Multiple meanings of a developmental perspective on psychopathology

Abstract This review starts with a discussion of what is meant by developmental change. It is concluded that development is an inherently "fuzzy" concept but that it constitutes a useful framework for research into psychopathology. Some of the major changes over the last four decades in the approach taken for the study of development are noted. Ten key developmental issues are discussed: (1) prenatal influences; (2) sensitive period effects; (3) mechanisms mediating long-term effects of experiences; (4) age of onset differences; (5) sex differences; (6) normality and disorder; (7) connections among different psychological domains; (8) psychopathological progressions; (9) resilience; and (10) gene – environment interplay. It is concluded that developmental research is a rich field of high potential but it needs to be process-oriented rather than norm-oriented, it needs to focus on interconnections between brain and mind, and it needs to have a major interest in individual differences. Notes G. Stanley Hall Award Lecture, 2004