Developmental Psychology

Developmental Psychology is the branch
of psychology dealing with how people grow,

develop and adapt at different life stages. This includes physical, cognitive, social, intellectual, perceptual, personality and emotional growth. Developmental Psychology is necessary for us to look into because it gives us a better understanding of how humans learn, mature and adapt. The role that our parents play in our lives, helping us grow into the people that we are today, is a major one that we might over look. Today I am going to be answering some questions about my parents and myself on the topic of Developmental Psychology in order for you to get a better understanding of my development. 

• Reflect on the way you were raised. Consider the parenting behaviors (e.g., rules, discipline strategies, warmth, and support) used in your household when you were a child. Why do you think your parents behaved this way? How do these factors fit with the influences on parenting described here? Provide specific examples of multiple influences on parenting? 
• My parents got a lot of their parenting behavior from their parents. They took a lot of influence from their childhood. My parents show favorable parenting factors. They are always encouraging and supportive, as well as involved in my life.

• What type of parent do you envision yourself becoming? If you are a parent, how do you parent your child/children? How do you think this is similar to or different than the way you were raised? What influences exist in your life that will make you parent differently from your own parents?

• I think I will be a very hands on parent, but I do not think I will be as strict as most but I will not be too lenient as well. My parenting style will be very similar to my parents since they are very involved in my life and are moderately strict. My parents instilled a lot of trust in my sister and I, and I believe that I will do the same. A great influence in my life that will make me parent differently is the fact that I am pursuing a higher education than they did. Therefore it is more likely that I will have greater opportunities in my life that will alter the way that I parent. 

• What kind of relationship did you have with your parents or primary caregivers when you were young? Do you think that had any bearing on the way you related to others (e.g., friends, relationship partners) as you grew older?

• I have always had a really close relationship my parents, as well as my grandparents. We can discuss anything and we all really enjoy spending time with one another. I feel this helped me becoming trusting in my relationships as I grew older, as well as aiding in my confidence in my relationships by setting solid examples for me. 
• Some people, despite reporting insecure relationships with their parents, report secure, well-functioning relationships with their spouses. What kinds of experiences do you think might enable someone to develop a secure relationship with their partners despite having an insecure relationship with other central figures in their lives?
• In a relationship it is about trust and a will to make it work. I believe that all relationships go through challenges, but it is these challenges that strengthen the relationship by making the couple have to work through them.  

Sources:

http://www.apa.org/action/science/developmental/index.aspx

http://nobaproject.com/modules/the-developing-parent#discussion-questions

http://nobaproject.com/modules/attachment-through-the-life-course