Dr. Santaniello is a Developmental Psychologist.
Understanding Developmental Psychology
Developmental psychology is a specialized field within psychology that focuses on the scientific study of how and why human beings change over the course of their lives. Originally concerned with infants and children, the field has expanded to include adolescence, adult development, aging, and the entire lifespan.
Developmental psychologists examine a wide range of areas, including:
- Cognitive Development: How thought processes, problem-solving skills, and memory evolve.
- Moral Reasoning: The development of ethical principles and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
- Social Behavior: Changes in social interactions, relationships, and emotional regulation.
- Personality Development: How an individual's unique characteristics and traits emerge and change over time.
- Physical Growth: Biological changes, motor skills, and health across the lifespan.
Dr. Santaniello's research, specifically on children's moral reasoning development, perfectly aligns with the core principles of developmental psychology. This area of study investigates how individuals acquire, understand, and apply moral principles, and how these capabilities change as they grow from childhood into adulthood.
Key Focus Areas of Developmental Psychology
| Area of Development | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive | Evolution of thought processes, memory, and problem-solving. | A child's ability to understand abstract concepts, or an adult learning a new language. |
| Moral | Development of ethical principles and the understanding of right/wrong. | How children learn empathy or the stages of moral judgment in adolescents. |
| Social | Changes in social interactions, relationships, and emotional expression. | Forming friendships, understanding social cues, or adapting to new social roles. |
By focusing on how individuals change and grow in areas such as moral reasoning, Dr. Santaniello contributes to our understanding of the complex processes that shape human development throughout the lifespan.
