Developmental Psychology: Stages, Theories & Homeopathic Insights

Developmental psychology is the scientific study of how people grow and change throughout life, from infancy to old age. It examines physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development and how genetic and environmental factors shape human behavior.

Stages of Development (According to Different Theories)

1. Freud’s Psychosexual Stages – Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, and Genital stages.
2. Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages – Trust vs. Mistrust, Autonomy vs. Shame, Initiative vs. Guilt, etc.
3. Piaget’s Cognitive Development Stages – Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, Formal Operational.
4. Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory – Emphasizes the role of social interaction and language in development.

Areas of Development

1. Physical Development – Growth in body structure, motor skills, and biological changes.
2. Cognitive Development – Thinking, problem-solving, memory, and intelligence.
3. Emotional Development – Understanding and managing emotions.
4. Social Development – Interactions with family, peers, and society.
5. Moral Development – Understanding right and wrong, influenced by family and culture.

Factors Affecting Development

• Genetic Factors – Inherited traits, intelligence, predisposition to diseases.
• Environmental Factors – Family, culture, education, socio-economic status.
• Nutrition & Health – Affects physical and cognitive growth.
• Parental Influence – Parenting style, attachment, emotional security.
• Cultural & Social Influences – Peer interactions, religious beliefs, traditions.

Developmental Disorders

• Intellectual Disabilities – Impaired cognitive function and learning difficulties.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – Social and communication challenges.
• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity.
• Speech & Language Disorders – Delayed or impaired verbal communication.
• Emotional & Behavioral Disorders – Anxiety, depression, conduct disorder.

Clinical Features, Signs & Symptoms of Developmental Disorders

• Delayed milestones in walking, talking, or social interaction.
• Learning difficulties and poor academic performance.
• Impulsive or hyperactive behavior.
• Difficulty in social interactions and communication.
• Emotional instability and frequent mood swings.

Investigations

1. Developmental Screening Tests – Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST).
2. Cognitive Assessments – IQ tests, Piagetian tasks.
3. Behavioral Assessments – ADHD Rating Scale, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).
4. Neuroimaging & Genetic Testing – MRI, chromosomal analysis for abnormalities.

Treatment & Management

• Early Intervention Programs – Special education, speech therapy, occupational therapy.
• Behavioral Therapy – Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• Medications – Used in cases of ADHD, anxiety, or developmental delays.
• Parental Counseling & Support Groups – Guidance for families of children with developmental issues.
• Healthy Lifestyle & Nutrition – Proper diet, exercise, and mental stimulation.

Homeopathic Remedies

1. Baryta Carbonica – Delayed physical and mental development, weak memory.
2. Calcarea Phosphorica – Poor learning ability, slow growth, weak bones.
3. Tuberculinum – Hyperactive children, restlessness, weak concentration.
4. Natrum Muriaticum – Social withdrawal, difficulty expressing emotions.
5. Phosphorus – Quick learners but weak memory retention, sensitive nature.

PSYCHOLOGY INCLUDES:-

1. Mind
2. Behavior
3. Sensation
4. Perception
5. Illusion
6. Hallucination
7. Delusion
8. Memory
9. Thinking
10. Motivation
11. Emotion
12. Imagination and Image
13. Intelligence
14. Aptitude
15. Attention
16. Personality
17. Frustration
18. Conflict
19. Anxiety
20. Psychosomatic manifestation
21. Dreams
22. Developmental Psychology