What is the focus of developmental psychology?

Developmental psychology primarily focuses on the normal changes in behavior that individuals experience throughout their lifespan. This branch of psychology examines how people grow, develop, and adapt across various stages of life, from infancy through old age. It investigates cognitive, emotional, and social development and the factors that influence these processes, including genetics, relationships, and experiences.

By studying normal behavioral changes, developmental psychologists identify typical patterns and milestones, which helps in understanding what is considered developmentally appropriate at different ages. This knowledge can inform practices in education, healthcare, and therapeutic settings.

Other options present areas of psychology but do not align with the core focus of developmental psychology. For instance, explaining abnormal behavior relates more to clinical psychology, while information processing pertains to cognitive psychology. The effects of social environments, while significant, are often studied within social psychology, which looks at how individuals are influenced by their social contexts, rather than the developmental trajectory across the lifespan.