Developmental Psychology

This unit provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and working with developmental psychology across the lifespan. Through the study of this unit the student will acquire in-depth knowledge of the principles, theories and practices associated with developmental psychology. This unit will assist in understanding and appreciating the student's own development and that of others. Emphasis throughout this unit is on applying the theory to practical situations that may be encountered in a variety of contexts including the counselling interaction.

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the principle theories of developmental psychology
  • Describe human development in the stages preceding birth post birth
  • Describe the physical and cognitive changes throughout the lifespan
  • Discuss intelligence and how it develops and changes throughout the lifespan
  • Describe the development of self-concept and personality
  • Describe the impact of social changes and the development of morality throughout the lifespan
  • Describe the influence that family and attachment has on psychological development
  • Explain the theories of aging
  • Explain the processes of dying from a physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual perspective

Content Areas

  • Exploring the Lifespan
  • Theories of Developmental Psychology
  • Prenatal, Perinatal and Postnatal Development
  • Physical Changes Throughout the Lifespan
  • Cognitive Changes Throughout the Lifespan
  • Learning Throughout the Lifespan
  • Social and Moral Changes Throughout the Lifespan
  • Development of Self and Personality Throughout the Lifespan
  • The Role of the Family: Nature and Nurture Together in Action
  • Gender and Sexuality Throughout the Lifespan
  • The Final Stage of the Lifespan
  • Fitting it All Together

Unit Duration and Workload

This unit involves a total of 36 hours of face to face delivery of self directed study including educator contact in flexible delivery modes, generating a further 54 hours of self-study per unit including research and related study activities, including assessment. This translates to 7.5 hours per week for the unit.