Module: Advanced Developmental Psychology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Advanced Developmental Psychology
Module Code	PSY1037 (ITS: PSYC304)
Faculty	Psychology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The module extends the study of developmental psychology into adult development. The module aims to provide the student with an understanding of developmental psychology across the lifespan, with specific emphasis on physical, cognitive, social, emotional, sexual and relational contexts of adult development. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the theories, themes and concepts in developmental psychology and appreciate that development continues throughout the lifespan. In addition, students will learn about current issues involved in lifespan developmental research, together with specific empirical studies that address contemporary developmental research questions. Students will also examine quantitative and qualitative research approaches pertinent to the study of development across the lifespan and explore, in particular, longitudinal, life course and life history methodologies as applied in current contexts.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the major and contemporary theories, themes and concepts of developmental psychology specifically applied to adulthood
2. Appreciate the complexity of social and environmental factors pertaining to developmental psychology and their potential impact on individual developmental outcomes across the lifespan.
3. Review the range of research approaches most relevant to the study of development across the lifespan.
4. Critically evaluate particular research methodologies employed in applied developmental psychology and consider the application of research in policy and practice
5. Integrate knowledge on broad themes and communicate same in a clear, concise and scholarly manner

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	20	Lectures based on indicative content and learning outcomes
Tutorial	4	Mentor and student led
Assignment Completion	40	No Description
Independent Study	61	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11479	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Emma Nicholson	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Oral Examination	Submission and discussion of tutorial work. Interactive Oral Assessment.	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to Lifespan Development: Childhood to Adulthood
Introductory primer on lifespan development; including child and adolescent development.

Theoretical approaches to and contemporary conceptualisations of lifespan development.
Major and contemporary theory and themes

Research in Lifespan Development
Review of research methods and applications of research

Transitions Across the Lifespan
Stability and change throughout the lifespan

Cognitive Development
Cognitive Development and Functioning

Contexts Of Development
Contexts Of Development in Adulthood: Family, Social, cultural, political

Psychological Health and Well-being Across the Lifespan
Psychological Adaption and Mental Health; Resilience and Risk Across the Lifespan

Aging
Physical, Social and Psychological Changes; Positive Aging Perspectives

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Kuther, T.L.: 2018, Lifespan Development in Context: A Topical Approach., Sage, London,
Santrock, J.: 2018, Essentials of Lifespan Development, 5th, McGraw Hill, New York,
Santrock, J.: 2015, Lifespan Development, 15th Edition, McGraw Hill, New York,
Moody, H. & Sasser, J.: 2012, Aging: Concepts and Controversies, 7th, Sage,
Lerner, R. M., Jacobs, F., & Wertlieb, D.: 2005, Applied Developmental Science: An advanced textbook, Sage Publications Inc., Thousand Oaks, California,
Cavanaugh, J & Blanchard-Fields, S.: 2011, Adult Development and Aging, 6th, Cengage Learning,
Bjorklund, B: 2011, The Journey of Adulthood, 7th, Pearson,
Crofter, S., Maunder, R., & Soulsby, L.: 2019, Developmental Transitions: Exploring stability and change through the lifespan, Routledge, New York, NY.,
Bee, H. & Boyd, D.: 2009, Lifespan Development, 5th Edition, Allyn & Bacon, Boston,
Lemme, B.: 2005, Development in Adulthood, 4th, Allyn & Bacon, Boston,
Erikson, E.H.: 1994, Identity and the Life Cycle, Norton & Co.,

Articles:

Slater, C. L.: 2003, Generativity versus stagnation: An elaboration of Erikson’s adult stage of human development., Journal of Adult Development, 10 (1), 53-65, 522580
2005: Biographical transitions from a midlife perspective, Journal of Adult Development, 12 (4), 169-181, 522581, 2
Life satisfaction across the lifespan: Findings from two nationally representative panel studies.: Social Indicators Research, 99(2), 183-203, 522582, 2, Arnett, J. J. & Eisenberg, N.
Child Development Perspectives.: 1 (2),, 66–67, 522583, 2, Soto, C. J. & John, O. P., 2012
522584: 2, Orth, U., Trzesniewski, K. H. & Robins, R.W., 2012, Self-esteem development from young adulthood to old age: A cohort-sequential longitudinal study., Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 98(4), 645-658,

Other Resources

1: Journal, Journal of Adult Development,
419247: 1, Journal, Developmental Psychology,
419248: 1, Journal, Developmental Review,
419249: 1, Journal, British Journal of Developmental Psychology,
419250: 1, Journal, Human Development,
419251: 1, Journal, Psychology and Aging,
419252: 1, Journal, Journal of Gerontology,
419253: 1, Journal, International Journal of Aging and Human Development,
419254: 1, Journal, Applied Developmental Science,