Developmental science

Developmental science is an interdisciplinary scientific field that synthesizes perspectives from biology, psychology, and sociology in order to understand behavioral and psychological aspects of human development.[1] The field of developmental science "...is not limited to simply describing deviant behavior at a specific age, but rather examines the dynamic interplay of biopsychosocial risk and protective conditions in the course of development over an individual’s lifespan."[2] It is based on theories previously developed by such psychologists as Jean Piaget, Heinz Werner, and Lev Vygotsky, as well as on dynamic systems theory.[3] In recent years, the field has undergone a paradigm shift away from reductionism to one based on complex, interacting systems, with an increasing emphasis on change over time.[4]

  1. ^ Bronfenbrenner, Urie; Evans, Gary W. (January 2000). "Developmental Science in the 21st Century: Emerging Questions, Theoretical Models, Research Designs and Empirical Findings". Social Development. 9 (1): 115–125. doi:10.1111/1467-9507.00114. ISSN 0961-205X.
  2. ^ "Developmental Science and Applied Developmental Psychology". Free University of Berlin. 2006-03-06. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
  3. ^ van Geert, Paul (April 1998). "We almost had a great future behind us: The contribution of non-linear dynamics to developmental-science-in-the-making". Developmental Science. 1 (1): 143–159. doi:10.1111/1467-7687.00020. ISSN 1363-755X.
  4. ^ Aldwin, Carolyn M. (2014-10-02). "Rethinking Developmental Science". Research in Human Development. 11 (4): 247–254. doi:10.1080/15427609.2014.967045. ISSN 1542-7609. PMC 4295790. PMID 25598750.