Exploring Developmental Psychology: Nature vs. Nurture Debate

It is inevitable, children and adults constantly evolve and the evolution of this population requires an ongoing scientific investigation (Eberbach & Crowley, 2009). The scientific investigation of the evolution of children and adults is described as developmental psychology. Developmental psychologists establish theories of developmental trajectories, interpersonal, intrapersonal, emotional, and cognitive processing. Moreover, developmental psychologists endeavor to provide descriptive and expository research to enhance client and professional development (Machery, 2011).
Notwithstanding the basics of developmental psychology, human development is known for the controversial debate on nature and nurture. Researchers have not distinguished

the predominate theory; however, both theories carry equal importance. To say that human development is predominately hereditary or predominately environmental would be an understatement (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015). In fact, there may never be a thorough theoretical perspective that favors for or against (Wermter et al., 2010). Thus indicating the need for developmental psychologists and the continued research on the evolution of change in the human development.
Private and public mental health institutions have consistently relied on developmental theories for practitioner client interactions.

Urie Bronfenbrenner especially has impacted how mental health practitioners interact with client populations (Kuo et al., 2016). The interplay between the child and his or her environment and how the environment shapes his or her development is the heart of Bronfenbrenner’s theory (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015; Kuo et al., 2016). Moreover, Bronfenbrenner supposed that a child’s engagement with his or her environment shapes his or her environment. Surprisingly, Bronfenbrenner’s theoretical concepts have led social service workers (e.g. Children’s Protective Services Workers) to include environmental factors in abuse and neglect investigations and short and long term treatment plans. Social service workers may inquire whether a breakdown in the clients’ environment fostered abusive situations. Similarly, mental health authorities (e.g. Regional Health Care, Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authorities) notate the clients’ interaction with his or her environment to determine long-term care plans (e.g. community and or institution placement). In particular, mental health authorities may inquire about the client’s microsystems (e.g. the interactions between family, peers, schools etc.) and mesosystems (e.g. the clients interactions with the entities, is there a strain in relationships with the entities, and how will the strain in relationship affect the continuity of services). In some cases, mental health practitioners may evaluate institutional procedures to determine the possible effect of policies, procedures, and practices on a client. Many mental health institutions do not attribute the agencies policies, procedures, and interdisciplinary plans to developmental theorists; notwithstanding the omission, it is obvious where mental health practices

originated.