What is psychosocial development in children? Outline aspects of psychosocial development of children with examples including? how does an understanding of the topic contribute to your nursing and/or midwifery practice? What are the implications for your practice?

Psychological development, the development of human beings’ cognitive, emotional, intellectual, and social capabilities and functioning over the course of the life span, from infancy through old age. It is the subject matter of the discipline known as developmental psychology. Child psychology was the traditional focus of research, but since the mid-20th century much has been learned about infancy and adulthood as well. A brief treatment of psychological development follows. For full treatment, see human behaviour.