Stephanie Romano Smith

This module provides an in-depth exploration of human development, covering key areas such as social interaction, cognitive and moral development, attachment, and lifespan development. Students will examine the role of social relationships and environmental factors in shaping individual growth, with a focus on socialisation theories and attachment models. The module delves into cognitive and moral development theories, including Piaget's stages and Kohlberg's moral reasoning, alongside the development of Theory of Mind. It also explores the impact of early attachment on emotional and social development, drawing from Bowlby and Ainsworth's work. Further, students will study the stages of human development across the lifespan, integrating Erikson’s psychosocial stages and lifespan theories. Topics like individual differences, personality traits, and intelligence will be explored, with a focus on how these elements influence health outcomes. Ethical considerations and controversies in developmental research will also be critically examined. Through lectures, case studies, and group activities, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of developmental psychology and its application in real-world contexts.