Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Developmental psychologists are professionals who study and research how individuals change and develop throughout their lifespan, focusing on physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of human development.
Related terms
Nature vs. Nurture: This term refers to the ongoing debate about the extent to which genetic factors (nature) or environmental influences (nurture) shape an individual's behavior and development.
Critical Periods: These are specific time frames in development when certain experiences or stimuli need to occur for normal development to take place. Missing these critical periods may result in irreversible consequences.
Developed by psychologist John Bowlby, this theory focuses on the emotional bond that forms between infants and their primary caregivers, emphasizing its impact on later relationships and overall development.