International Journal of Developmental Science - Volume 6, issue 1-2

Authors: Scheithauer, Herbert | Ittel, Angela | Malti, Tina | Molenaar, Peter C. M.

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-2012-005

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 6, no. 1-2, pp. 1-1, 2012

Authors: Scheithauer, Herbert | Ittel, Angela | Malti, Tina | Molenaar, Peter C. M.

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-2012-004

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 6, no. 1-2, pp. 5-7, 2012

Authors: Paus, Tomáš

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: This essay describes briefly population neuroscience, the merging of genetics and epidemiology with neuroscience, and its goals with regard to (1) gaining new knowledge about processes leading to a particular state of brain structure and function, and (2) using this knowledge to predict the risk (and resilience) of an individual for developing a brain disorder. It then argues that these goals are best reached by espousing a developmental perspective that acknowledges the importance of the time dimension (within and across generations) when studying multi-level factors shaping the human brain.

Keywords: brain, imaging, genes, epidemiology, risk, resilience

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-2012-11086

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 6, no. 1-2, pp. 9-11, 2012

Authors: Pike, Alison

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Many topics of interest to developmental scientists are informed by behavioural genetic findings and their implications. First, behavioural genetic theory and methods will be briefly outlined. Next, findings will be illustrated by considering two disparate areas – general cognitive ability (IQ), and children's self-conceptions. These topics have yielded some surprising results that fundamentally change the way we think about the influence of families.

Keywords: development, twins, behavioural genetics, adoption, family environment

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-2012-11087

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 6, no. 1-2, pp. 13-15, 2012

Authors: Greve, Werner

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: The empirical and conceptual interrelations of phylogeny (evolution) and ontogeny (development) may prove to be more important than previously acknowledged. It is argued that this holds particularly for evolutionary psychology. For instance, an evolutionary point of view will add to the explanation of (the shape of) pre- and postreductive phases of human development. Beyond the prospects of an evolutionary developmental psychology, the integrative potential of the crucial evolutionary concept of adaptation both for developmental and regulating (coping) processes is proposed as a useful starting point for the conceptual convergence of evolution and development.

Keywords: evolutionary developmental psychology, adaptation, ontogeny

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-2012-11085

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 6, no. 1-2, pp. 17-19, 2012

Authors: Liebal, Katja | Haun, Daniel B.M.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: The aim of this essay is to elucidate the relevance of cross-species comparisons for the investigation of human behavior and its development. The focus is on the comparison of human children and another group of primates, the non-human great apes, with special attention to their cognitive skills. Integrating a comparative and developmental perspective, we argue, can provide additional answers to central and elusive questions about human behavior in general and its development in particular: What are the heritable predispositions of the human mind? What cognitive traits are uniquely human? In this sense, Developmental Science would benefit from results of Comparative …Psychology. Show more

Keywords: development, cognitive skills, great apes, primates, comparative psychology

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-2012-11088

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 6, no. 1-2, pp. 21-23, 2012

Authors: Keller, Heidi

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: In this essay, it is argued that a general understanding of human development needs a unified framework based on evolutionary theorizing and cross-cultural and cultural anthropological approaches. An eco-social model of development has been proposed that defines cultural milieus as adaptations to specific socio-demographic contexts. Ontogenetic development consists of pathways along universal developmental tasks that have to be solved in culture-specific modes. Especially the emphasis of particular modes of autonomy and relatedness influence the timing, stability, dynamics, and gestalts of developmental processes. This argument is exemplified with results from a multicultural research program.

Keywords: cultural pathways, infancy, autonomy, relatedness, parenting strategies

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-2012-11096

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 6, no. 1-2, pp. 25-28, 2012

Authors: Lerner, Richard M.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: The goal of developmental science is to describe, explain, and optimize intraindividual changes in adaptive developmental regulations and, as well, interindividual differences in such relations, across life. The history of developmental science is reviewed and its current foci, which are framed by relational developmental systems models that emphasize that change across life occurs through mutually-regulative relations between individuals and their context, are discussed. Finally, ideas about the future of developmental science are presented.

Keywords: relational developmental systems theory, developmental regulation, plasticity, non-ergodicity, social justice

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-2012-12102

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 6, no. 1-2, pp. 29-36, 2012

Authors: Sameroff, Arnold J.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Developmental science aims to understand relations between the past, present, and future. Prior emphases on deterministic predictions based on continuities in biological or psychological traits have given way to multivariate and multilevel probabilistic estimates based on environmental transactions at every level. Continuity is now seen as an epiphenomenon of stable organism-environment relations. The study of discontinuities between levels over time provides the foundation for designing interventions to improve life trajectories by changing organism-environment relations.

Keywords: developmental science, continuity, discontinuity, opportunity structure, meaning systems

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-2012-11100

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 6, no. 1-2, pp. 37-39, 2012

Authors: Bergman, Lars R.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Developmental science (DS) is defined somewhat differently by different researchers. In the present essay DS is defined as (1) it concerns understanding individual development, partly in contrast to group development, (2) DS is cross-disciplinary, and (3) the individual is regarded as a “functioning whole”, engaged in a developmental process in context, characterized by interactions. Empirical research carried out within a DS framework must pay attention to many issues such as: (1) The translation of a specific DS theory into informative hypotheses. (2) The integration of DS findings with the research literature. (3) Making the findings interpretable as addressing individual development. …Finally, it was pointed out that to maximally advance DS research a shared general theoretical framework and set of central concepts are necessary. Show more

Keywords: developmental science, person-oriented approach, cross-disciplinarity, psychology, methodology

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-2012-11083

Citation: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 6, no. 1-2, pp. 41-43, 2012