Developmental Psychology
20 Developmental Psychology Terms with Meanings and Examples
1. Development: The process of growth and change over time.
- Example: Child development involves physical, cognitive, and social changes.
2. Lifespan Development: The study of how individuals change throughout their lives.
- Example: Lifespan development examines changes from infancy to old age.
3. Nature vs. Nurture: A debate about the relative importance of genetics and environment in shaping development.
- Example: The nature vs. nurture debate explores how biology and experience interact to influence behavior.
4. Cognition: The mental processes involved in acquiring, processing, and storing information.
- Example: Cognitive development includes changes in thinking, perceiving, remembering, and problem-solving.
5. Piaget’s Theory: A theory of cognitive development that proposes four stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.
- Example: Piaget’s theory describes how children’s thinking becomes more abstract and logical over time.
6. Vygotsky’s Theory: A theory of cognitive development that emphasizes the role of social interaction and culture in shaping thinking.
- Example: Vygotsky’s theory highlights the importance of the zone of proximal development, where children learn with the help of more knowledgeable others.
7. Socialization: The process by which individuals learn the norms, values, and behaviors of their society.
- Example: Socialization is essential for becoming a functioning member of society.
8. Attachment: The emotional bond between a child and their caregiver.
- Example: Attachment is crucial for a child’s social and emotional development.
9. Temperament: The individual differences in emotional reactivity and self-regulation.
- Example: Temperament is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
10. Puberty: The period of physical changes that occur as a person reaches sexual maturity.
- Example: Puberty involves changes in hormone levels, physical growth, and sexual development.
11. Adolescence: The transitional period between childhood and adulthood.
- Example: Adolescence is a time of rapid physical, cognitive, and social changes.
12. Emerging Adulthood: The period between adolescence and adulthood, typically ages 18-25.
- Example: Emerging adulthood is a time of exploration and identity formation.
13. Adulthood: The stage of life that follows adolescence.
- Example: Adulthood is characterized by increased responsibility and independence.
14. Aging: The process of growing older.
- Example: Aging is accompanied by physical and cognitive changes.
15. Cognitive Aging: The changes in cognitive abilities that occur with age.
- Example: Cognitive aging can include declines in memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
16. Socioemotional Development: The development of emotions, personality, and social relationships.
- Example: Socioemotional development is influenced by both biological and environmental factors.
17. Moral Development: The development of ethical principles and values.
- Example: Kohlberg’s theory of moral development proposes six stages of moral reasoning.
18. Identity Development: The process of forming a sense of self.
- Example: Identity development is influenced by factors such as family, peers, and culture.
19. Resilience: The ability to bounce back from adversity.
- Example: Resilience is important for coping with life’s challenges.
20. Well-being: A state of positive health and happiness.
- Example: Promoting well-being involves addressing physical, mental, and social needs.