States of Human Development and Those That Missed Them

Developmental psychologists often use several theories to think about various aspects of human development. For example, a psychologist assessing intellectual development in a child might consider Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, which outlines the key stages that children go through as they learn.

A psychologist working with a child might also want to consider how the child’s relationships with caregivers influence his or her behaviors, and so turn to Bowlby’s theory of attachment.

Psychologists are also interested in looking at how social relationships influence the development of both children and adults. Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development and Vygotsky’s theory of sociocultural development are two popular theoretical frameworks that address the social influences on the developmental process.

Each approach tends to stress distinct aspects of development such as mental, social, or parental influences on how children grow and progress.

While development tends to follow a predictable pattern, there are times when things might go off course. Parents often focus on what are known as developmental milestones, which represent abilities that most children tend to display by a certain point in development. These typically focus on one of four different areas: physical, cognitive, social/emotional, and communication.

For example, walking is one physical milestone that most children achieve sometime between the ages of nine and fifteen months. If a child is not walking or attempting to walk by sixteen to eighteen months, parents might consider consulting with their family physician to determine if a developmental issue might be present.

While all children develop at different rates, when a child fails to meet certain milestones by a certain age, there may be cause for concern. By being aware of these milestones, parents can seek assistance, and healthcare professionals can offer interventions that can help kids overcome developmental delays.

These professionals often evaluate children to determine if they are affected by developmental delays, or they might work with elderly patients who are facing health concerns associated with old age such as cognitive declines, physical struggles, emotional difficulties, or degenerative brain disorders.

Developmental psychologists can provide support to individuals at all points of life who may be facing human development issues or problems related to aging.

As you might imagine, developmental psychologists often break down development according to various phases of life. Each of these periods of development represents a time when different milestones are typically achieved. People may face challenges at each point, and developmental psychologists can often help people who might be struggling with problems to get back on track.

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. Tune in and learn all about developmental psychology.