Subfield Analysis

Developmental psychology’s beginnings are interesting and somewhat unintentional. Jean-

Jacques Rosseau was an 18th century Philosopher who had formed his writings and opinions on

development and child rearing. While his writings were not based on research or analysis it

introduced the first thoughts of child rearing and was instrumental in education. (Koops 2012)

However, Charles Darwin’s writings are the earliest empirical study of child development by an

English author. (Lorch & Hellal 2010) Charles Darwin observed the language and physical

developments of his children over the course of 7 years in a personal baby biography. Darwin’s

casual interest in child development propelled other Scientists such as Jean Piaget and G. Stanley

Hall to research, develop and build some of the foundations of child developmental psychology.

Introduction of child labor laws also influenced social change and placed emphasis on the

emotional well-being of children. Freud introduced the first complete theory of personality and

psychoanalysis. The introduction of psychoanalysis is pivotal as it presents a clinical method for

treating psychopathy. Psychoanalysis offers unique and personalized approaches to understand

the mental processes, diagnose mental disorders, and treat the same. (Hossain, Sultana, Shaik,

Faizah 2019) Understanding such dynamics within the human mind has been central to

addressing mental illness and promoting positive mental health. (Gabbard 2005) Erik Erickson’s

contribution placed emphasis on how cultural differences make us who we are. Another era in

developmental psychology is Behaviorism and social learning. Behaviorism is the theory where

learning is a result of conditioning and not of thought and feelings. Behaviorists do not

emphasize thinking or other mental activities as a part of the learning process because such

variables are not observable behaviors. (Clark 2018) Where behaviorism focuses on the

observable and documented behavior, cognitive psychology accounts that children are not
mindless vessels but can think and analyze. Jean Piaget’s is known for his cognitive-

development theory. These theories and their research played a role in what developmental

psychology is today.

It is believed that our early experiences effect our development and developmental psychology

effects our social development as well. For example language acquisition or lack of, will effect

social development. As it is through language that children interact and communicate with

others, it is essential that they develop language skills at a normal rate so that they can keep up

with their peers and establish normal modes of social interaction. (Lekhal 2020) When cognitive

development is impaired the inability to communicate or express feelings can be affected. This

will make relationships difficult to develop and maintain. Cognitive impairment will likely effect

academic success too. Poor relationship skills and low academic achievement can make life

difficult for an adolescent. A developmental approach is also used in clinic psychology. For

example, adolescence is a period of development where maladaptive pathways can begin but also

a period when interventions can have their greatest impact. (Holmbeck & Kendall 2002)