Abstract
This paper looks at various developmental theories that have been put forward in the field of psychological research. It explains the different stages of early development as explained by Piaget and Erikson and goes onto examine Kohlberg's moral development theory. It also looks at the similarities between some of the theories and the influences they have on society. Finally the paper concludes that developmental theories will always be evolving as researchers strive for more explanations of human behavior.

Outline:
Abstract
Developmental Theories
Piaget's Cognitive Development
Erikson's Psychosocial Development
Kohlberg's Moral Development
Similarities in Theories
Societal Influences
Completing Childhood Stages
Infancy to Adulthood
Difference in Theories
Culture
Individualism
Gender Bias
Overall Child Development
Adolescent & Potential
Culture and Ethnicity
Critical Periods

From the Paper
"Swiss biologist and philosopher, Jean Piaget's research, focused on the cognitive perspective which concentrates on thought processes, behaviors reflecting the thought process and includes both orgasmic and mechanically influenced theories. Piaget described children's development as occurring in four (4) quantitative stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational to formal operational stage. Success of the final process of development depended on successful or healthy completion of the preceding stage.
"From birth to two (2) years, infants learn to organize activities in relation to their environment through sensory and motor activity. As children go through this stage, they become accustomed to and accepting of their environment around them and learn more complex abilities (schemes) in order to successfully transition to the preoperational stage. In the preoperational stage which ranges from two (2) years to seven (7) years, thinking is still not logical at this stage. Children become less attached to their caregiver and more adept at language and play skills (adapting and assimilating) and retain memories of people, places and things located in their environment. With the advent of the concrete operational stage, which ranges from seven (7) to eleven (11) years of age, logic enters the scenario. Children shift from adaptation and assimilation of new knowledge to the concrete operational stage (equilibration). Now they can solve problems logically, but, still have not mastered abstract thought. After going through the concrete operational stage, children enter the final stage which is the formal operational and a continuation of the equilibration stage which ranges from age eleven (11) to adulthood. In this stage, the individual becomes more mature and is able to reason, formulate and make decisions."

Tags:developmental, behaviors, adolescent

Abstract
The paper relates that the field of adolescent developmental psychology is not a value-free domain of inquiry. The paper discusses how a fascinating but overlooked article, Merrick's (1995) "Adolescent childbearing as career 'choice': Perspective from an ecological context" makes explicit some of the race- and class-specific dogma still masquerading as objective inquiry in this field, and offers a much-needed ecological alternative to what might be called positivistic developmental psychology.

From the Paper
"This paper summarizes and critiques Merrick's (1995) "Adolescent Childbearing as Career `Choice': Perspective from an Ecological Context." The field of adolescent developmental psychology is not a value-free domain of inquiry. A fascinating but overlooked article, Merrick's (1995) "Adolescent Childbearing as Career `Choice': Perspective from an Ecological Context" makes explicit some of the race- and class-specific dogma still masquerading as objective inquiry in this field, and offers a..."

Tags:developmental, psychology, review

Abstract
This paper focuses on the aspects of psychology that specifically affect adolescents. It discusses some of the challenges adolescent psychologists study, such as teenage pregnancy and predisposition to the use of drugs and/or alcohol. It discusses the factors influencing adolescents and how they are able to cope with these external and internal pressures.

From the Paper
"Talk therapies and group therapies have both shown progress in treating depressive disorders. Using cognitive therapy, and the understanding that emotional health is linked to thought patterns and beliefs, psychologists can explore events and feelings that have been painful to the adolescent. They can help the patient develop new coping skills and adjust a pessimistic or negative outlook that creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. Group therapy also utilizes cognitive therapy but can make sessions less threatening. In addition, they can teach valuable social skills (Battle)."

Tags:cognitive, depression, suicide

Abstract
This paper addresses adolescent substance abuse from a scientific standpoint, delving into different theories of addiction, as well as some sociology of adolescence, in order to present the two different factors present in the formation of substance abuse habits in adolescence. These factors are embodied by the disease theory and the psychosocial theory of addiction, which are both explained in the essay.

Tags:PSYCHOLOGY / ALCOHOL, DRUGS, adolescent substance abuse

Abstract
This paper provides essays on high risk behaviors including peer pressure and adolescent high-risk behavior, bullying, attention deficit disorder and neuropsychological technologies. The paper also discusses their connection to child development.

From the Paper
"Adolescents encounter any number of risks in their daily lives as they cope with such challenges as hormonal and sexual development, the tasks of individuation, academic demands and peer pressure. Publicly, peers are often blamed for the onset of risk behaviors that range from substance abuse to teenage pregnancy, and a substantial body of research has typically shown that friends play an important role in shaping both positive and harmful adolescent behaviors and attitudes. (Maxwell) At issue herein, is the question..."

Tags:developmental psychology, bullying, high risk behavior

Abstract
This paper attempts to address the topic of developmental psychology, also known as human development. This scientific area of study within the field of psychology focuses on the study of the gradual psychological changes that take place in human beings as they mature. The paper discusses how, historically, this subject area dealt primarily with the psychological development in infants and children, and later expanded its focus to other periods of psychological and physical change, such as adolescence and aging.

Outline:
Introduction
History
Categorization by Age and Stage in the Lifecycle
Some Important Theories
Stage Theory
Incremental/Continuous Theories
Social Contextualism
Ecological Systems Theory
Methods Adopted in the Field
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The thoughts of the Soviet researcher Lev Vygotsky are gradually gaining more popularity in the field of American psychology. In the field of developmental psychology, in specific, his ground-breaking work relating to the significance of social interactions and the so-called "zone of proximal development" is now recognized. Vygotsy based his theory on three premises namely: (a) humans are associated with the physical world and each other by processes of cultural mediation that utilize both psychological and technical tools of the surrounding culture, (b) cultural mediation and, therefore, human psychological functions go through uninterrupted and lifelong alterations, and (c) human psychological functions arise from practical activity in specific contexts. Thus cultural groups have a significant impact on cognition and its development and cognition is a dynamic activity in which the individual both shapes and is shaped by the environmental surroundings. (The Vygotsky Project)"

Tags:developmental, Psychology, Human Development, Piaget, Infancy, Childhood

Abstract
This research paper is an extensive, in-depth study covering almost every facet of adolescent suicide including its history, demographics, possible reasons and situations, and risk factors. The paper also explores and analyzes the self psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches to deterring and preventing suicides.

Outline:
Introduction
History of Adolescent Suicide
Epidemiology of Adolescent Suicide
Risk Factors for Adolescent Suicide
Purpose of CRP
Self Psychology
Self Psychology and Suicide
Self Psychology and Family
Explanation of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
CBT Treatment Efficacy
CBT and Depression
CBT and Suicide
CBT and Family
Self Psychology Therapy
Self Psychology and Adolescents

From the Paper
"As can be seen from the opinions and theories of these two different individuals, personality, how people use it, and what creates it is a debated topic that not all agree on. Some believe that personality changes over time, while others believe that personality is a genetically inherited trait that will remain basically the same throughout life, and some see the issue as not being as relevant as how the behaviors that are manifest by the personality of the individual make that individual feel. This does not mean that no changes in the way someone reacts to their environment will be seen as they grow older or that all behaviors are healthy, but that the basic way that someone looks at the world will not change that much over time . Those that believe that personality does not change do not feel that one can change who they genetically are, and therefore the traits that they were born with will always remain."

Tags:psychiatric, evaluations, depressive, behavioral, therapy, peer, pressure

Abstract
This paper discusses the issue of adolescent suicides (a statistic that has risen in the USA in recent years) and explains how identifying and treating adolescents at risk through psychology is essential to reducing the suicide rate. The paper goes on to list prevention methods that are available, citing several experts in this field.

From the Paper
"Ten years ago the Center for Disease Control and Prevention did not report suicide rates among persons younger than 15 years of age, because of sparse numbers. During this last decade we have seen a dramatic increase in suicide among children. In the United States, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among children between the ages of 10 and 15 and the third leading cause of death among youth between the ages of 15 and 25. Identifying and treating adolescents at risk through psychology is therefore essential to the reduction of teenage suicide. Adolescent suicide prevention methods include removing loaded weapons from the household, suicide prevention programs, communication among at-risk adolescents, discontinuing drug use and treating psychiatric illnesses that may lead to suicide."

Tags:signs, treatment, depression, anxiety

Abstract
The focus of this paper will be on the adolescent period of the developmental stage of an individual. Developmental psychology uses various perspectives or approaches in explaining the patterns of development or change in a human being. It looks at issues such as sexual awareness, puberty, independence and self-image.

From the Paper
"One of the first approaches that will help explain the patterns of development of a human being is through the physical development stage. Physical development involves the bodily changes that young people have when they approach the puberty stage. Puberty is often referred to as "a period of rapid skeletal and sexual maturation that occurs mainly in early adolescence" (Santrock 2000 346). During the puberty stage, female and male individuals undergo several changes suitable for their physical stature and composition. Puberty among girls usually begins at age 9 to 12, while puberty among boys start at ages 11 to 14. Changes include the growth of hair in the genital areas and underarms of both male and female. Body proportions also change, with females developing bigger hips, bigger breasts, ovulation, and menstrual cycle begins. Males, meanwhile, starts producing sperms, erections and ejaculations, wet dreams, and darkening of the scrotum (Advocates for Youth 2002)."

Tags:puberty, sexual, awareness, development, menstrual

Abstract
The paper discusses the development of a child between conception and birth and S. Cooper's research on fetal alcohol syndrome. The paper discusses the first few years of life and the development of attachment as researched by Harry Harlow, early childhood and middle childhood and their psychosocial challenges as identified by Erik Erikson and adolescent teenagers' sense of egocentrism as illustrated by David Elkind. The paper then looks at young adulthood and Kohlberg's model of moral reasoning development and middle adulthood's challenge as theorized by Erik Erikson. Finally, the paper addresses late adulthood and the development of Alzheimer's disease and end of life issues as defined by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross.

Outline:
Conception through Birth
First Three Years of Life
Early Childhood
Middle Childhood
Adolescence
Young Adulthood
Middle Adulthood
Late Adulthood
End of Life

From the Paper
"There are a number of different dangers that can threaten the healthy development of a child between the time of conception and birth. A child begins as a zygote until its first 2 weeks, then moves on to being an embryo between 3 and 8 weeks, and finally, is considered a fetus from 9 weeks until birth (usually around 38 weeks). The first three months of pregnancy are the most dangerous for an unborn child, and during this time a child can be threatened by teratogens, which are harmful agents in the prenatal environment that can have negative impacts on a child's development. One of the most common of teratogens is alcohol. The consumption of alcohol during pregnancy can lead to a syndrome called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which causes mental retardation, abnormally small size, as well as organ, facial and limb abnormalities."

Tags:egocentrism, attachment, fetal, alcohol, syndrome, Alzheimer's, moral, reasoning