Developmental psychology and child psychology

 

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Developmental psychology and child psychology

Intro

Developmental psychology is the study field that explores the lifespan changes in human beings. It delves into the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral development that individuals experience from conception to death. Child psychology is a specialized field within developmental psychology that focuses specifically on the mental, emotional, social, and cognitive development of children from prenatal development through adolescence.

   

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What is developmental psychology?

What is developmental psychology?

Developmental psychology is a fascinating field that explores the lifespan changes in human beings. It delves into the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral development that individuals experience from conception to death.

What are the main features of developmental psychology?

  • Lifespan Approach: It examines development across all stages of life, from prenatal development to old age.
  • Multidimensional Focus: Developmental psychology recognizes that growth occurs in various domains – physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral.
  • Nature vs. Nurture: This field explores the complex interplay between biological (genetic) predispositions and environmental influences on development.
  • Continuity vs. Discontinuity: Developmental psychologists debate whether development is a gradual, continuous process or punctuated by distinct stages.

What are important sub-areas in developmental psychology?

  • Prenatal Development: Examines the growth and development of the fetus from conception to birth.
  • Infancy and Childhood: Focuses on rapid physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development during the early years.
  • Adolescence: Studies the physical, cognitive, and social changes experienced during puberty and teenage years.
  • Emerging Adulthood: Explores the development of identity, relationships, and career paths in young adulthood.
  • Middle Adulthood: Examines changes in physical health, cognitive abilities, and family dynamics during middle age.
  • Late Adulthood: Studies the physical, cognitive, and social changes associated with aging.

What are key concepts in developmental psychology?

  • Critical Period: A specific time window when an organism is highly susceptible to environmental influences impacting development.
  • Maturation: The biological unfolding of genetic potential, leading to physical growth and development.
  • Attachment Theory: Explores the importance of early emotional bonds with caregivers for healthy emotional and social development.
  • Cognitive Development: The process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and thinking abilities throughout life.
  • Social Development: The process by which individuals learn to interact with others and form relationships.
  • Moral Development: The development of an understanding of right and wrong, and a sense of ethical principles.

Who are influential figures in developmental psychology?

  • Jean Piaget (Psychologist): Pioneered the theory of cognitive development, proposing stages of cognitive growth in children.
  • Lev Vygotsky (Psychologist): Emphasized the role of social interaction and culture in cognitive development, introducing the concept of the Zone of Proximal Development.
  • Erik Erikson (Psychologist): Developed the theory of psychosocial development, proposing eight stages of psychosocial challenges individuals face throughout life.
  • John Bowlby (Psychoanalyst): Pioneered attachment theory, highlighting the significance of early emotional bonds with caregivers for healthy development.
  • Mary Ainsworth (Psychologist): Expanded upon attachment theory, identifying different attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant) formed in early childhood.

Why is developmental psychology important?

  • Understanding Human Development: Provides a deeper understanding of how humans grow and change throughout life.
  • Early Childhood Intervention: Helps design programs and interventions to support healthy development in children, especially those facing challenges.
  • Education: Developmental psychology informs educational practices by tailoring teaching methods to different age groups and developmental stages.
  • Parenting and Family Support: Offers insights into child development stages, fostering positive and supportive parenting practices.
  • Aging Well: Helps us understand the aging process and develop strategies to promote healthy aging physically, cognitively, and socially.

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What is child psychology?

What is child psychology?

Child psychology is a specialized field within developmental psychology that focuses specifically on the mental, emotional, social, and cognitive development of children from prenatal development through adolescence.

What are the main features of child psychology?

  • Focus on Childhood: It delves into the unique aspects of development during the early years of life.
  • Multifaceted Approach: Examines a variety of domains, including emotional well-being, cognitive abilities, social skills, and moral development.
  • Developmental Stages: Child psychology acknowledges that children progress through distinct stages with specific challenges and milestones.
  • Play and Exploration: Recognizes the importance of play and exploration in learning and development.

What are important sub-areas in child psychology?

  • Prenatal Development: Examines how experiences in the womb can impact a child's physical and mental development.
  • Infant Development: Focuses on rapid physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development during the first year of life.
  • Early Childhood Development: Studies the cognitive, social, and emotional growth that occurs between the ages of 2 and 6.
  • Middle Childhood Development: Examines the physical, cognitive, and social changes experienced during the school years (ages 6-12).
  • Adolescence: Studies the physical, cognitive, and social changes experienced during puberty and the teenage years.

What are key concepts in child psychology?

  • Attachment Theory: The importance of early emotional bonds with caregivers for healthy emotional and social development.
  • Developmental Milestones: The expected skills and abilities children acquire at different ages.
  • Cognitive Development: The process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and thinking abilities throughout childhood.
  • Social Development: The process by which children learn to interact with others and form relationships.
  • Play Therapy: A therapeutic approach using play to help children express themselves, process emotions, and develop coping mechanisms.
  • Temperament: Inborn behavioral styles and characteristics influencing children's responses to their environment.

Who are influential figures in child psychology?

  • Jean Piaget (Psychologist): Pioneered the theory of cognitive development, proposing stages of cognitive growth in children.
  • Lev Vygotsky (Psychologist): Emphasized the role of social interaction and culture in cognitive development, introducing the Zone of Proximal Development.
  • Erik Erikson (Psychologist): Developed the theory of psychosocial development, proposing eight stages of psychosocial challenges individuals face throughout life, including challenges specific to childhood.
  • John Bowlby (Psychoanalyst): Pioneered attachment theory, highlighting the significance of early emotional bonds with caregivers for healthy development.
  • Mary Ainsworth (Psychologist): Expanded upon attachment theory, identifying different attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant) formed in early childhood.

Why is child psychology important?

  • Promoting Healthy Development: Provides insights for optimizing a child's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well-being.
  • Early Intervention: Helps identify developmental delays or challenges early on, allowing for timely intervention and support.
  • Understanding Behavior: Provides a framework for understanding children's behavior and responding appropriately.
  • Positive Parenting: Offers guidance on effective parenting practices that foster healthy development and nurturing relationships.
  • Educational Practices: Informs the development of age-appropriate curriculum and teaching methods in schools.

How is child psychology applied in practice?

  • Early Childhood Education: Provides the foundation for designing effective preschool and kindergarten programs.
  • Parenting Education and Support: Offers guidance on child development stages and
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Developmental psychology and child psychology: The best textbooks summarized

Developmental psychology and child psychology: The best textbooks summarized

Summaries and Study Assistance with Developmental psychology and child psychology

Table of content

  • Summary with the book: A Critical Introduction to Sport Psychology by Moran and Toner - 3rd edition
  • Summary with the book: Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology by Wicks-Nelson and Israel - 8th edition
  • Summary with the book: Adolescence by Steinberg - 12th edition
  • Summary with the book: An Introduction to Developmental Psychology by Slater and Bremner - 3rd edition
  • Summary with the book: Child and Adolescent Therapy: Cognitive-Behavioral Procedures by Kendall - 4th edition
  • Summary with the book: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Children and Families by Graham and Reynolds - 3rd edition
  • Summary with the book: How Children Develop by Siegler a.o. - 6th edition
  • Summary with the book: Life-Span Human Development by Sigelman and Rider - 9th edition
  • Summary with the book: The boy who was raised as a dog by Perry

About developmental psychology and child psychology

  • Developmental psychology is the scientific study of how people change and grow throughout their lifespan. Child psychology is a subfield of developmental psychology that focuses specifically on the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children.
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Developmental psychology: the best scientific articles summarized

Developmental psychology: the best scientific articles summarized

Study guide with articles for Developmental psychology

Summaries and study assistance with articles for Developmental psychology

  • for 60+ summaries with articles for Developmental psychology, see the supporting content of this study guide

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Developmental psychology: The best concepts summarized

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De Roos et al. (2017). Comparison of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing theory, cognitive behavioural writing therapy, and wait-list in pediatric posttraumtic stress disorder.” – Article summary

About 16% of the children exposed to a trauma develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is associated with psychiatric comorbidity (1), functional impairment (2) and persistence into adulthood (3). Early and effective treatment is needed to reduce the negative effects of PTSD.

Trauma-focused psychological therapies are recommended as first-line approach. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural strategies (CBT) involve a combination of coping skills training (1), cognitive restructuring (2), therapist- and client-led exposure (3) and parent interventions (4).

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a brief, trauma-focused treatment for PTSD. During this treatment, the patient holds a disturbing image from the trauma memory in mind while engaging in sets of saccadic eye movements. There is evidence that it works for adults. Both CBT and EMDR appear effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in adults. The sessions consist of history taking (1), treatment planning (2), preparation (3),

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Dunning et al. (2019). Research review: The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on cognition and mental health in children and adolescents – A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” – Article summary

Mindfulness refers to intentionally directing attention to present moment experiences with an attitude of curiosity and acceptance. Higher levels of mindfulness is associated with better functioning for several psychological and physical health outcomes. Mindfulness skills can be augmented through training. The enhancement of proximal skills (e.g. non-judgemental attention control) may influence distal outcomes (e.g. reduced symptoms; improved behaviour).

Mindfulness may be introduced to youth to enhance core cognitive skills to support academic and social functioning. Mindfulness may be especially useful as self-regulation and executive functioning strongly develop during this period. Next, it is also a period in which many mental disorders first appear.

An active control group in MBI studies refers to something that is expected to benefit its participants and matches the MBI in non-specific factors (e.g. engagement with therapist).  

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) lead to greater improvements of mindfulness (1), executive functions

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Van der Oord, Lucassen, van Emmerik, & Emmelkamp (2010). Treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in children using cognitive behavioural writing therapy

PTSD symptoms may persist into adulthood if children are not treated adequately. Cognitive behavioural treatment is more effective than a waitlist condition (1), community treatment (2), supportive therapy (3) or child-centred therapy (4) on short- and long-term outcomes. However, there is no consensus regarding essential aspects of the treatment (e.g. should anxiety management procedures be added?). Furthermore, most studies focus on a single traumatic event rather than complex trauma (i.e. multiple traumatic events).

Imaginal exposure and cognitive restructuring of trauma-related dysfunctional cognitions are seen as essential to CBT. Written exposure may be effective through the same mechanisms as exposure in CBT. Cognitive behavioural writing assignments produce materials which can be shared with partners or parents (i.e. social sharing). Social sharing may promote social support which reduces PTSD symptoms.

The narrative exposure treatment (NET) only uses the trauma narrative. It aims to reduce PTSD symptoms by

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McCauley et al. (2018). Efficacy of dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents at high risk for suicide: A randomized clinical trial.” – Article summary

Prior suicide attempts are indicators of suicide death. Prior suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) are indicators of future suicide attempts. Therapeutic interventions for reducing self-harm have better outcomes than treatment as usual.

Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) refers to a multicomponent cognitive-behavioural treatment that targets treatment engagement and the reduction of self-harm and suicide attempts. It focuses on teaching skills for enhancing emotion regulation (1), distress tolerance (2) and building a life worth living (3). It is efficacious in reducing suicide attempts and NSSIs.

DBT is efficacious among adolescents for reducing suicide attempts (1), NSSI (2) and self-harm (3) for people at risk for suicide. At six months after the treatment, participants who followed DBT had a lower suicide risk than those who followed IGST. At twelve months, there were no differences. After twelve months, half of the participants stopped with self-harm in the

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Maric, Willard, Wrzesien, & Bögels (2019). Innovations in the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders: Mindfulness and self-compassion approaches." - Article summary

The most cost-effective treatment for childhood anxiety disorders (CAD) is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It typically includes elements of cognitive restructuring and exposure activities aimed at targeting common anxiety symptoms. Involving the parents or family in CBT for CAD is only beneficial under certain conditions. However, about a third of the children do not respond to treatment and children with social anxiety disorder benefit less well than children with other disorders.

Attention problems play an important role in anxiety disorders (e.g. attentional bias). Mindfulness may affect attention as it is related to focusing one’s attention. Mindfulness implies welcoming daily hassles with acceptance, calmness, self-compassion and gratefulness. Mindfulness refers to awareness that arises by paying attention on purpose (1), focusing on the present moment (2) and non-judgementally (3). It is a mental state achieved by focusing on one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting

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Lynch et al. (2006). Mechanisms of change in dialectical behavior therapy: Theoretical and empirical observations.” – Article summary

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a well-established treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD). It seems to be efficacious and this also holds for chronically depressed older adults and individuals with eating disorders. DBT decreases problem behaviours in BPD (e.g. self-injurious behaviour; suicide attempts; suicidal ideation; hopelessness; bulimic behaviour; depression).

DBT focuses on the balance between acceptance (i.e. no complete acceptance of behaviour due to the seriousness but no blame) and change (i.e. no complete focus on change as this can be seen as critique but no apathy). The dialectic refers to the process by which a behaviour, phenomenon or argument is transformed. It consists of three stages:

  1. Thesis
    This includes the initial proposition or statement (i.e. thesis)
  2. Antithesis
    This includes the negation of the beginning phenomenon and this involves an antithesis.
  3. Negation of the negation
    This includes the synthesis
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Vellutino, Scanlon, Zhang, & Schatschneider (2008). Using response to kindergarten and first grade intervention to identify children at-risk for long-term reading difficulties.” – Article summary

The IQ-discrepancy definition for problematic readers (e.g. dyslexia) is subpar as they often show average scores on measures of word level skills. Intelligence tests do not differentiate the atypically achieving children from a group of typically achieving children when it comes to reading performance. Early reading difficulties in most beginning readers are caused primarily by experiential and instructional deficits rather than basic deficits in reading-related cognitive abilities.

Most struggling readers can become average-level readers if they are provided with effective intervention. Those who continue to experience difficulties mat require more intensive or more individualized instruction to achieve this level.

The three-tier model of remedial intervention consists of three sequentially ordered intervention strategies:

  1. Tier 1
    This includes assessment and possible modification of the language programme to ensure that literacy instruction provided by the teacher is addressing the individual needs of all children
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Price & Ansari (2013). Dyscalculia: Characteristics, causes and treatments.” – Article summary

Developmental dyscalculia (DD) refers to a learning disorder which specifically affects the ability to acquire school-level arithmetic skills. It occurs when a child has a substantially lower mathematical ability compared to what can be expected for the person’s chronological age (1), measured intelligence (2) and age-appropriate education (3). The prevalence is 3% to 6%. It is often comorbid with other learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia; ADHD).

There is a lot of heterogeneity within DD. This maybe due to variation across studies in criteria used to identify mathematical difficulties (e.g. discrepancy criteria vs. percentile cut-off points). This may include individuals whose math deficits stem from exogeneous sources (e.g. poor teaching quality) rather than those whose math deficits result from a learning disorder. Another reason is that math skills are heterogeneous and vulnerable to disruption from a wide range of endogenous and exogenous sources, leading to heterogeneity in DD.

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Van der Pol et al. (2019). Common elements of evidence-based systemic treatments for adolescents with disruptive behaviour problems.” – Article summary

Identifying common elements between treatments could render them more effective. Many treatments have common elements yet a unique focus. This could help personalize the treatments. Knowing common elements of treatments allows therapists to implement these techniques in treatment more easily. Knowledge of treatment mechanisms and identification of potent treatment techniques can support enhanced precision in matching systemic treatments to the needs of adolescents and their families.

There are several common elements across individual systemic treatment protocols:

  1. Engagement
    This refers to motivating and involving all the key agents to start the process of change. This includes matching (1), facilitating (2) and availability (3).
  2. Alliance
    This refers to creating an atmosphere of positive bonds between the therapist, client and family members. This allows for consensual goal setting and establishing a foundation for positive change.
  3. Interactional focus
    This refers to viewing family-parent interactions
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Staff et al. (2021). Effectiveness of specific techniques in behavioral teacher training for childhood ADHD: A randomized controlled microtrial.” – Article summary

Behavioural teacher training is the most effective psychosocial classroom intervention to treat ADHD. Additionally, it reduces teacher burden and increases levels of teacher self-efficacy. In this training, teachers are taught to change a child’s behaviour by using stimulus control techniques. This aims to change behaviours by manipulating their antecedents or stimulus conditions to increase the chance that a child elicits desired behaviour.

Antecedent-based techniques include providing structure and clear instructions. It is aimed at clarifying what behaviour is expected of a child in a specific situation. Consequent-based techniques include manipulating the consequences of actions to influence the frequency of behaviour (e.g. reinforcement). This can include praise, mild punishment or ignoring.

A time-out is effective in reducing disruptive behaviour problems in children with ADHD symptoms. Consequent-based techniques are more effective in reducing off-task and disruptive classroom behaviour of children with ADHD.  

The antecedent

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What can I find on this page? On this page, you can find a summary for all the study materials you need for the developmental specialization of the Psychology bachelor's programme at the University of Amsterdam. There is a link for all the separate courses. The courses have been organized into ...

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What?

  • On this page we discuss questions students have with the 2022/2023 course "Developmental Psychology" at the University of Amsterdam
  • You have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have and I will try and answer them
  • On 30/1/2023 you can ask questions!

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