What Is Developmental Psychology? Theories & Study Pathways
Developmental psychology is a fascinating field of study that focuses on understanding and explaining human growth, development and changes throughout life. It examines how we as individuals develop not only physically and cognitively, but emotionally and socially as well – from infancy through to adulthood.
If you’re interested in how to become a psychologist, the world of developmental psychology is a key facet of research and study that you should have a firm grasp of. Here, we explore what developmental psychologists do, cover some of the most-discussed developmental psychology theories and share study pathways that aspiring psychologists can pursue.
What do developmental psychologists do?
Developmental psychologists work with other experts in this area to study and understand the various aspects of human development. They investigate how humans acquire language, think critically, learn basic and complex skills, and interact with others at different stages of our lives.
By conducting research, observing real-life behaviours and analysing large data sets, developmental psychologists help expand our knowledge of human development and provide valuable insights for addressing developmental challenges.
Exploring 4 key developmental psychology theories
A fascinating field to study and work in, developmental psychology can unravel the mysteries of human growth and transformation. If you are still wondering why developmental psychology is important, here are four major developmental psychology theories that hold great significance in breaking down the complexities of human development.
1. Attachment theory
One of the fundamental theories in developmental psychology is the concept of attachment styles. Developed by John Bowlby, attachment theory emphasises the importance of early relationships and attachments in shaping an individual's emotional and social development. It suggests the quality of a child's attachment to their primary caregiver influences their ability to form healthy relationships later in life. Understanding the different styles of attachment helps developmental psychologists identify what contributes to secure or insecure attachments, and informs interventions aimed at promoting healthy relationships.
2. Piaget’s stages of cognitive development
Another prominent theory is Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which outlines four stages of cognitive growth:
• Sensorimotor
• Pre-operational
• Concrete operational
• Formal operational
Piaget's theory proposes that children actively construct their understanding of the world through explicit interactions with their surrounding environment. By studying how children reason, problem-solve and acquire new knowledge at different life stages, developmental psychologists can gain deeper insights into the cognitive processes within human development.
3. Psychosexual development
Sigmund Freud's famous psychosexual development theory is another influential perspective in developmental psychology. According to Freud, everyone passes through distinct psychosexual stages, including the oral, anal, phallic, latency and genital stages. Freud believed conflicts arising from unmet needs during these stages can shape an individual's personality and behaviour as an adult. While this theory has sparked plenty of criticism for its limited empirical support and emphasis on sexuality, it has generated important discussions and influenced subsequent theories of human development.
4. Social learning
The theory of social learning, proposed by Albert Bandura, centres on the role of observational learning and modelling in human development. Bandura argued that people learn behaviours by observing others, and this learning process is affected by various cognitive, behavioural and environmental factors. By studying social learning, developmental and social psychologists can see how children build social skills, imitate behaviours and develop their own sense of self.
Facing criticism
While these developmental psychology theories each provide valuable frameworks for the different areas of human development, it’s important to note they have all faced their own level of criticism. Some critics argue these theories oversimplify the complexity of human development and subsequently neglect cultural and contextual factors that influence the individual’s experiences.
Despite the criticisms, these four theories in particular have laid the foundation for further research and contributed significantly to our understanding of developmental processes.
How to study developmental psychology
For those interested in pursuing a career in psychology, psychiatry or counselling, the University of Adelaide offers two online programs: the Graduate Diploma of Psychology and the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced). Students will build a solid foundation in psychological theory and research methods through a combination of theoretical learning and practical experience.
If you’re ready to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to build a successful career in this industry, the University of Adelaide has online developmental psychology study options to meet your needs:
- Gain valuable skills across psychological theories, complex social issues and ethical standards with a Graduate Diploma in Psychology Online.
- Existing students can expand their interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, apply psychological intervention strategies and much more with a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) Online.
Want to learn more about how you can make a difference in other people’s lives by forging a career in psychology? Discover an online alternative to an honours degree in psychology.
