Learning and Development - Themes and Methods in Developmental Psychology

Developmental Psychology

the scientific study of how and why people change over the course of their life (cognitive, emotional, social, and physical domains). 

- Womb - Tomb

Nature & Nurture

How do our genetic inheritance (nature) and our life experiences (nurture) interact to shape our development?

Continuity & Stages

Continuity views development as a gradual, ongoing process where changes build smoothly over time.

while stage theories see development as occurring in distinct phases marked by sudden, clear shifts from one stage to the next.

Stability & Change

This area of study helps us understand how and why people remain the same in some ways but also evolve and adapt in others as they go through different life stages.

Longitudinal Research

This approach follows the same individuals over time to directly observe changes in behavior, traits, and abilities, helping reveal long-term patterns and the impact of early experiences on later development.

Cross-Sectional Research

This method examines people of different ages at the same time, allowing researchers to compare age groups to identify similarities, differences, and possible developmental changes.

Psychosocial Development

theory that individuals progress through a series of stages, each characterized by a specific conflict that contributes to a major aspect of personality.

Trust and Mistrust

 

Age Range	Birth to 18 months
Key Focus	Development of trust
Developmental Task:	Infants learn whether or not they can trust the world to meet their basic needs.
Achieved Through:	Consistent and reliable care and affection from caregivers.
Positive (+)		Negative (-)
Development of trust, security, and optimism.		Explains how early interactions influence an individual's view of the world and form the foundation for future social and emotional development.
Significance:	Sets the foundation for future relationships and emotional health.

Autonomy and Shame & Doubt Stage

 

Age Range	18 months to 3 years
Key Focus	Development of personal control
Developmental Task:	Toddlers seek to do things on their own.
Achieved Through:	Encouragement and freedom to explore.
Positive (+)		Negative (-)
Self-sufficiency and confidence.		Feelings of shame and doubt.
Significance:	Crucial for developing personal control and self-esteem.

Initiative and Guilt Stage

 

Age Range	3 to 6 years
Key Focus	Development of initiative
Developmental Task:	Children begin to initiate actions and make decisions.
Achieved Through:	Encouragement of independent activity.
Positive (+)		Negative (-)
Sense of leadership and ambition.		Burden of guilt when failing or overstepping.
Significance:	Fosters early decision-making and leadership skills.

Industry and Inferiority Stage

 

Age Range	6 to 12 years
Key Focus	Building Skills (Competence)
Developmental Task:	Children strive to demonstrate skills and abilities.
Achieved Through:	Reinforcement in school and play.
Positive (+)		Negative (-)
Mastery and self-confidence.		Feelings of failure and inadequacy.
Significance:	Essential for confidence in abilities and social comparison.

Identity and Role Confusion Stage

 

Age Range	12 to 18 years
Key Focus	Forming Identity
Developmental Task:	Teenagers explore and solidify their sense of self.
Achieved Through:	Experimentation with roles and identities.
Positive (+)		Negative (-)
Well-defined personal identity.		Confusion about personal identity and future roles.
Significance:	Vital for establishing a clear and stable sense of self.

Intimacy and Isolation Stage

 

Age Range	18 to 40 years
Key Focus	Establishing Connections
Developmental Task:	Adults seek to form close, committed relationships.
Achieved Through:	Deepening relationships beyond oneself.
Positive (+)		Negative (-)
Meaningful relationships and commitments.		Loneliness and emotional isolation.
Significance:	Critical for emotional depth and personal growth.

Generativity and Stagnation Stage

 

Age Range	40 to 65 years
Key Focus	Nurturing the Next Generation
Developmental Task:	Adults aim to contribute to the well-being of the next generation.
Achieved Through:	Parenting, mentoring, and productivity.
Positive (+)		Negative (-)
Sense of care and achievement.		Sense of stagnation and disconnection.
Significance:	Ensures a lasting impact on others and personal fulfillment.

Integrity & Despair Stage

 

Age Range	65 years and older
Key Focus	Reflecting on Life
Developmental Task:	Elders look back on life achievements and regrets.
Achieved Through:	Life review and acceptance.
Positive (+)		Negative (-)
Wisdom and satisfaction.		Regret and despair.
Significance:	Important for achieving a sense of completeness and peace at life’s end.