DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

Scope & Guideline

Elevating Understanding of Development Across Lifetimes

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0012-1649
PublisherAMER PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1969 to 2024
AbbreviationDEV PSYCHOL / Dev. Psychol.
Frequency12 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address750 FIRST ST NE, WASHINGTON, DC 20002-4242

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Developmental Psychology' aims to advance the understanding of psychological development across the lifespan, focusing on the interplay between cognitive, emotional, and social processes. It emphasizes empirical research that contributes to theories of development, and employs a variety of methodological approaches to address questions in the field.
  1. Cognitive Development:
    Research on cognitive processes such as learning, memory, problem-solving, and executive functions in children and adolescents, examining how these abilities evolve over time.
  2. Social and Emotional Development:
    Exploration of how social interactions and emotional regulation impact developmental trajectories, including studies on empathy, prosocial behavior, and identity formation.
  3. Gender and Identity Studies:
    Investigations into how gender identity and expression develop, particularly in relation to societal norms and peer interactions, as well as the implications for well-being.
  4. Family and Socioeconomic Influences:
    Analysis of how familial dynamics, parenting styles, and socioeconomic factors shape developmental outcomes across various domains.
  5. Cultural and Contextual Factors:
    Examination of the role of cultural background and contextual variables in shaping developmental processes, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives.
  6. Intervention and Educational Practices:
    Research focused on practical applications of developmental psychology in educational settings and community interventions aimed at enhancing child and adolescent development.
The journal has seen a rise in the exploration of several innovative themes that reflect current societal issues and advancements in research methodologies. These emerging scopes highlight the evolving landscape of developmental psychology.
  1. Digital and Online Influence:
    Research examining the impact of digital media and technology on children's learning, socialization, and mental health is increasingly prominent, particularly in the context of internet addiction and information literacy.
  2. Intergroup Relations and Diversity:
    Emerging studies focus on children's understanding and experiences of intergroup dynamics, including social exclusion and acceptance, with an emphasis on promoting inclusivity and understanding across different backgrounds.
  3. Mental Health and Well-being:
    An increasing number of papers investigate the links between developmental processes and mental health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being in childhood and adolescence.
  4. Resilience and Coping Mechanisms:
    Research on resilience, particularly in the context of socioeconomic adversity and family dynamics, is gaining attention, highlighting how children and adolescents navigate challenges.
  5. Neuroscientific Approaches:
    There is a growing trend towards integrating neuroscientific methods into developmental psychology research, exploring the biological underpinnings of cognitive and emotional development.

Declining or Waning

While 'Developmental Psychology' continues to explore a wide range of topics, certain themes appear to be diminishing in frequency or relevance in recent years. These waning scopes reflect shifts in research priorities and emerging interests within the field.
  1. Traditional Learning Models:
    Research focused on rigid, traditional models of learning is becoming less prevalent as newer, more dynamic approaches to understanding cognitive development are gaining traction.
  2. Single-Domain Studies:
    Investigations that focus solely on one aspect of development without considering the interplay of cognitive, emotional, and social factors seem to be declining, reflecting a broader trend toward holistic approaches.
  3. Static Assessments of Development:
    The use of static measures that do not account for developmental trajectories or changes over time is decreasing, as researchers favor longitudinal studies that provide a more nuanced understanding of growth.
  4. Overemphasis on Deficits:
    Studies that primarily focus on deficits or problems in development, rather than strengths and resilience, are waning, indicating a shift towards more positive and strengths-based perspectives.

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