund Freud, Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and Urie Bronfenbrenner. Jean Piaget may be considered especially famous and influential. Piaget's cognitive development theory examines how children learn and grow intellectually across life stages.
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