developmental psychology essay example

We use cookies to enhance our website for you. Proceed if you agree to this policy or learn more about it.

• Essay Database >
• Essay Examples >
• Essays Topics >
• Essay on Psychology

Good Developmental Psychology Essay Example

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Psychology , Child Psychology , Human , Development , Life , Education , Children , Family

Words: 1200

Published: 11/25/2020

ORDER PAPER LIKE THIS

Introduction

Developmental Psychology is a branch of psychology which studies how the human being changes over a life span (McLeod, 2012). It not just focuses on the physical development but also on social, emotional and personality development throughout the lifetime of a human being. The objective of this paper is to understand developmental psychology, its benefits and applications in life. This paper is divided into four sections. The first section includes the introduction, history and goals of developmental psychology. The second section discusses the benefits of developmental psychology. The third section talks about the application of developmental psychology in life. The fourth section concludes the paper.

Developmental Psychology: Introduction, Goals and History

Life-span developmental psychology includes the study of constancy and change in human behaviour throughout the life (Baltes & Paul, 1987). It examines the influence of nature and nurture at the various stages of human development. Throughout the life, human beings go through various life stages of development. External environment influences on the functioning of families as contexts of human development (Bronfenbrenner & Urie, 1986). Developmental psychologists study people’s growth, development and adaption during different stages in their lifetime. Developmental psychology studies the broad range of topics that include cognitive development, motor development, personality development, emotional development, motor skills, social change and moral understanding. Developmental psychology has three major goals – description of the behaviour, identification of the causal factors and optimization of the development. The first systematic study of children was conducted by G. Stanley Hall who is also called as the “father” of developmental psychology (Keil, N.Dat.) Initially, developmental psychology dealt with only infants and children. But it later expanded its horizon to include the other stages of life such as infants, adolescence and old age. Developmental psychology’s initial appearance was seen more in the literary form in the book “As You Like It” which describes seven stages of a man’s life. John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Charles Darwin, who were the three early scholars, proposed three major theories of human behaviour. Locke proposed that the mind of the new born is like a blank slate where information is inserted through experience. Rousseau introduced the three development stages of a human i.e. infant, childhood and adolescence. Darwin suggested that development happened through evolutionary recapitulation.

Benefits of Understanding Developmental Psychology

The scientific study of developmental psychology started in the late 19th century, however it was only in the early 20th century that psychologists developed new ideas and methods of human behaviour and its development during the different life stages. Below are the four benefits of understanding developmental psychology. First, one of the advantages to study developmental psychology is to understand what is normal and what is not. Many people consider themselves as normal and like to be called as fairly typical of people in general. Developmental psychology provides the information of the typical behaviours which occurs in a person at a particular time. For e.g. thumb sucking, nail biting and other tantrums are considered as normal behaviour for the children upto a particular age because most children within the same age group show a similar behaviour. Second, the other benefit is that it helps in understanding human nature. Development is the continuous process in any human being. Hence, studying developmental psychology would help in understanding the process of development and changes in human nature. Third, it helps in upbringing of the children. Sound knowledge of developmental psychology helps in overcoming the challenges of raising and educating children. Study of developmental psychology discovered parents’ and care takers’ anger management and other negative behaviour and emotions towards their children. This provides better rearing of the children. Fourth, it also gives better understanding of the self. All human beings start their life as infants who grow to adolescence, then adult and finally old age. Studying developmental psychology gives a better understanding of the different stages and the process of development and changes in each stage.

Applications of Developmental Psychology in Life

The centralized focus of developmental psychology is to deal directly with the human being’s behaviour and development from birth till death. Developmental psychology is applicable in different aspects of life. Developmental psychology is applied in child psychology, cultural psychology, educational psychology, ecological psychology and cognitive psychology. Many of the theories of developmental psychology are applied to understand the environmental and social factors in the physical and emotional development of a human being. It also predicts human behaviour and forecast developmental processes. The result of study of developmental psychology is to understand the cognitive performance in real life scenarios such as workplace and classroom. Various studies and experiments done by the developmental psychologists, give the important knowledge about the development of infants and children. This information was used by different set of people for different purposes. The scientific methods of developmental psychology applied to the study of children which provides the various solutions of the problems of child care, education, paediatrics and treatment. Parents use this information for better rearing of their children. Teachers use this information to guide and understand youth. Educators use it develop a unique way of teaching so that the learning would be easy and interesting for the children. Various clinics use it to evaluate children’s abilities. It is also used in setting up the curriculum for children as well as adults as per the maturity level of their age group. Study of developmental psychology is also relevant to the population as median age increases. Hence, it provides the understanding of the aging process and provides senior citizen with the care that is necessary.

Developmental psychology is a branch of psychology of scientific study of the changes of human behaviour and development during different phases of life. Studying and understanding developmental psychology offers several advantages. It provides the basic understanding of which human behaviour is normal and which is abnormal. Generally a person behaves similarly in a particular age group, which provides the information about normality in human beings. Other benefits include, better understanding of children by their parents which helps in their upbringing. It also helps in understanding human nature. Nevertheless, developmental psychology has also various applications in life. It is applied in various others stream of psychology i.e. child psychology, cultural psychology, educational psychology, ecological psychology and cognitive psychology. Also, it helps in providing the information about the aging process and provides senior citizen with the care that is necessary Thus, studying developmental psychology proved to be very beneficial and useful in various different aspects of life, especially when it combines with the other stream of psychology.

Keil, F.C. (N.Dat.). The Origins of Developmental Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.yale.edu/cogdevlab/aarticles/originsdevpsych.pdf McLeod, S. (2012). Developmental Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/developmental-psychology.html Baltes & Paul, B. (1987). Theoretical propositions of life-span developmental psychology: On the dynamics between growth and decline. Developmental Psychology, 23(5), 611-626. Bronfenbrenner & Urie (1986). Ecology of the family as a context for human development: Research perspectives. Developmental Psychology, 22(6), 723-742.

Cite this page

Share with friends using:

Removal Request

Finished papers: 1477

This paper is created by writer with

ID 285720485

If you want your paper to be:

Well-researched, fact-checked, and accurate

Original, fresh, based on current data

Eloquently written and immaculately formatted

275 words = 1 page double-spaced

Get your papers done by pros!

Other Pages

The morality of war argumentative essay examples, management essay example 3, research paper on cyberpunk film reviews, example of multi function emwatch basis for interest research paper, literature review on ewrt 2 65z, sexual assault rape in psychiatric nursing article review, essay on feminism in cassatt and manet, leadership styles in today s health care organization and how they differ research paper sample, research paper on should juvenile criminals be treated as adults, food inc movie review sample, thesis proposal on renewable energy, example of a visit to the smithsonian institution s national museum of natural history essay, midwifery report essay sample, example of the processes of evolution essay, financial analysis of two public traded companies research paper examples, discuss the importance of comparing income from operations to cash flow from operations essay sample, effect of technology on socialization of young people report, example of po 300 unit 6 and 7 discussions report, report on transformational leadership, critical and creative thinking questions critical thinking examples, hrm case study, legalization of marijuana in the us argumentative essay examples, associated british foods course work examples, parfit says that with bundle theory we should reject these natural beliefs since essay sample, art as a way ofdescribing beauty presentations example, presentation on homelessness in the us, free difference between money wage and real wage article example, free child obesity article sample, free presentation on aam car dealers company, good article about the society of the spectacle, alberta to lead canadian auto sales in 2014 article, rethink essays, peloponnese essays, saturn essays, fairings essays, folles essays, fielden essays, evaporators essays, foretells essays, confederates term papers, adversarial term papers, contending term papers.

Password recovery email has been sent to [email protected]

Use your new password to log in

You are not register!

By clicking Register, you agree to our Terms of Service and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Now you can download documents directly to your device!

Check your email! An email with your password has already been sent to you! Now you can download documents directly to your device.

or Use the QR code to Save this Paper to Your Phone

The sample is NOT original!

Short on a deadline?

Don't waste time. Get help with 11% off using code - GETWOWED

No, thanks! I'm fine with missing my deadline

Developmental Psychology 101: Theories, Stages, & Research

You can imagine how vast this field of psychology is if it has to cover the whole of life, from birth through death.

Just like any other area of psychology, it has created exciting debates and given rise to fascinating case studies.

In recent years, developmental psychology has shifted to incorporate positive psychology paradigms to create a holistic lifespan approach. As an example, the knowledge gained from positive psychology can enhance the development of children in education.

In this article, you will learn a lot about different aspects of developmental psychology, including how it first emerged in history and famous theories and models.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free . These science-based exercises explore fundamental aspects of positive psychology, including strengths, values, and self-compassion, and will give you the tools to enhance the wellbeing of your clients, students, or employees.

This Article Contains:

What is developmental psychology, 4 popular theories, stages, & models, 2 questions and research topics, fascinating case studies & research findings, a look at positive developmental psychology, applying developmental psychology in education, resources from positivepsychology.com, a take-home message.

Human beings change drastically over our lifetime.

The American Psychological Association (2020) defines developmental psychology as the study of physical, mental, and behavioral changes, from conception through old age.

Developmental psychology investigates biological, genetic, neurological, psychosocial, cultural, and environmental factors of human growth (Burman, 2017).

Over the years, developmental psychology has been influenced by numerous theories and models in varied branches of psychology (Burman, 2017).

History of developmental psychology

Developmental psychology first appeared as an area of study in the late 19th century (Baltes, Lindenberger, & Staudinger, 2007). Developmental psychology focused initially on child and adolescent development, and was concerned about children’s minds and learning (Hall, 1883).

There are several key figures in developmental psychology. In 1877, the famous evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin undertook the first study of developmental psychology on innate communication forms. Not long after, physiologist William Preyer (1888) published a book on the abilities of an infant.

The 1900s saw many significant people dominating the developmental psychology field with their detailed theories of development: Sigmund Freud (1923, 1961), Jean Piaget (1928), Erik Erikson (1959), Lev Vygotsky (1978), John Bowlby (1958), and Albert Bandura (1977).

By the 1920s, the scope of developmental psychology had begun to include adult development and the aging process (Thompson, 2016).

In more recent years, it has broadened further to include prenatal development (Brandon et al., 2009). Developmental psychology is now understood to encompass the complete lifespan (Baltes et al., 2007).

Each of these models has contributed to the understanding of the process of human development and growth.

Furthermore, each theory and model focuses on different aspects of development: social, emotional, psychosexual, behavioral, attachment, social learning, and many more.

Here are some of the most popular models of development that have heavily contributed to the field of developmental psychology.

1. Bowlby’s attachment styles

The seminal work of psychologist John Bowlby (1958) showcased his interest in children’s social development. Bowlby (1969, 1973, 1980) developed the most famous theory of social development, known as attachment theory .

Bowlby (1969) hypothesized that the need to form attachments is innate, embedded in all humans for survival and essential for children’s development. This instinctive bond helps ensure that children are cared for by their parent or caregiver (Bowlby, 1969, 1973, 1980).

Bowlby’s original attachment work was developed further by one of his students, Mary Ainsworth. She proposed several attachment styles between the child and the caregiver (Ainsworth & Bell, 1970).

This theory clearly illustrates the importance of attachment styles to a child’s future development. Consistent and stable caregiving results in a secure attachment style (Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, & Wall, 1978). In contrast, unstable and insecure caregiving results in several negative attachment styles: ambivalent, avoidant, or disorganized (Ainsworth & Bell, 1970; Main & Solomon, 1986).

Bowlby’s theory does not consider peer group influence or how it can shape children’s personality and development (Harris, 1998).

2. Piaget’s stage theory

Jean Piaget was a French psychologist highly interested in child development. He was interested in children’s thinking and how they acquire, construct, and use their knowledge (Piaget, 1951).

Piaget’s (1951) four-stage theory of cognitive development sequences a child’s intellectual development. According to this theory, all children move through these four stages of development in the same order (Simatwa, 2010).

The sensorimotor stage is from birth to two years old. Behaviors are triggered by sensory stimuli and limited to simple motor responses. If an object is removed from the child’s vision, they think it no longer exists (Piaget, 1936).

The pre-operational stage occurs between two and six years old. The child learns language but cannot mentally manipulate information or understand concrete logic (Wadsworth, 1971).

The concrete operational stage takes place from 7 to 11 years old. Children begin to think more logically about factual events. Abstract or hypothetical concepts are still difficult to understand in this stage (Wadsworth, 1971).

In the formal operational stage from 12 years to adulthood, abstract thought and skills arise (Piaget, 1936).

Piaget did not consider other factors that might affect these stages or a child’s progress through them. Biological maturation and interaction with the environment can determine the rate of cognitive development in children (Papalia & Feldman, 2011). Individual differences can also dictate a child’s progress (Berger, 2014).

3. Freud’s psychosexual development theory

One of the most influential developmental theories, which encompassed psychosexual stages of development, was developed by Austrian psychiatrist Sigmund Freud (Fisher & Greenberg, 1996).

Freud concluded that childhood experiences and unconscious desires influence behavior after witnessing his female patients experiencing physical symptoms and distress with no physical cause (Breuer & Freud, 1957).

According to Freud’s psychosexual theory, child development occurs in a series of stages, each focused on different pleasure areas of the body. During each stage, the child encounters conflicts, which play a significant role in development (Silverman, 2017).

Freud’s theory of psychosexual development includes the oral, anal, phallic, latent, and genital stages. His theory suggests that the energy of the libido is focused on these different erogenous zones at each specific stage (Silverman, 2017).

Freud concluded that the successful completion of each stage leads to healthy adult development. He also suggested that a failure to progress through a stage causes fixation and developmental difficulties, such as nail biting (oral fixation) or obsessive tidiness (anal fixation; Silverman, 2017).

Freud considered personality to be formed in childhood as a child passes through these stages. Criticisms of Freud’s theory of psychosexual development include its failure to consider that personality can change and grow over an entire lifetime. Freud believed that early experiences played the most significant role in shaping development (Silverman, 2017).

4. Bandura’s social learning theory

American psychologist Albert Bandura proposed the social learning theory (Bandura, Ross, & Ross, 1961). Bandura did not believe that classical or operant conditioning was enough to explain learned behavior because some behaviors of children are never reinforced (Bandura, 1986). He believed that children observe, imitate, and model the behaviors and reactions of others (Bandura, 1977).

Bandura suggested that observation is critical in learning. Further, the observation does not have to be of a live actor, such as in the Bobo doll experiment (Bandura, 1986). Bandura et al. (1961) considered that learning and modeling can also occur from listening to verbal instructions on behavior performance.

Bandura’s (1977) social theory posits that both environmental and cognitive factors interact to influence development.

Bandura’s developmental theory has been criticized for not considering biological factors or children’s autonomic nervous system responses (Kevin, 1995).

Overview of theories of development – Khan Academy

Developmental psychology has given rise to many debatable questions and research topics. Here are two of the most commonly discussed.

1. Nature vs nurture debate

One of the oldest debates in the field of developmental psychology has been between nature and nurture (Levitt, 2013).

Is human development a result of hereditary factors (genes), or is it influenced by the environment (school, family, relationships, peers, community, culture)?

The polarized position of developmental psychologists of the past has now changed. The nature/nurture question now concerns the relationship between the innateness of an attribute and the environmental effects on that attribute (Nesterak, 2015).

The field of epigenetics  describes how behavioral and environmental influences affect the expression of genes (Kubota, Miyake, & Hirasawa, 2012).

Many severe mental health disorders have a hereditary component. Yet, the environment and behavior, such as improved diet, reduced stress, physical activity, and a positive mindset, can determine whether this health condition is ever expressed (Śmigielski, Jagannath, Rössler, Walitza, & Grünblatt, 2020).

When considering classic models of developmental psychology, such as Piaget’s schema theory and Freud’s psychosexual theory, you’ll see that they both perceive development to be set in stone and unchangeable by the environment.

Contemporary developmental psychology theories take a different approach. They stress the importance of multiple levels of organization over the course of human development (Lomas, Hefferon, & Ivtzan, 2016).

2. Theory of mind

Theory of mind allows us to understand that others have different intentions, beliefs, desires, perceptions, behaviors, and emotions (American Psychological Association, 2020).

It was first identified by research by Premack and Woodruff (1978) and considered to be a natural developmental stage of progression for all children. Starting around the ages of four or five, children begin to think about the thoughts and feelings of others. This shows an emergence of the theory of mind (Wellman & Liu, 2004).

However, the ability of all individuals to achieve and maintain this critical skill at the same level is debatable.

Children diagnosed with autism exhibit a deficit in the theory of mind (Baron-Cohen, Leslie, & Frith, 1985).

Individuals with depression (psychotic and non-psychotic) are significantly impaired in theory of mind tasks (Wang, Wang, Chen, Zhu, & Wang, 2008).

People with social anxiety disorder have also been found to show less accuracy in decoding the mental states of others (Washburn, Wilson, Roes, Rnic, & Harkness, 2016).

Further research has shown that the theory of mind changes with aging. This suggests a developmental lifespan process for this concept (Meinhardt-Injac, Daum, & Meinhardt, 2020).

1. Little Albert

The small child who was the focus of the experiments of behavioral psychologists Watson and Rayner (1920) was referred to as ‘Little Albert.’ These experiments were essential landmarks in developmental psychology and showed how an emotionally stable child can be conditioned to develop a phobia.

Albert was exposed to several neutral stimuli including cotton wool, masks, a white rat, rabbit, monkey, and dog. Albert showed no initial fear to these stimuli.

When a loud noise was coupled with the initially neutral stimulus, Albert became very distressed and developed a phobia of the object, which extended to any similar object as well.

This experiment highlights the importance of environmental factors in the development of behaviors in children.

2. David Reimer

At the age of eight months, David Reimer lost his penis in a circumcision operation that went wrong. His worried parents consulted a psychologist, who advised them to raise David as a girl.

David’s young age meant he knew nothing about this. He went through the process of hormonal treatment and gender reassignment. At the age of 14, David found out the truth and wanted to reverse the gender reassignment process to become a boy again. He had always felt like a boy until this time, even though he was socialized and brought up as a girl (Colapinto, 2006).

Download 3 Free Positive Psychology Exercises (PDF)

Enhance wellbeing with these free, science-based exercises that draw on the latest insights from positive psychology.

Download 3 Free Positive Psychology Tools Pack (PDF)

By filling out your name and email address below.

Contemporary theories of developmental psychology often encompass a holistic approach and a more positive approach to development.

Positive psychology has intersected with developmental disciplines in areas such as parenting, education, youth, and aging (Lomas et al., 2016).

These paradigms can all be grouped together under the umbrella of positive developmental psychology. This fresh approach to development focuses on the wellbeing aspects of development, while systematically bringing them together (Lomas, et al., 2016).

• Positive parenting is the approach to children’s wellbeing by focusing on the role of parents and caregivers (Latham, 1994).
• Positive education looks at flourishing in the context of school (Seligman, Ernst, Gillham, Reivich, & Linkins, 2009).
• Positive youth development is the productive and constructive focus on adolescence and early adulthood to enhance young people’s strengths and promote positive outcomes (Larson, 2000).
• Positive aging , also known as healthy aging, focuses on the positivity of aging as a healthy, normal stage of life (Vaillant, 2004).

Much of the empirical and theoretical work connected to positive developmental psychology has been going on for years, even before the emergence of positive psychology itself (Lomas et al., 2016).

We recommend this related article Applying Positive Psychology in Schools & Education: Your Ultimate Guide for further reading.

In the classroom, developmental psychology considers children’s psychological, emotional, and intellectual characteristics according to their developmental stage.

A report on the top 20 principles of psychology in the classroom, from pre-kindergarten to high school, was published by the American Psychological Association in 2015. The report also advised how teachers can respond to these principles in the classroom setting.

The top 5 principles and teacher responses are outlined in the table below.

There are many valuable resources to help you foster positive development no matter whether you’re working with young children, teenagers, or adults.

To help get you started, check out the following free resources from around our blog.

• Adopt A Growth Mindset This exercise helps clients recognize instances of fixed mindset in their thinking and actions and replace them with thoughts and behaviors more supportive of a growth mindset.
• Childhood Frustrations This worksheet provides a space for clients to document key challenges experienced during childhood, together with their emotional and behavioral responses.
• What I Want to Be This worksheet helps children identify behaviors and emotions they would like to display and select an opportunity in the future to behave in this ideal way.
• 17 Positive Psychology Exercises If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others enhance their wellbeing, this signature collection contains 17 validated positive psychology tools for practitioners. Use them to help others flourish and thrive.
• Developmental Psychology Courses If you are interested in a career in Developmental Psychology , we suggest 15 of the best courses in this article.

17 Top-Rated Positive Psychology Exercises for Practitioners

Expand your arsenal and impact with these 17 Positive Psychology Exercises [PDF] , scientifically designed to promote human flourishing, meaning, and wellbeing.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

Earlier developmental psychology models and theories were focused on specific areas, such as attachment, psychosexual, cognitive, and social learning. Although informative, they did not take in differing perspectives and were fixed paradigms.

We’ve now come to understand that development is not fixed. Individual differences take place in development, and the factors that can affect development are many. It is ever changing throughout life.

The modern-day approach to developmental psychology includes sub-fields of positive psychology. It brings these differing disciplines together to form an overarching positive developmental psychology paradigm.

Developmental psychology has helped us gain a considerable understanding of children’s motivations, social and emotional contexts, and their strengths and weaknesses.

This knowledge is essential for educators to create rich learning environments for students to help them develop positively and ultimately flourish to their full potential.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free .

• Ainsworth, M. D. S., & Bell, S. M. (1970). Attachment, exploration, and separation: Illustrated by the behavior of one-year-olds in a strange situation. Child Development , 41 , 49–67.
• Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation . Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• American Psychological Association. (2015). Top 20 principles from psychology for PREK-12 teaching and learning: Coalition for psychology in schools and education . Retrieved July 16, 2021, from https://www.apa.org/ed/schools/teaching-learning/top-twenty-principles.pdf
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Developmental psychology. Dictionary of Psychology . Retrieved July 20, 2021, from https://dictionary.apa.org/
• Baltes, P. B., Lindenberger, U., & Staudinger, U. M. (2007). Life span theory in developmental psychology. In R. M. Lerner & W. Damon (Eds.), Handbook of child psychology (pp. 569–564). Elsevier.
• Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory . Prentice Hall.
• Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory . Prentice-Hall.
• Bandura, A. Ross, D., & Ross, S. A. (1961). Transmission of aggression through the imitation of aggressive models. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology , 63 , 575–582.
• Baron-Cohen, S., Leslie, A. M., & Frith, U. (1985). Does the autistic child have a ‘theory of mind’? Cognition , 21 (1), 37–46.
• Berger, K. S. (2014). The developing person through the lifespan (9th ed.). Worth.
• Bowlby, J. (1958). The nature of the child’s tie to his mother. International Journal of Psychoanalysis , 39 , 350–371.
• Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Volume 1: Attachment . Hogarth Press.
• Bowlby, J. (1973). Attachment and loss: Volume 2: Anger and anxiety . Hogarth Press.
• Bowlby, J. (1980). Attachment and loss: Volume 3: Loss, sadness and depression . Hogarth Press.
• Brandon, A. R., Pitts, S., Wayne, H., Denton, C., Stringer, A., & Evans, H. M. (2009). A history of the theory of prenatal attachment. Journal of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychological Health , 23 (4), 201–222.
• Breuer, J., & Freud, S. (1957). Studies on hysteria . Basic Books.
• Burman, E. (2017). Deconstructing developmental psychology . Routledge.
• Colapinto, J. (2006). As nature made him: The boy who was raised as a girl . Harper Perennial.
• Darwin, C. (1877). A biographical sketch of an infant. Mind, 2 , 285–294.
• Erikson, E. (1959). Psychological issues . International Universities Press.
• Fisher, S., & Greenberg, R. P. (1996). Freud scientifically reappraised: Testing the theories and therapy . John Wiley & Sons.
• Freud, S. (1961). The ego and the id. In J. Strachey (Ed. & Trans.), The standard edition of the complete psychological works of Sigmund Freud (pp. 3–66). Hogarth Press. (Original work published 1923).
• Hall, G. S. (1883). The contents of children’s minds. The Princeton Review , 1 , 249–272.
• Harris, J. R. (1998). The nurture assumption: Why children turn out the way they do . Free Press.
• Kevin, D. (1995). Developmental social psychology: From infancy to old age . Wiley-Blackwell.
• Kubota, T., Miyake, K., & Hirasawa, T. (2012). Epigenetic understanding of gene-environment interactions in psychiatric disorders: A new concept of clinical genetics. Clinical Epigenetics , 4 (1), 1–8.
• Larson, R. W. (2000). Toward a psychology of positive youth development. American Psychologist , 55 (1), 170–183.
• Latham, G. I. (1994). The power of positive parenting . P&T Ink.
• Levitt, M. (2013). Perceptions of nature, nurture and behaviour. Life Sciences Society and Policy , 9 (1), 1–13.
• Lomas, T., Hefferon, K., & Ivtzan, I. (2016). Positive developmental psychology: A review of literature concerning well-being throughout the lifespan. The Journal of Happiness & Well-Being , 4 (2), 143–164.
• Main, M., & Solomon, J. (1986). Discovery of an insecure-disorganized/disoriented attachment pattern. In T. B. Brazelton & M. W. Yogman (Eds.), Affective development in infancy . Ablex.
• Meinhardt-Injac, B., Daum, M. M., & Meinhardt, G. (2020). Theory of mind development from adolescence to adulthood: Testing the two-component model. British Journal of Developmental Psychology , 38 , 289–303.
• Nesterak, E. (2015, July 10). The end of nature versus nature. Behavioral Scientist. Retrieved  July 19, 2021 from https://behavioralscientist.org/the-end-of-nature-versus-nurture/
• Papalia, D. E., & Feldman, R. D. (2011). A child’s world: Infancy through adolescence . McGraw-Hill.
• Piaget, J. (1928). La causalité chez l’enfant. British Journal of Psychology , 18 (3), 276–301.
• Piaget, J. (1936). Origins of intelligence in the child . Routledge & Kegan Paul.
• Piaget, J. (1951). Play, dreams and imitation in Childhood (vol. 25). Routledge.
• Premack, D., & Woodruff, G. (1978). Does the chimpanzee have a theory of mind? Behavioral and Brain Sciences , 1 (4), 515–526.
• Preyer, W. T. (1888). The mind of the child: Observations concerning the mental development of the human being in the first years of life (vol. 7). D. Appleton.
• Seligman, M. E. P., Ernst, R. M., Gillham, J., Reivich, K., & Linkins, M. (2009). Positive education: Positive psychology and classroom interventions. Oxford Review of Education , 35 (3), 293–311.
• Silverman, D. K. (2017). Psychosexual stages of development (Freud). In V. Zeigler-Hill & T. Shackelford (Eds.), Encyclopedia of personality and individual differences . Springer.
• Simatwa, E. M. W. (2010). Piaget’s theory of intellectual development and its implications for instructional management at pre-secondary school level. Educational Research Review 5 , 366–371.
• Śmigielski, L., Jagannath, V., Rössler, W., Walitza, S., & Grünblatt, E. (2020). Epigenetic mechanisms in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders: A systematic review of empirical human findings. Molecular Psychiatr y, 25 (8), 1718–1748.
• Thompson, D. (2016). Developmental psychology in the 1920s: A period of major transition. The Journal of Genetic Psychology , 177 (6), 244–251.
• Vaillant, G. (2004). Positive aging. In P. A. Linley & S. Joseph (Eds.), Positive psychology in practice (pp. 561–580). John Wiley & Sons.
• Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes . Harvard University Press.
• Wadsworth, B. J. (1971). Piaget’s theory of cognitive development: An introduction for students of psychology and education . McKay.
• Wang, Y. G., Wang, Y. Q., Chen, S. L., Zhu, C. Y., & Wang, K. (2008). Theory of mind disability in major depression with or without psychotic symptoms: a componential view. Psychiatry Research , 161 (2), 153–161.
• Washburn, D., Wilson, G., Roes, M., Rnic, K., & Harkness, K. L. (2016). Theory of mind in social anxiety disorder, depression, and comorbid conditions. Journal of Anxiety Disorders , 37 , 71–77.
• Watson, J. B., & Rayner, R. (1920). Conditioned emotional reactions. Journal of Experimental Psychology , 3 (1), 1–14.
• Wellman, H. M., & Liu, D. (2004). Scaling theory of mind tasks. Child Development , 75 , 759–763.

Share this article:

Article feedback

What our readers think.

This article has enticed me to delve deeper into the subject of Positive Psychology. As a primary school teacher, I believe that positive psychology is a field that is imperative to explore. Take my gratitude from the core of my heart for your excellent work.

Let us know your thoughts Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related articles

Hierarchy of Needs: A 2024 Take on Maslow’s Findings

One of the most influential theories in human psychology that addresses our quest for wellbeing is Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. While Maslow’s theory of [...]

Emotional Development in Childhood: 3 Theories Explained

We have all witnessed a sweet smile from a baby. That cute little gummy grin that makes us smile in return. Are babies born with [...]

Using Classical Conditioning for Treating Phobias & Disorders

Does the name Pavlov ring a bell? Classical conditioning, a psychological phenomenon first discovered by Ivan Pavlov in the late 19th century, has proven to [...]

Read other articles by their category

• Body & Brain (49)
• Coaching & Application (58)
• Compassion (25)
• Counseling (51)
• Emotional Intelligence (23)
• Gratitude (18)
• Grief & Bereavement (21)
• Happiness & SWB (40)
• Meaning & Values (26)
• Meditation (20)
• Mindfulness (44)
• Motivation & Goals (45)
• Optimism & Mindset (34)
• Positive CBT (30)
• Positive Communication (20)
• Positive Education (47)
• Positive Emotions (32)
• Positive Leadership (18)
• Positive Parenting (15)
• Positive Psychology (34)
• Positive Workplace (37)
• Productivity (17)
• Relationships (43)
• Resilience & Coping (37)
• Self Awareness (21)
• Self Esteem (38)
• Strengths & Virtues (32)
• Stress & Burnout Prevention (34)
• Theory & Books (46)
• Therapy Exercises (37)
• Types of Therapy (64)

3 Positive Psychology Tools (PDF)

Developmental Psychology - Essay Samples And Topic Ideas For Free

Developmental psychology is the scientific study of how and why human beings change over the course of their life, from conception to death. This field examines change across topics such as motor skills, problem-solving abilities, conceptual understanding, language acquisition, social, and emotional development. Essays could explore various theories, research findings, methodologies, and applications in developmental psychology, as well as comparisons of developmental processes across different cultures and populations. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to Developmental Psychology you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Forensic and Developmental Psychology

Psychology is the study of an individual s mind and the behaviors by documenting, observing, testing, and then finding a specific conclusion and then lastly the treatment options for an individual. Educational psychology, Cognitive psychology, Forensic psychology, and Developmental psychology are a few examples of the specializations you can receive a degree. Individuals that want to specialize in Children and Adolescent Development, individuals will learn the growth and maturation of human individuals from conception to adulthood. Children and adolescents have […]

What are ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)?

The acronym ACE stands for adverse childhood experiences that are traumatic that involve abuse or neglect. These experiences are distinguished as either positive or negative experiences that cause an impact on a child. The impact of adverse childhood experiences is detrimental to their well-being, health, and opportunity. Through this study, it is stressed that childhood experience has a remarkable impact on future violence victimization and perpetration. The inquiry that arises from this is how child neglect or abuse affects them, […]

Comparing Piaget and Vygotsky

 As we progress through our educational journey, we are taught to believe that there are several indicators in our lives which can influence us is a variety of ways. Developmental psychologists Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky teaches us how to understand the different stages that we go through as we mature. Whether it be socially or cognitively, our developmental processes helps to mold us into adults who can determine what developmental role we best identify with. Piaget and Vygotsky Summarized […]

We will write an essay sample crafted to your needs.

Middle Childhood

Children go through middle childhood, this starts around age 6 and continues to age 11. This is often referred to as the ""school years"". Middle childhood children are very curious and love to explore the world around them. They are active listeners and absorb knowledge like sponges. This is a time when children develop foundational skills for building healthy social relationships and learn roles that will prepare them for adolescence and adulthood. They are learning the social foundations of forming […]

Growing up as Impact the Academic Prospects and Psychological Adjustment as an Adolescent

"It has been long debated whether growing up as an only child can impact the academic prospects and psychological adjustment as an adolescent. Through empirical research and data analysis, the performance of singletons is measured through educational expectations, grades, and homework along with psychological distress, susceptibility to negative peer pressure, and problem behaviors. These variables helped to determine that, when compared to adolescents raised with siblings, singletons may fare better in their academic development but do not demonstrate any significant […]

Treatment of Diabetes in Adolescents

Abstract Background: Diabetes is a significant public health challenge facing the US and several other countries around the world. It is mostly perceived as a lifestyle disease, although type 1 diabetes can be viewed as a congenital autoimmune disorder. Diabetes is increasingly becoming a problem among young adolescents in America, with high prevalence and incidence rates. This study sought to establish the impact of treatment of adolescents for diabetes on their maturity process, demand for independence, parent-adolescent conflict, and their […]

Navigating Life’s Journey: an Exploration of Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages

One of the most influential figures in developmental psychology, Erik Erikson, crafted a unique perspective on the growth and struggles humans face throughout their lives. Diverging from the psychosexual stages proposed by Freud, Erikson's theory dives into the social challenges and relational dynamics that characterize different periods of a person's life. His eight psychosocial stages span from infancy to late adulthood, painting a rich tapestry of the human experience. Starting at the very beginning of life, Erikson identified the fundamental […]

The Odyssey of Life: Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages

"Throughout the ages, many theories have emerged in an attempt to decode the intricate dance of human development. One theory, however, stands out for its profound understanding of the socio-emotional aspects of growth. This is Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial stages, a comprehensive map of the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs we face from infancy to late adulthood. Born from the foundational theories of Sigmund Freud, Erikson's model dives deep into the social nature of our developmental stages. While Freud emphasized […]

Vygotsky’s Insights: a Journey through Sociocultural Theory

In the panorama of educational psychology, several theories vie for the educator's attention. Among them, Lev Vygotsky's sociocultural theory stands out, not just for its originality but for its profound influence on modern pedagogy. Vygotsky, a Russian psychologist from the early 20th century, offered insights that turned conventional wisdom on its head, insisting on the intertwined nature of culture and cognition. Vygotsky's core proposition was strikingly different from the prevailing theories of his time. He believed that social interaction is […]

Consequences of Teasing and Bullying in Middle Childhood

What is bullying and why does it needed to be paid serious attention? Bullying has been defined as a use of influence to intimidate others. The act of bullying can be depicted through verbal such as name-calling or threatening, and humiliating through unkind words, physical such as hitting or fighting, and social, which is intended to hurt somebody's reputation. There has been a trend that suggest that the cycle of bullying is present in several aspects of school life. Children […]

Navigating the Layers of Human Development: an Insight into Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model

When delving into the realm of human development, one cannot overlook the profound impact of our environment. Just as a tree's growth is influenced by the quality of the soil, sunlight, and rain it receives, human beings too are molded by a multitude of external factors. Urie Bronfenbrenner, a renowned developmental psychologist, recognized this intricate interplay and crafted the Ecological Systems Theory. This model offers a holistic perspective on human development, stressing the interconnectedness of various environmental systems. At its […]

Piaget’s Preoperational Stage: Child Development and Cognitive Growth

The illustrious Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to cognitive development, propounding a theory that has profoundly influenced the comprehension of children's intellectual maturation. The second phase of his conceptual framework, denoted as the preoperational stage, offers invaluable insights into the cognitive landscape of individuals aged approximately 2 to 7 years. This developmental juncture is distinguished by the nascent capacity of children to wield symbols and engage in imaginative play, albeit juxtaposed with limitations in logical […]

Exploring the Preoperational Stage in Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development

Jean Piaget, a luminary Swiss psychologist, transformed our comprehension of the juvenile psyche with his paradigm of cognitive evolution. Central to his framework lies the preoperational phase, encompassing the tender span from ages 2 to 7, wherein juveniles commence their foray into symbolic play yet remain ensnared by the shackles of abstract conceptualization. This exposition delves into the nuances of the preoperational phase, its ramifications for deciphering juvenile maturation, and the pragmatic ramifications of Piaget's discernments. Amidst the preoperational epoch, […]

Piaget’s Framework in Developmental Psychology: Understanding Cognitive Growth

Jean Piaget, a figure synonymous with the realm of child psychology, has etched an enduring imprint on our comprehension of the cognitive landscapes of children. His framework elucidating cognitive development, an anchor in the realm of educational psychology, delineates the odyssey of learning and cognition from infancy to adolescence. Piaget did not perceive children merely as diminutive replicas of adults, but as nascent intellects embarking on a distinct trajectory of cognitive evolution. His framework, segmented into four primary phases, unveils […]

Additional Example Essays

• Leadership and the Army Profession
• Compare And Contrast In WW1 And WW2
• Positive Effects of Social Media
• Homeschooling vs Public School
• Socioautobiography Choices and Experiences Growing up
• A Class Divided
• Nature vs Nurture Psychology Debate
• What is Growth Mindset
• Pursuit Of Happiness Summary
• Biggest Influence In Your Life
• Nursing Student Reflection on Clinical Experiences and Growth Journey
• Implicit vs Explicit Attitudes

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

How to Write a Psychology Essay

Saul Mcleod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

On This Page:

Before you write your essay, it’s important to analyse the task and understand exactly what the essay question is asking. Your lecturer may give you some advice – pay attention to this as it will help you plan your answer.

Next conduct preliminary reading based on your lecture notes. At this stage, it’s not crucial to have a robust understanding of key theories or studies, but you should at least have a general “gist” of the literature.

After reading, plan a response to the task. This plan could be in the form of a mind map, a summary table, or by writing a core statement (which encompasses the entire argument of your essay in just a few sentences).

After writing your plan, conduct supplementary reading, refine your plan, and make it more detailed.

It is tempting to skip these preliminary steps and write the first draft while reading at the same time. However, reading and planning will make the essay writing process easier, quicker, and ensure a higher quality essay is produced.

Components of a Good Essay

Now, let us look at what constitutes a good essay in psychology. There are a number of important features.

• Global Structure – structure the material to allow for a logical sequence of ideas. Each paragraph / statement should follow sensibly from its predecessor. The essay should “flow”. The introduction, main body and conclusion should all be linked.
• Each paragraph should comprise a main theme, which is illustrated and developed through a number of points (supported by evidence).
• Knowledge and Understanding – recognize, recall, and show understanding of a range of scientific material that accurately reflects the main theoretical perspectives.
• Critical Evaluation – arguments should be supported by appropriate evidence and/or theory from the literature. Evidence of independent thinking, insight, and evaluation of the evidence.
• Quality of Written Communication – writing clearly and succinctly with appropriate use of paragraphs, spelling, and grammar. All sources are referenced accurately and in line with APA guidelines.

In the main body of the essay, every paragraph should demonstrate both knowledge and critical evaluation.

There should also be an appropriate balance between these two essay components. Try to aim for about a 60/40 split if possible.

Most students make the mistake of writing too much knowledge and not enough evaluation (which is the difficult bit).

It is best to structure your essay according to key themes. Themes are illustrated and developed through a number of points (supported by evidence).

Choose relevant points only, ones that most reveal the theme or help to make a convincing and interesting argument.

Knowledge and Understanding

Remember that an essay is simply a discussion / argument on paper. Don’t make the mistake of writing all the information you know regarding a particular topic.

You need to be concise, and clearly articulate your argument. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences.

Each paragraph should have a purpose / theme, and make a number of points – which need to be support by high quality evidence. Be clear why each point is is relevant to the argument. It would be useful at the beginning of each paragraph if you explicitly outlined the theme being discussed (.e.g. cognitive development, social development etc.).

Try not to overuse quotations in your essays. It is more appropriate to use original content to demonstrate your understanding.

Psychology is a science so you must support your ideas with evidence (not your own personal opinion). If you are discussing a theory or research study make sure you cite the source of the information.

Note this is not the author of a textbook you have read – but the original source / author(s) of the theory or research study.

For example:

Bowlby (1951) claimed that mothering is almost useless if delayed until after two and a half to three years and, for most children, if delayed till after 12 months, i.e. there is a critical period.

Maslow (1943) stated that people are motivated to achieve certain needs. When one need is fulfilled a person seeks to fullfil the next one, and so on.

As a general rule, make sure there is at least one citation (i.e. name of psychologist and date of publication) in each paragraph.

Remember to answer the essay question. Underline the keywords in the essay title. Don’t make the mistake of simply writing everything you know of a particular topic, be selective. Each paragraph in your essay should contribute to answering the essay question.

Critical Evaluation

In simple terms, this means outlining the strengths and limitations of a theory or research study.

There are many ways you can critically evaluate:

Methodological evaluation of research

Is the study valid / reliable ? Is the sample biased, or can we generalize the findings to other populations? What are the strengths and limitations of the method used and data obtained?

Be careful to ensure that any methodological criticisms are justified and not trite.

Rather than hunting for weaknesses in every study; only highlight limitations that make you doubt the conclusions that the authors have drawn – e.g., where an alternative explanation might be equally likely because something hasn’t been adequately controlled.

Compare or contrast different theories

Outline how the theories are similar and how they differ. This could be two (or more) theories of personality / memory / child development etc. Also try to communicate the value of the theory / study.

Debates or perspectives

Refer to debates such as nature or nurture, reductionism vs. holism, or the perspectives in psychology . For example, would they agree or disagree with a theory or the findings of the study?

What are the ethical issues of the research?

Does a study involve ethical issues such as deception, privacy, psychological or physical harm?

Gender bias

If research is biased towards men or women it does not provide a clear view of the behavior that has been studied. A dominantly male perspective is known as an androcentric bias.

Cultural bias

Is the theory / study ethnocentric? Psychology is predominantly a white, Euro-American enterprise. In some texts, over 90% of studies have US participants, who are predominantly white and middle class.

Does the theory or study being discussed judge other cultures by Western standards?

Animal Research

This raises the issue of whether it’s morally and/or scientifically right to use animals. The main criterion is that benefits must outweigh costs. But benefits are almost always to humans and costs to animals.

Animal research also raises the issue of extrapolation. Can we generalize from studies on animals to humans as their anatomy & physiology is different from humans?

The PEC System

It is very important to elaborate on your evaluation. Don’t just write a shopping list of brief (one or two sentence) evaluation points.

Instead, make sure you expand on your points, remember, quality of evaluation is most important than quantity.

When you are writing an evaluation paragraph, use the PEC system.

• Make your P oint.
• E xplain how and why the point is relevant.
• Discuss the C onsequences / implications of the theory or study. Are they positive or negative?

For Example

• Point: It is argued that psychoanalytic therapy is only of benefit to an articulate, intelligent, affluent minority.
• Explain: Because psychoanalytic therapy involves talking and gaining insight, and is costly and time-consuming, it is argued that it is only of benefit to an articulate, intelligent, affluent minority. Evidence suggests psychoanalytic therapy works best if the client is motivated and has a positive attitude.
• Consequences: A depressed client’s apathy, flat emotional state, and lack of motivation limit the appropriateness of psychoanalytic therapy for depression.

Furthermore, the levels of dependency of depressed clients mean that transference is more likely to develop.

Using Research Studies in your Essays

Research studies can either be knowledge or evaluation.

• If you refer to the procedures and findings of a study, this shows knowledge and understanding.
• If you comment on what the studies shows, and what it supports and challenges about the theory in question, this shows evaluation.

Writing an Introduction

It is often best to write your introduction when you have finished the main body of the essay, so that you have a good understanding of the topic area.

If there is a word count for your essay try to devote 10% of this to your introduction.

Ideally, the introduction should;

Identify the subject of the essay and define the key terms. Highlight the major issues which “lie behind” the question. Let the reader know how you will focus your essay by identifying the main themes to be discussed. “Signpost” the essay’s key argument, (and, if possible, how this argument is structured).

Introductions are very important as first impressions count and they can create a h alo effect in the mind of the lecturer grading your essay. If you start off well then you are more likely to be forgiven for the odd mistake later one.

Writing a Conclusion

So many students either forget to write a conclusion or fail to give it the attention it deserves.

If there is a word count for your essay try to devote 10% of this to your conclusion.

Ideally the conclusion should summarize the key themes / arguments of your essay. State the take home message – don’t sit on the fence, instead weigh up the evidence presented in the essay and make a decision which side of the argument has more support.

Also, you might like to suggest what future research may need to be conducted and why (read the discussion section of journal articles for this).

Don”t include new information / arguments (only information discussed in the main body of the essay).

If you are unsure of what to write read the essay question and answer it in one paragraph.

Points that unite or embrace several themes can be used to great effect as part of your conclusion.

The Importance of Flow

Obviously, what you write is important, but how you communicate your ideas / arguments has a significant influence on your overall grade. Most students may have similar information / content in their essays, but the better students communicate this information concisely and articulately.

When you have finished the first draft of your essay you must check if it “flows”. This is an important feature of quality of communication (along with spelling and grammar).

This means that the paragraphs follow a logical order (like the chapters in a novel). Have a global structure with themes arranged in a way that allows for a logical sequence of ideas. You might want to rearrange (cut and paste) paragraphs to a different position in your essay if they don”t appear to fit in with the essay structure.

To improve the flow of your essay make sure the last sentence of one paragraph links to first sentence of the next paragraph. This will help the essay flow and make it easier to read.

Finally, only repeat citations when it is unclear which study / theory you are discussing. Repeating citations unnecessarily disrupts the flow of an essay.

Referencing

The reference section is the list of all the sources cited in the essay (in alphabetical order). It is not a bibliography (a list of the books you used).

In simple terms every time you cite/refer to a name (and date) of a psychologist you need to reference the original source of the information.

If you have been using textbooks this is easy as the references are usually at the back of the book and you can just copy them down. If you have been using websites, then you may have a problem as they might not provide a reference section for you to copy.

References need to be set out APA style :

Author, A. A. (year). Title of work . Location: Publisher.

Journal Articles

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (year). Article title. Journal Title, volume number (issue number), page numbers

A simple way to write your reference section is use Google scholar . Just type the name and date of the psychologist in the search box and click on the “cite” link.

Next, copy and paste the APA reference into the reference section of your essay.

Once again, remember that references need to be in alphabetical order according to surname.

Related Articles

Student Resources

How To Cite A YouTube Video In APA Style – With Examples

How to Write an Abstract APA Format

APA References Page Formatting and Example

APA Title Page (Cover Page) Format, Example, & Templates

How do I Cite a Source with Multiple Authors in APA Style?

Lab Report Format: Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

• Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Best Family Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Guided Meditations
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2024 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

50+ Research Topics for Psychology Papers

How to Find Psychology Research Topics for Your Student Paper

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

• Specific Branches of Psychology
• Topics Involving a Disorder or Type of Therapy
• Human Cognition
• Human Development
• Critique of Publications
• Famous Experiments
• Historical Figures
• Specific Careers
• Case Studies
• Literature Reviews
• Your Own Study/Experiment

Are you searching for a great topic for your psychology paper ? Sometimes it seems like coming up with topics of psychology research is more challenging than the actual research and writing. Fortunately, there are plenty of great places to find inspiration and the following list contains just a few ideas to help get you started.

Finding a solid topic is one of the most important steps when writing any type of paper. It can be particularly important when you are writing a psychology research paper or essay. Psychology is such a broad topic, so you want to find a topic that allows you to adequately cover the subject without becoming overwhelmed with information.

I can always tell when a student really cares about the topic they chose; it comes through in the writing. My advice is to choose a topic that genuinely interests you, so you’ll be more motivated to do thorough research.

In some cases, such as in a general psychology class, you might have the option to select any topic from within psychology's broad reach. Other instances, such as in an  abnormal psychology  course, might require you to write your paper on a specific subject such as a psychological disorder.

As you begin your search for a topic for your psychology paper, it is first important to consider the guidelines established by your instructor.

Research Topics Within Specific Branches of Psychology

The key to selecting a good topic for your psychology paper is to select something that is narrow enough to allow you to really focus on the subject, but not so narrow that it is difficult to find sources or information to write about.

One approach is to narrow your focus down to a subject within a specific branch of psychology. For example, you might start by deciding that you want to write a paper on some sort of social psychology topic. Next, you might narrow your focus down to how persuasion can be used to influence behavior .

Other social psychology topics you might consider include:

• Prejudice and discrimination (i.e., homophobia, sexism, racism)
• Social cognition
• Person perception
• Social control and cults
• Persuasion, propaganda, and marketing
• Attraction, romance, and love
• Nonverbal communication
• Prosocial behavior

Psychology Research Topics Involving a Disorder or Type of Therapy

Exploring a psychological disorder or a specific treatment modality can also be a good topic for a psychology paper. Some potential abnormal psychology topics include specific psychological disorders or particular treatment modalities, including:

• Eating disorders
• Borderline personality disorder
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Profile a  type of therapy  (i.e., cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, psychoanalytic therapy)

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Cognition

Some of the possible topics you might explore in this area include thinking, language, intelligence, and decision-making. Other ideas might include:

• False memories
• Speech disorders
• Problem-solving

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Development

In this area, you might opt to focus on issues pertinent to  early childhood  such as language development, social learning, or childhood attachment or you might instead opt to concentrate on issues that affect older adults such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Some other topics you might consider include:

• Language acquisition
• Media violence and children
• Learning disabilities
• Gender roles
• Child abuse
• Prenatal development
• Parenting styles
• Aspects of the aging process

Do a Critique of Publications Involving Psychology Research Topics

One option is to consider writing a critique paper of a published psychology book or academic journal article. For example, you might write a critical analysis of Sigmund Freud's Interpretation of Dreams or you might evaluate a more recent book such as Philip Zimbardo's  The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil .

Professional and academic journals are also great places to find materials for a critique paper. Browse through the collection at your university library to find titles devoted to the subject that you are most interested in, then look through recent articles until you find one that grabs your attention.

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Famous Experiments

There have been many fascinating and groundbreaking experiments throughout the history of psychology, providing ample material for students looking for an interesting term paper topic. In your paper, you might choose to summarize the experiment, analyze the ethics of the research, or evaluate the implications of the study. Possible experiments that you might consider include:

• The Milgram Obedience Experiment
• The Stanford Prison Experiment
• The Little Albert Experiment
• Pavlov's Conditioning Experiments
• The Asch Conformity Experiment
• Harlow's Rhesus Monkey Experiments

Topics of Psychology Research About Historical Figures

One of the simplest ways to find a great topic is to choose an interesting person in the  history of psychology  and write a paper about them. Your paper might focus on many different elements of the individual's life, such as their biography, professional history, theories, or influence on psychology.

While this type of paper may be historical in nature, there is no need for this assignment to be dry or boring. Psychology is full of fascinating figures rife with intriguing stories and anecdotes. Consider such famous individuals as Sigmund Freud, B.F. Skinner, Harry Harlow, or one of the many other  eminent psychologists .

Psychology Research Topics About a Specific Career

​Another possible topic, depending on the course in which you are enrolled, is to write about specific career paths within the  field of psychology . This type of paper is especially appropriate if you are exploring different subtopics or considering which area interests you the most.

In your paper, you might opt to explore the typical duties of a psychologist, how much people working in these fields typically earn, and the different employment options that are available.

Topics of Psychology Research Involving Case Studies

One potentially interesting idea is to write a  psychology case study  of a particular individual or group of people. In this type of paper, you will provide an in-depth analysis of your subject, including a thorough biography.

Generally, you will also assess the person, often using a major psychological theory such as  Piaget's stages of cognitive development  or  Erikson's eight-stage theory of human development . It is also important to note that your paper doesn't necessarily have to be about someone you know personally.

In fact, many professors encourage students to write case studies on historical figures or fictional characters from books, television programs, or films.

Psychology Research Topics Involving Literature Reviews

Another possibility that would work well for a number of psychology courses is to do a literature review of a specific topic within psychology. A literature review involves finding a variety of sources on a particular subject, then summarizing and reporting on what these sources have to say about the topic.

Literature reviews are generally found in the  introduction  of journal articles and other  psychology papers , but this type of analysis also works well for a full-scale psychology term paper.

Topics of Psychology Research Based on Your Own Study or Experiment

Many psychology courses require students to design an actual psychological study or perform some type of experiment. In some cases, students simply devise the study and then imagine the possible results that might occur. In other situations, you may actually have the opportunity to collect data, analyze your findings, and write up your results.

Finding a topic for your study can be difficult, but there are plenty of great ways to come up with intriguing ideas. Start by considering your own interests as well as subjects you have studied in the past.

Online sources, newspaper articles, books , journal articles, and even your own class textbook are all great places to start searching for topics for your experiments and psychology term papers. Before you begin, learn more about  how to conduct a psychology experiment .

What This Means For You

After looking at this brief list of possible topics for psychology papers, it is easy to see that psychology is a very broad and diverse subject. While this variety makes it possible to find a topic that really catches your interest, it can sometimes make it very difficult for some students to select a good topic.

If you are still stumped by your assignment, ask your instructor for suggestions and consider a few from this list for inspiration.

• Hockenbury, SE & Nolan, SA. Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers; 2014.
• Santrock, JW. A Topical Approach to Lifespan Development. New York: McGraw-Hill Education; 2016.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

• Call to +1 844 889-9952

Developmental Psychology Essay Examples for Free

Role of gender development in psychology.

Gender identity has played a crucial role in the field of psychology, leading to many established theories and causal relationships by well-known scholars. For a long time, there has been a debate regarding the essence of gender identity and what might influence it. While one group of people believes that...

Human Development from Lifespan Perspective

The development of a human being is often explained through a life-time perspective which defines certain stages in a person’s life cycle. Psychology considers these stages through the lens of development of people’ cognitive abilities and social and intrapersonal skills. By ascribing certain psychological characteristics to definite developmental steps and...

The Early Childhood Stage of Development

Introduction Development in life takes stages that are defined by theories of development. The developmental stages of childhood through adolescence contain dynamics based on ages and life experiences that can be explained theoretically. Several development scientists and theorists provide evidence to explain changes in life development. They argue that diverse...

The Middle Childhood Development

During middle childhood, a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development peaks. This is the time when kids start to develop and become their personalities. They grow and learn at a fantastic rate during this time. During this time, kids learn to express their emotions, be social and have a positive...

Middle Childhood Development and Growth

Moral Development in Middle Childhood Parenting and nurturing children to become morally fit members of society may be complex. Moral development can be defined as the comprehensive evolution of morality from infancy through adulthood. It is essential that as children develop, they learn to discern between right and wrong acts....

Children’s Social, Emotional, and Cognitive Development

The study of how children develop is of particular value to study. This is because gaining awareness about aspects such as cognitive, emotional, and social development can contribute to improving parenting outcomes. Moreover, society can gain an understanding of how it affects children, as well as cultural and socioeconomic factors....

Child and Adolescent Development Stages

The Stages of Child and Adolescent Development Matrix K-2ndGrade 3rd-5thGrade 6-8thGrade ConceptsTheories Cognitive Possess object memory and the growth of early problem-solving abilities. Signs of logical thinking. They appear to enhance the sense of self (Driscoll, 2013). The emergence of abstract reasoning and understanding of social concerns. Erikson’s concept of...

Erickson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development

Introduction The psychosocial development theory by Erickson is an expansion of a model by Sigmund Freud’s study on ego, super-ego, and identity. The theory describes the impact of social experiences across the whole lifespan of a human being (Samsanovich, 2021). Erickson focuses on the social interactions and the relationships that...

The Infant and Toddler Development

Daycare of infants and toddlers by outsiders has become an indispensable practice in the modern world. It is a common situation when parents do not have the opportunity to be near their children constantly, so caregivers should be ready to make children’s time without parents calm and effective. Nevertheless, one...

The Development of Siyasanda Discussion

Introduction The environment in which a kid develops forms a powerful experience that affects the child’s future life. Human development is a process of forming and creating personality under the impact of external and internal, controlled and uncontrolled factors (Abbott, 2021). The leading role is played by purposeful upbringing and...

The Brain Development in Children

The brain is a sophisticated organ that governs all bodily regulation functions, including cognition, touch, empathy, motor skills, sight, temperature, respiration, and hunger. The cortex is on the outer surface of brain cells. It is where reasoning and muscle activity start. The brain stem is one of the most important...

Attachment Theory and Developmental Psychology in Early Childhood

Attachment theory is one of the staples in the psychology’s understanding of the relationship development between people. Some scholars go so far as to assign it a role in the brain formation and propose it as an alternative to psychoanalysis. Its role in the developmental psychology in general and the...

Childhood Fame and Adulthood: Developmental Science

From a sociological perspective, age is an individual’s ascribed characteristic, a feature that contributes to defining who a person is, independently from his will. Age has this characteristic because of society’s definitions, which are linked to its many meanings, expectations for conduct, and responsibilities (Pitti, 2017). Determining a person’s age...

Children’s Development Affected by Environment

Introduction An individual’s environment consists of all the factors, both living and nonliving, that have an impact on that individual’s quality of life. The environment encourages healthy growth and brain development by providing a child with affection, emotional support, and chances for learning and discovery. The term “child development” describes...

Influences on Early Development

The Role of Caregivers and Cultural Influences in Parenting Throughout their development, children require consistent and active support of their parents or caregivers. However, though the necessity to have the support and help of a caregiver is vital for a child at every developmental stage, the type of the assistance...

Factors Affecting Child Development

Introduction In light of the growing severity of conflicts among young people, the importance of understanding the patterns of development of children and adolescents, which are influenced by the specifics of culture, economics, politics, and even historical processes, is increasing. As you know, socialization is aimed at the formation of...

Personal, Professional, and Academic Development

Introduction The image of the profession as a cognitive and emotional education significantly changes the system of general guidelines in the public and individual consciousness of people. Professional development becomes inseparable from personal development – both are based on the principle of self-development, which determines the ability of a person...

Adulthood and Its Developmental Characteristics

Adult Development Charting adult development through (historically changing) daily stress processes is an article that explores adult development based on people’s daily life experiences and the latest historical changes related to them. The authors utilize the results of the descriptive analyses conducted by the National Studies of Daily Experiences from...

Interviewing a Person in Late Adulthood

For this exercise, I interviewed my neighbor, Robert, who is 72 years old and the questions used are attached in the Appendix. Akeret & Klein’s (1991) questions were utilized for their relevance to the interview and ability to produce elaborate responses. His parents, grandparents, and known ancestors are originally from...

Products Promoting Infant Development

Interesting products that could improve the development of various abilities in infants could be toy keys and a keyring, a tummy time mat, and a floor mirror. Toy keys and a keyring named Kleynimals, manufactured by the company of the same name, are advertised to enhance infants’ motor skills and...

Language and Cognitive Developments in Infants

Introduction Cognitive skills play a critical role in a person’s life from an early age. Cognitive or brain development refers to such processes as thinking, reasoning, and memorizing (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Notably, for babies in the first year of life, comprehending language is more than...

Developmental Stages from Piaget’s Perspective

Introduction Jean Piaget’s stage theory outlines a toddler’s cognitive development. According to the theory, cognitive development is characterized by alterations in cognitive processes and capacities (Lourenço, 2016). Piaget’s fascination with children’s psychological maturation was sparked by his studies of his daughter and nephew. These findings supported his theory that toddlers’...

Factors That Influence Personality Development

There are numerous issues that influence personality development at different stages. Therefore, it has become challenging to determine the most significant period of people’s rapid evolution. Various types of research focused on animal development provided insight into the biological framework of development. At the same time, the remarkable role of...

Developmental Stages: The Early Childhood Developmental Stage

The developmental stages of the human is complicated question. Many factors, such as genetic and social, affect the person’s developmental stages. When studying human or non-human development, its individual and age characteristics in anatomy, researchers are guided by a scientifically developed concept called age periodization. Personal development, or ontogenesis, occurs...

My Virtual Child Examination of Child Development

Introduction Children progress from parental dependency to rising independence throughout their growth and development. My Virtual Child is a comprehensive examination of child development from birth through adolescence. This assignment exposed me to several scenarios related to the various theories of development and issues discussed in class. I will be...

The Cognitive Development of a Children

Language acquisition is one of the most visible and important achievements in early childhood. Within a few months and with no explicit instruction, babies progress from the stage of uncertain pronunciation of individual words to the fluent expression of whole sentences. Generally, children tend to develop receptive language abilities before...

Impact of Children’s Toys on Development

Introduction For the construction of the play area, it is proposed to use a single room separated into sections. The area will be equipped with various types of furniture and toys that facilitate child development, growth and recovery. Furniture will consist of cabinets, at least two tables, chairs, and soft...

Self-Reflection on Helping Traits

The science of human development aims to understand and explain human changes over time. The goals of developmental psychology are to describe, explain, and optimize the stage of development. Therefore, human beings have a set of developmental stages that must be attained at some point in their lives. Over the...

Child’s Social and Emotional Development

Introduction Tom played with other kids in games that involved throwing a ball. The child showed different kinds of behavior during the process and engaged in various activities. Initially, Tom was afraid to approach playing kids, but his parents helped him. He was involved in competitive team games, one of...

Human Development from Infancy to Death

Infancy Infants develop certain behaviors before they are born. This concept is described as reflex. Reflex is an inborn automatic response to a particular form of stimulation (Chapter 3, page 81). Reflexes are the most organized pattern of behavior displayed by newborn babies. As a baby, I would fall asleep...

Direct Assessment of Cognitive Development in Children

Introduction The following assessment has been made using a Mathematics Skills Checklist and a Literacy Rating Scale. The discoveries made are required for the information regarding the child’s achievements and failures. It provides an idea of what tasks can be complicated for junior school students to complete. In this essay,...

Child Development During COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction Coronavirus is an airborne virus that presumably originated from Wuhan, China, and is responsible for the most recent COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, parents and kids alike were forced to cut down on their social interactions and spend most of their time at home, which had a significant effect...

Problem-Solving Skill in Child Development

The skill that was chosen for research in this paper is to use a variety of strategies to solve problems, including problems arising in social situations. It is worth emphasizing that it is one of the critical ones since individuals need to constantly make decisions about how to behave with...

Biological, Psychological, and Social Changes in Teenage Boys

During adolescence, there’s an incredible variation in the rate of changes that occur as a boy enters his teenage years. In six years, some teenage boys may show some signs of maturity. However, as a parent, it is important to be on the lookout since, in some boys, the symptoms...

Middle Adulthood Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges Faced in Middle Adulthood Parents play a significant role in the emotional wellness of their middle adulthood children. They tend to advise their children on the various life challenges that they experience. Therefore, the connection between parents and their middle-life children is often strong. The fear of losing their...

Growth and Development Assessment Case Study

Overview The observation and interview covered a 30-year-old female named Nicki. Nicki is the last born in a family of 8 but lives 200 miles away from her parents’ home. She has never been married but has a 2-year-old son with whom she lives. The single mother is currently not...

Identity and Identity Formation

Abstract Erikson’s theory is also greatly connected to personal development since it entails various aspects that enhance appropriate personal development. One of the main components of personal development includes physical development, where an individual takes note of the physical changes. Intellectual development is also a major aspect of personal development...

The Process of Toddler Development

At each age, children go through new periods of psycho-emotional and physical development. Knowing the characteristics of a particular age, parents can more accurately understand their children’s needs, help them learn the necessary skills, and provide the right conditions for this. At the age of 2-3 years, the list of...

Human Development: Becoming an Adult

Becoming a full-fledged member of society is a long process that evokes a plethora of challenges. As a child grows, the hardships that occur on their way become more complicated: from the ability to express emotions to adjusting to physiology and society, to lessons of morality and challenges of adulthood....

Culture Influence on Personal Identity

Culture is a magnificent interplay of non-tangible phenomena and perceptible artifacts of daily life. People experience the impact of various cultures constantly with or without recognizing it. According to Ozer and Schwartz, individuals react differently to the process of cultural globalization: some might endorse it and feel self-fulfillment, and others...

“Human Capability Development Program”: Program’s Issues and Their Solutions

Human Capability Development Program is in demand in modern times, which are characterized by multitasking and enormous flows of information. Every individual needs to have specific skills and a desire for self-improvement in order to remain a competent and flexible professional. This program is designed just for the permanent development...

Erikson’s Stages of Personal Development

The importance of childhood development is undeniable: it acts as a foundation for adult life. Erik Erikson believed that personality develops in a fixed order via eight phases of psychosocial development (Cherry, 2021). An individual goes through a psychological crisis at each level, which can have a beneficial or harmful...

The Fresh Princess Book by D. Miller

Academician Piaget deduced several age levels of development of children. Each of them corresponds to certain abilities and development possibilities. At the same time, the book Fresh Princess by Denene Miller is a representation of literature for one of the age categories. The book was created in an easy-to-understand and...

Adolescent Transition Period: Difficulties and Changes

Adolescence is one of the most significant ages in people’s life. It is called the transitional age because during this period the transition from childhood to adulthood and from immaturity to maturity takes place. This period is characterized by the desire for self-expression, self-affirmation, demonstration of independence, decreased motivation and...

Young Adulthood and Millennial Leadership

With the increasing life expectancy of the modern world, many started believing that the 20s can be considered a throwaway decade of a person’s life. Some young adults think that the decisions they make in their 20s do not matter and will not affect their future. However, according to TED...

Infant’s Lifespan Development: The Case Analysis

I learned a great deal about newborn development milestones during the infancy interview. I recently interviewed a woman who gave birth to a healthy baby boy called Brandon. Brinley stated that after delivering, she had an easy time because her kid was being cared for by health care professionals. They...

The Early Growth and Development Study

The primary study goals are to investigate how familial, peer and environmental factors affect children’s adaptation and how they interact with genetic factors. Following the birth of a child, participants were recruited through adoption agencies situated throughout the United States. The following specific frameworks are being collected: child personality, behavioral...

A Unique Process of a Child’s Very Early Years

I support the writer’s statement that any child’s very early years are a unique process. Even just one home environment is an incredibly massive world for them, which they semi-consciously seek to know, explore and sometimes even conquer. Watching them is entertaining and confusing because their enthusiasm, interest, and excitement...

Preventing Child Maltreatment by Caregivers

The application of corporal discipline has diverse negative influences, including teaching the child to resolve conflicts with physical aggression and causing severe emotional suffering stemming from the fear of new punishment and disappointing the parent. Therefore, condoning corporate punishment, even if it is supposed to improve the child’s social potential...

The Way Experience Affects the Development of the Baby’s Brain

Many studies prove that children’s development embraces several steps, such as the biological brain forming where neurons are connected and external experiences kids are absorbed during their growth. Attitudes aiming at cognitive capacity expansion correspond to the division of micro-neurons in the brain that reacts to processes happening outside. All...

“Healing at the Eight Stages of Life” by Linn et al.

Introduction The book Healing at the Eight Stages of Life is another work that can help ministers advance their counseling practices because it combines theoretical knowledge about the stages of human development with theological values and perspectives. The authors, Matthew Linn, Sheila Fabricant, and Dannis Linn, focus on two themes...

“Christianity and Developmental Psychopathology” by Flanagan & Hall

Introduction In Christianity and Developmental Psychopathology, the editors Kelly Flanagan and Sarah Hall combine developmental psychology with a Christian perspective. This book is another example of interdisciplinary work that aims to connect pastoral counseling with psychology and therapy. Psychopathology, in particular, is an interesting field of studies because it relates...

The Midlife Crisis: Does It Exist?

Generalizations surrounding psychological well-being across the lifespan give rise to diverse popular but scientifically questionable concepts. For instance, the well-known term “midlife crisis” has been coined to name a self-confidence crisis experienced when reaching middle age. Despite the popularity of this unofficial psychological diagnosis, the perception of midlife as the...

Honesty, Sense of Humor, and Optimism in Personal Development

It would be reasonable to claim that core values are essential to any person in all spheres of life. I suggest that each individual comes to his or her fundamental principles of living through the continuous and enriching experience and understanding. From a personal perspective, my core values involve honesty,...

Children Born During Pandemic Have Lower IQs

Summary The selected online article is titled “Children born during pandemic have lower IQs, US study finds,” where the author reveals findings of a study on children’s cognitive development and intelligence quotient (IQ). In short, the research focused on “672 children from the state of Rhode Island,” where “188 were...

Adolescent Personality and Its Development

The personality of an adolescent undergoes rapid sexual and intellectual development. Emotionality, socialization, and self-awareness develop dynamically – the teenager leaves childhood and prepares for adulthood. This process can proceed rather dramatically, accompanied by an increase in anxiety or, on the contrary, aggression. Teenage romances are just as emotional and...

School Readiness and Its Factors

It is significant to emphasize that age and reading and writing abilities are not the only determining factors in assessing a child’s suitability to attend school. Social and emotional elements also have a prominent function and are also considered in the evaluation. These include the capacity to obey instructions, the...

Social Psychology: The Power of Nature or Nurture

Chapter 5 dwells upon several essential areas of particular interest to me. The chapter sheds light on a possible answer to the power of nature or nurture (Myers & Twenge, 2019). I believe a combination of biological and cultural aspects affects people’s behaviors and choices, but genetics is a more...

Divisive Politics and Child Development

Political division and bias influence how children develop their beliefs about leadership, social life, and democracy. As a teacher, I respond to many questions from my preschoolers on these important aspects. While I try to shape their beliefs and attitudes, the primary responsibility lies with the parent. By acting as...

Comparison of Developmental Stages

Behaviorism Training, according to behaviorism, is defined as changes to the structure or regularity of noticeable results. Education has occurred whenever a correct response is illustrated and followed the demonstration of a particular external stimulus. The significance of the repercussions of such achievements is emphasized in behaviorism, which claims that...

Psychosocial and Moral Developmental Stage: Case Study

The case study under consideration concerns a 20-year-old man living at home with his parents. The man does not attend a college course but has a job that allows him to pay for his car. In addition, the man shows uncertainty as to what he wants to do, noting that...

Maria Montessori’s View on Children’s Education

Maria Montessori’s view of the child includes the concept of a well-adjusted and complex mind capable of acquiring new knowledge. In that way, the child in my play story would be perceived as a critical learner in a sufficiently stimulating environment (Group 2, 2021). Therefore, the child acquires new knowledge...

Babies’ Early Language Development

Although each baby develops at their own rate, there are certain generalizations that parents may use to assess their child’s development. While parents should not be concerned if their child’s language development is not proceeding as expected, they should ensure that the youngster progresses (Ramírez et al., 2020). While each...

Students’ Behaviors, Intellectual and Psychological Characteristics

The educational process in classrooms varies greatly, yet there are universal patterns that might be observed. Children’s psychological and physiological growth is impacted dramatically by their environment, upbringing, and schooling. As a result, teachers tend to follow well-known techniques in order to create the most friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Educators...

Aspects of Lifespan Development

Three major takeaways I learned in module 9 about lifespan development include normotensive development, continuous and discontinuous development, and development of personality and behavior. I learned that not all normal events in developmental milestones are universal. Biological events such as puberty are universal, while social events such as schooling tend...

Early Childhood Development: The Nurturing Care

Adult caregivers are expected to play diverse roles in bringing up the developing child, which involves fulfilling children’s needs of growing complexity and going through a series of major adjustments. Consisting of the “affectionate care, attention, and protection,” the nurturing role requires parents to change approaches and the areas of...

Overcoming Eating Disorders During Identity Development

Identity development is a major part of adolescent life. Many individuals have issues related to their identity at this stage in life as they have to determine their religion, education, and overall demeanor about living at this point. While some individuals sail through the adolescent stage with relative ease, many...

Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Research Methods

Developmental research is a vital approach to understanding changes that occur in living organisms such as human beings as they progress through various stages of life. The most commonly used methods of developmental research are cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. Researchers use the cross-sectional method when the main objective is to...

Adolescent Identity: Needs, Desires, Requirements

Adolescence remains one of the most psychologically and physically challenging and turbulent times in the life of people. It is often described as the transitional stage from childhood to adulthood, occurring between 13 and 19 years of age. However, the psychological and physical changes occurring during adolescence usually begin much...

Normal vs. Pathological Aging Differences

Aging is a natural process that correlates with certain physical, social, behavioral, and psychological changes. However, it can be challenging to differentiate between the normal processes linked to aging and pathological ones. Thus, certain behaviors that are not usually common in pathological aging may be interpreted as regular, leading to...

“Development, Psychology, and Adolescence” by David Moshman

Adolescents represent a diverse and interesting group of people for observation and investigation. Moshman (2011) highlights that the one thing that unites persons within this group is their engagement in psychological development. The author explains what is meant by this term gradually, starting with identifying its components. Primarily, Moshman (2011)...

Teenagers and Forms of Coming to Age

The writer’s argument that the teenagers in the Girl and A & P experience varying forms of coming to age are valid. In the first instance, the girl’s mother requires her to follow a specific guideline that she deems appropriate for women. The writer does not agree with this statement,...

Early Education and Developmental Disabilities

The first video illustrates the functionalities and importance of programs that aim to discern signs of developmental issues and disabilities among young children. This is vital to parents, guardians, and educators, as their ability to observe signs of developmental issues can improve a child’s growth in the future. Disabilities can...

Children’s Toys and Their Influence on Development

Learning through play is a very important component of a child’s growth. Educational toys tend to help develop problem-solving skills, understand the causes and impacts, and resolve conflicts. Learning through play also helps children determine the importance of sharing. It also promotes creativity and imagination. Children are taught to share...

Cognitive and Psychosocial Development of a Child

The study of early childhood as a stage of human development is of particular value. This is due to the fact that some of the most significant changes occur at this age. Their understanding helps to determine how to work appropriately with children at this stage of life. The period...

Cognitive and Emotional Maturity of Teenagers

Adolescence is a time of increasing freedom and discovery, but it is also a time when teenagers undergo cognitive and emotional maturity. During adolescence, the brain changes, causing a variety of stereotyped behaviors associated with adolescence. Advances in research suggest that dangerous behaviors and poor adolescent decision-making may be due...

Cognitive Development During the First Three Years of Life

Introduction In the process of perception, with the help of external orientation actions, the child correlates and compares the external properties of objects, highlighting permanent ones. These belongings become sensory samples by the end of 3 years of life. The cognitive process is the transition from using ready-made connections suggested...

Child Development Issue and Its Management

The case study is on a four-year-old Chinese child; essentially, the child acted more like a 2-year-old. After spending a few months with his grandparents in the family’s homeland, the child had just returned to his parents. Thus, the parents needed collaboration from the teacher to aid them in developing...

“The Minnesota Twin Family Study” and “Genetic Study of Genius”

“The Minnesota Twin Family Study” was performed by Thomas J. Bouchard, Matthew McGue, David T. Lykken, Auke Tellegen, and Nancy L. Segal, while the Lewis Terman performed the “Genetic Study of Genius.” In the first study, Bouchard et al. hoped to determine whether monozygotic twins reared apart had the same...

Why the Nurture Approach Should Be Prioritized Over the Nature Theory

Introduction Everyone has heard the saying, “We are what we eat” or “We are products of our environment.” Those sayings suggest that if we think about what we eat and control our environment, or at least our perception, we can steer our destiny. Our parents love us unconditionally and instill...

Development of Emotions and Temperament During Infancy

Emotions and temperament are first observed during infancy and have various manifestations beginning with facial expressions and sounds to the willingness to engage in an activity or avoid it. Thus, the development of emotions and temperament is a gradual process and depends on the level of development of children themselves....

Development Through the Lifespan

What Can Affect a Child’s Development? Human development lasts throughout a person’s life. Socialization is continuous and long-lasting, so there are many factors that influence a person. Influences are felt already in early childhood, in the narrow family circle, and then among other children in kindergartens and schools. Children’s psyches...

Stages of Intellectual and Social Development

This work will review the many stages of the intellectual and social development of people. Humans do not reach full mental maturity until their adolescent years or young adult years, in the case of men. While this can be partly obvious, many people keep expecting children to act and think...

Speech Delay in a 32 Months-Old Child

Introduction Speech delay is the inability to produce sounds or say words in toddlers and babies. Children develop at their own pace, so speech delay may not mean there is an underlying problem (“What developmental milestones,” 2021). Usually, the 32 months-old child with a speech delay has a verbal communication...

Childhood: The Social and Cultural Concept

Childhood is neither timeless nor universal: it is not determined only by age or biological and psychological factors. Rather childhood is understood by reference to particular cultural and social contexts and periods in history. Childhood in Mexico is not the same as childhood in Madras or Madrid: childhood at the...

Child Maltreatment Factor of Personality Formation

The phenomenon of child maltreatment in the home setting is thoroughly examined by researchers who intend to present a link between the unhealthy environment in families and the future well-being of individuals. They claim that the adverse outcomes of improper attitudes towards the offspring are generally connected to their low...

Child’s Development Analysis and Potential Interventions

Emma’s Case Study Emma is a 5-year-old Korean-American girl who started her studies in kindergarten recently. In kindergarten, it was noticed that Emma is quite introverted, and she has trouble socializing with her peers. Despite being conscientious and respecting her teacher, Emma avoided executing the teacher’s requests to communicate more...

Aging Theories in Case of Older Person’s Loss

Introduction It is complicated for an older person to deal with the loss of a loved one. According to experts, it is impossible to establish a time frame for treating such mental trauma. Most older people are unable to do anything after the death of a loved one. For some...

Lack of Physical Development in Preschool Children

Literature Review Physical development is an important aspect of growth in children and has been determined to enhance their social and language development as they connect and interact with each other during active play. Preschool is viewed as one of the most physical stages in an individual’s life (Erdem, 2018)....

Generativity vs. Stagnation Stage at a Midlife Age

The generativity vs. stagnation stage occurs at a midlife age. People can experience generativity in this phase through creativity, productivity, and creativity (Lally & Valentine-French, 2019). Procreativity includes the generation of offspring and the assumption of parenthood responsibilities, while productivity is the process through which persons take part in creating...

Preschool Development Observation

I spent 30 minutes observing Antony – a 4-year-old boy – to observe, estimate, and explain his domains of development and their intersection with one another. Firstly, he and his friend were rolling their cars on the carpet, having a kind of speed competition or race. Later they joined the...

Why Parents Matter More Than Peers in Children’s Development

Today, in the COVID pandemic, when more and more children study online, people argue that communication with peers is necessary for children’s development. While this is undoubtedly true, there is a more substantial influence within the family, that of parents, who play an essential role in forming personality. This paper...

Developmental Perceptions of Death Anxiety

Introduction People of varying ages and cultures have different attitudes toward death. This essay presents summary findings of interview analysis from participants selected randomly from each decade. The interview is intended to assess people’s thoughts about their death and how they have handled the death of a close relative as...

Personal Development Due to Erikson’s Scale

Unlike Sigmund Freud, who singled out five stages of psychosocial development, Erik Erikson established the eight stages classification. They include infancy, under one year, toddlerhood, from one to three years, early childhood, from three to six years, middle childhood, from seven to ten years, and adolescence, from eleven to nineteen...

Values and Interesting Facts About Development Psychology

Today, modern life often presents many challenges to most people. Complex social conditions, changing social environments, and globalization encourage people to find their place in their lives. People need to adapt to different living conditions in different situations, and knowledge of human personality and how it works is becoming an...

Human Life Span Development as a Study

Among the many disciplines in psychology, the study of human development is one of the complete sciences of human life span and its changes under the influence of psychological, social, and health-related factors. As stated by Kail and Cavanaugh (2019), lifespan development as an interdisciplinary study incorporates the psychological, sociological,...

Psychology of Sexuality in Middle Adulthood

During middle adulthood, people experience changes in many aspects of their life, including sexuality. Biological changes tend to decrease sexual activity, and an increase in societal obligations may impose even further limitations upon it. At the same time, healthy generativity is associated with lower chances of depression and, thus, may...

Personality Development: The Key Influences

The first perspective is the cognitive one, which can impact personality. It claims that one’s cognitive process determines the development of key personality traits. This process can involve judging and thinking as core drivers of the changes. In other words, it is the cognition of a person, which directs the...

Growth and Development in Emerging Adulthood

Overview Mercy is a 23-year-old female in her final year of college. She is the firstborn in a family of five comprised of three girls and two boys. Mercy lives in a blended family since her mother had two children when she married a man with three children. At the...

The Study Blog

Term Paper Writing Help

If you aren't sure whether you are good at expressing yourself through writing, then if you find it difficult to do so (e.g., when trying to write an english essay), we can help you overcome those obstacles by assisting you in improving your communication through writing. We help students compose essays or other types of papers for their courses. Now is the time to come visit us!

How to Overcome the Complexity of a Nursing Essay

There aren't many alternatives for professional translations. Before writing a good summary of something, you need to know your subject well enough to be able to write an accurate one. A research paper requires mastery of research language, a deep understanding of their subjects to be able to write about them clearly, and a careful consideration of possible problems before proposing solutions. Students often have trouble understanding medical terminology when they first encounter it, because they have never heard of these words before. When writing a cohesive psychology essay, students must be familiar with some psychological concepts. We have a wealth of experience under our belt, so we know where they need help. Although you may be able to find better deals elsewhere, there is no way to tell if these sites offer superior customer service and top-quality results. Read customer reviews before making any online purchases. If you don't think there's a market for them, it's perhaps best to skip them.

Professional Help from Copywriters

If you would like us to write anything from an essay in history to a term paper for you, we’d be happy to oblige. When writing something, there's a precise formula for choosing the best word. You can rest assured that you'll receive an expertly written paper from those who know exactly what they're doing. No need to write anything down today; there are no reasons why you shouldn't let others edit your document for you. Don't waste your time trying to convince them to do it for you, instead, invest it in something more productive! Order term papers online and go there! Founded in a simple belief that we are capable of delivering top-quality content to you, we offer a range of guarantees. Test it out yourself! The results must be presented after all the research has been completed.

Cheap Business Essay Writing Services

Before being accepted into our company, we underwent extensive background checks. Check their credentials to confirm that they have been writing professionally for some time. If they are members of professional associations, check, for instance.

Fun Tips to Spend Orthodox Easter Away from Home

In "Student Life"

Welcome to the New Bloggers

In "Degree Essentials"

Mastering Warwick as a Postgraduate

In "Looking After You"

Comments are closed.

Copyright, 2023

The Days of My Life: Personal Development Essay

Introduction: purpose, goals, and methods, in search for my own self: from early childhood to these days, conclusion: personal development in retrospect, reference list.

Taking a retrospect at one’s own development is a good way to analyze the current behavioral patterns and define the issues that may possibly jeopardize building relationships with the people around. In the given research, I am going to take a look at my won cognitive development through the lens of various cognitive development theories (CDTs) and check the effects of various internal and external factors on my life. Thus, I will learn not only to apply the theories that I have learned to practice but also to define the aspects that I will have to work on later.

The journey starts in early childhood

Naturally, browsing through my early childhood memories is quite complicated, seeing how I remember quite little about the given stage of my life. However, there were some choice moments that I clearly remember as the pivoting points of my development. For example, I can still recall some of the games that my mother used to play with me to develop my ability to think logically and be able to communicate.

Piaget’s theory at its best

Perhaps, one of the best ways to demonstrate a child’s development of cognitive and analytical skills, Piaget’s theory can be easily applied to my childhood memories. As an infant, I played with a teddy bear. Being a single parent, my mother had to leave me in daycare, yet I protested against being alone. To calm me down, my mother suggested that I draw a portrait of my teddy bear, which I did. Therefore, my ability to cognize the world through object permanence (tactile functions) transformed into symbolic thinking (transfer of the tactile experience into visual one).

Erikson: at the sixth stage

My childhood development can also be seen through the prism of Erikson’s stages of cognitive development. An alternative to Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s theories, it also has the right to exist, which my childhood experience has confirmed. I developed trust in my mother at the stage of infancy. It should be noted that the link between trust and breastfeeding, which Erikson provided, seems quite inconsistent, since in my case, mother-child relationships were very strong, even though my mother gave up breastfeeding when I was six weeks and started using bottle feeding. Like other children, I started fighting for my autonomy when I was around three; with little experience of raising children, my mother did not encourage my attempts at being independent properly and scolded me down when I failed, which resulted in enhancing my shame and doubt.

Vygotsky: the world around me

My childhood impressions, however, can also be analyzed from the point of view provided by Vygotsky. For instance, in my early childhood, I refused to share my toys with my playmates. The given phenomenon, in fact, can be explained with the help of Vygotsky’s theory. Noticing my greediness, my mother started giving me examples of generosity. For example, she tried to have me around when lending money, books, etc., to her friends and giving her things to charity. Thus, my mother performed the function of a scaffold, teaching me the basic principles of sharing.

Psychodynamic theory: new discoveries

Motivated both consciously and unconsciously, in accordance with the principles of psychodynamic theory, I learned new skills from interacting with the environment around me and the emotions that I had in the process. Sometimes these experiences were useful, like the pride that I felt after being praised for reading a very long word without mistakes at school. However, some of the emotions blocked my enthusiasm as a learner for quite along. For example, even now, I shiver a bit when I need to strike a match because of the burn that I got at five when playing with my mother’s lighter when she could not see me.

Growing pains: teenage angst

Much like any other teenager, I had to face a number of problems in order to accept the new patterns of relationships and to learn new communication skills. Apart from the way in which society works, I also had to learn how to be accepted and, at the same time, remain an individual. To describe the stages that I had to pass in the course of this transformation, Sternberg’s theory should be used.

Sternberg’s theory: from conventional to creative intelligence

I must admit that, as a child, I did not socialize with the rest of the children much; as a result, growing into a teenager, I was socially awkward most of the time. What I knew about people and society, I learned mostly from books and soon discovered that there was a huge gap between novels and reality. At this point, my development could be viewed through the lens of Sternberg’s theory.

Practical sub theory in action: acquiring communication skills

In the fifth grade, I started working on my communication skills. The process of skills acquisition was rather complicated, even though I had some experience in communication. In accordance with Sternberg’s theory (Bussey & Bandura, 1999, p. 677), I had to learn the basics of conventional communication principles before choosing the communication patterns that suited me best.

Experimental sub theory in action: training communication skills

After learning new skills, I tried them on the people around me in an attempt at winning them over. In some cases, my attempts were successful – I managed to find a sidekick when I enrolled in an art class. However, in a number of instances, these attempts led nowhere, which made me work harder on my social skills.

Gender issues and Chodorow’s theory: defining the differences

However, intelligence development and the skill of thinking outside of the box were not the only issues that I had to learn in the process of growing up. As I had stressed previously, at the age of 11, my knowledge of the social and physiological differences between boys and girls made me flock with girls of my age. However, at the age of 14, I started feeling that building relationships with boys are also an important part of my cognitive experience.

I remember dating boys at 15–17 and being romantically involved; however, it was all a part of growing up and cognizing the world and people around me, which was the key reason why these relationships never went anywhere. Perhaps, being relatively short, these experiences did not lead me to succumb to “women’s universal subordination that is based on a social, rather than a biological, explanation” (Ryle, 2012, p. 135), as Chodorow put it.

The world, through the lens of a young adult

Triarchic theory is still powerful: new experiences.

After I gave birth to my daughter, I discovered a whole new world of new experiences. Not all of them were positive – some included such problems as fighting fears when my daughter got sick, etc. However, by learning to be a mother, I realized that I have a plethora of both practical and artistic skills to learn. Therefore, Sternberg’s theory of learning to handle new tasks is still powerful. For example, while I used to be quite awkward when teaching my daughter to talk, I now feel experienced enough to develop sets of exercises for her creative learning.

Horney and Freud’s legacy: gender theories

As I have stressed above, I have been having issues in communication with the opposite sex. The given issues must have been stemming from my childhood experience. Being a child of a single mother, I could not observe the interactions between a man and a woman and, therefore, had to discover the specifics of gender relationships on my own. As Freud specifies, the so-called scripts, i.e., patterns of relationships, are learned in late childhood (Ryle, 2012, p. 135); in my case, these scripts did not include a male counterpart, which was the key stumbling block in my relationships with my male friends. As a result, I seem to have developed what Horney defined as a masculinity complex, which makes my gender relationships even more complicated (Paris, 2003, p. 22).

Divorce and the associated threats: Jung

I have to admit that at some point in my development, I had to face a serious crisis. In contrast to my expectations, my family life left much to be desired in terms of relationships with my husband. The problems that I encountered could be traced back to my Electra complex, as Jung (Borovečki-Jakovljev & Matacic, ‎2005, p. 351) defined it. Being raised by a single parent, I had little to no examples of interactions between a husband and a wife, which meant that I had to create my own interactional patterns.

Evaluating my experience, I must admit that I have a number of issues to confront. While my development did not differ much from the development of other children, such factors as being raised by a single parent and failing at claiming my independence in early childhood have affected my character and, therefore, shape my current behavioral patterns.

What needs to be addressed

As Jung’s theory allowed defining, I will have to work on learning to build relationships with men. Without a particular pattern learned from early childhood, the given task is extremely complicated. However, the situation that I face at present also has a positive side to it – I do not have the inherently wrong male-female relationship pattern based on the example set by my parents.

Future developmental prospects

Despite the fact that I already have a number of behavioral patterns cemented in my brain, changes in the environment that I live in, particularly new influences and interactions with new people mat possibly change the way I build relationships with people around me. By using the theories listed above to analyze my behavioral patterns, I will be capable of shaping my attitude towards other people and be open to new experiences.

Borovečki-Jakovljev, S. & Matacic, S.‎ (2005). The Oedipus complex in contemporary psychoanalysis. Collegium Antropologicum 29 (1), pp. 351–360.

Bussey, K., & Bandura, A. (1999). Social cognitive theory of gender development and differentiation. Psychological Review, 106 (6), pp. 676-713.

Paris, B. J. (2003). Horney & humanistic psychoanalysis. In Frager, R. & Fadiman, J. (Eds.), Personality and personal growth (pp. 1–29). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Ryle, R. (2012). How do we learn Gender? Questioning Gender (pp. 119–165). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2021, March 22). The Days of My Life: Personal Development. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-days-of-my-life-personal-development/

"The Days of My Life: Personal Development." IvyPanda , 22 Mar. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/the-days-of-my-life-personal-development/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'The Days of My Life: Personal Development'. 22 March.

IvyPanda . 2021. "The Days of My Life: Personal Development." March 22, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-days-of-my-life-personal-development/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Days of My Life: Personal Development." March 22, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-days-of-my-life-personal-development/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Days of My Life: Personal Development." March 22, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-days-of-my-life-personal-development/.

• Retrospect Into the Glo-Bus Experience
• Developmental Psychology Theories of Piaget and Vygotsky
• Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky: Theories Comparison
• Rebecca’s Literacy Development: Non-Cognitive Aspects
• Parenting Strategies for Early Childhood Development
• Individual Presentation and Plan: Developing Self-Awareness
• Developing Self-Awareness: Individual Plan
• Secure Attachment in Psychological Theories