Child development refers to the biological, psychological and emotional changes that occur in human beings between birth and the end of adolescence, as the individual progresses from dependency to increasing autonomy.
Because these developmental changes may be strongly influenced by genetic factors and events during prenatal life, genetics and prenatal development are usually included as part of the study of child development. Related terms include developmental psychology, referring to development throughout the lifespan, and pediatrics, the branch of medicine relating to the care of children. Developmental change may occur as a result of genetically-controlled processes known as maturation, or as a result of environmental factors and learning, but most commonly involves an interaction between the two.
Related Journals of Child development
International Journal of School and Cognitive Psychology, Clinical and Experimental Psychology, Applied and Rehabilitation Psychology: Open Access, Mental Health in Family Medicine, Advances in Child Development and Behavior, Child Development, Child Development Perspectives, Early Child Development and Care, Infant and Child Development, Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development.
