The Importance of Evolutionary Theory for Developmental Science – and Vice Versa: The Case of Developmental Psychology

Article type: Review Article

Authors: Greve, Werner

Affiliations: Institute for Psychology, University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Werner Greve, University of Hildesheim, Institute for Psychology, Marienburger Platz 22, D-31141 Hildesheim, Germany. E-mail: wgreve@uni-hildesheim.de

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

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