Definition of Developmental Psychology

Definition of Developmental Psychology Nowadays, the issue and main principles of developmental psychology become more and more popular and obtain greater significance. Great number of different theories connected with its main issues can serve as the best evidence of this statement.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Definition of Developmental Psychology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, to investigate this issue it is necessary to give clear definition of developmental psychology and its main peculiarities. Developmental psychology is a branch of science which researches and analyses the main peculiarities and stages of the development of a human being (Colman, 2009). However, there are many different points of view on the process of development and what main peculiarities it possesses. According to Cooker-Greuter (2004) human development consists of lateral and vertical development. Both these processes are very important, however, they have diff erent mechanisms. Lateral development happens through learning, schooling and gaining experience throughout all the life of a person (Cooker-Greuter, 2004). At the same time, vertical development is connected with a persons ability to see the world from another perspective. That is why, psychology should investigate both these processes, taking into account their peculiarities. Moreover, different variables such as worldviews, stages of development, level of consciousness, logical actions and organizing principles should also be taken into account as they show how a person can make his/her own decision about some issue or phenomenon and help to understand peculiarities of his/her development better (McCauley, Drath, Palus, O’Connor Baker, 2006). Application of developmental psychology in life Having understood main peculiarities of the functioning of developmental psychology, it is possible to understand how it can be applied in modern society under new conditions.Advertisin g Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More First of all, is should be said that understanding of the main processes of the development of human qualities and traits of character can give people a great number of possibilities for their improvement. Having realized the main aspects of the formation of a certain skill, it is possible to apply this knowledge in order to obtain the needed skills faster. That is why, developmental psychology can be widely used in such fields as education, training programs and some other spheres, oriented towards obtaining or developing certain skills. Moreover, under modern conditions of complex changing environment, it is viable to apply the knowledge in this field to the spheres of leadership and management. There is no use denying the fact that strong leaders are needed to guaranty further prosperous development of human society. With this in mind, one of the m ain purposes of developmental psychology is to analyze the main peculiarities of leaders development and guarantee their further personal growth. Their weak and strong sides can be investigated and altered with the help of developmental psychology. There is, of course, a great number of other possible applications of this science in our life. It can be widely used in order to predict human behavior, forecast developmental processes and understand the effects of family, living conditions and environment on the development of the individual person, both physically and emotionally (Nielsen, 2006). Such a great number of possibilities shows universal character of this issue. However, it can be easily explained by the fact that changes are the main driving force of the development of our society. That is why, it is possible to suggest that almost all processes could be analyzed using the main principles of developmental psychology.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample o n Definition of Developmental Psychology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The only problem is to create a good scientific rationale for application of this science in a certain sphere of our life. Benefits of developmental psychology It is obvious, that personal growth of a person depends on the ability to understand his/her current needs and problems and decide what changes are needed in order to satisfy demands which exist on the certain stage of his/her development. It is obvious that clear understanding of the main peculiarities of the stages of personal development can make the process of obtaining new skills and adapting to new conditions much more easier. It is possible to suggest, that developmental psychology can be very useful within the framework of the personal growth of a person. There are some obvious advantages of using it with the main aim to improve some quality or a process. The thing is that it is possible to create a cert ain strategy of the personal development which will take into account peculiarities of every person. Being unique, this program will be very efficient and beneficial. However, developmental psychology can be applied not only within the framework of personal development. It is obvious, that its benefits can also be seen at the domestic level. First of all, improvement of some skills of the citizens of a state will obviously result in general improvement of situation. Every state depends on its people and that is why personal growth of the majority of citizens will be very beneficial for the incomes of a country and its growth in all other spheres. Moreover, personal and leadership skills of the officials of a country can also be investigated and the plan for their development can be created. This action will lead to a great improvement of the state of a country. That is why, developmental psychology can be a very efficient remedy which can help people to unlock their potential and be come prosperous.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More References Colman, A. M. (2009). A dictionary of psychology (3rd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Cooker-Greuter, S.R. (2004). Making the case for a developmental perspective. Industrial and Commercial Training, 36(7), 270-280. McCauley, C.D., Drath, W.H., Palus, C.J., O’Connor, P.M.G. Baker, B.A. (2006). The use of constructive developmental theory to advance the understanding of leadership. The Leadership Quarterly, 17(6), 629-640. Nielsen, M. (2006). Copying actions and copying outcomes: Social learning through the second year. Developmental Psychology, 42(3), 555-565