Child psychology and its importance

In the area of ​​psychology, many professionals share the idea that the adult of today is the child of yesterday. This is why, in recent decades, much emphasis has been placed on trying to study and understand all the mental processes that arise throughout the development of children. This is how child psychology , being a direct branch of conventional psychology, seeks to give answers in an accurate and professional way.

Due to the importance that this profession carries, all kinds of courses and specializations have been developed in order to promote training in child psychology . If you are thinking of expanding your knowledge in this area, this is your opportunity. Next, we present all the information you need to know about this profession.

What is child psychology?

Child psychology is a branch of conventional psychology that is responsible for studying the behavior of children from birth to adolescence. It is also known as developmental psychology , focusing on the study of the individual from birth in each of its stages and sensitive periods.

The study of child psychology, on the one hand, tries to explain the normal changes that occur throughout each stage of childhood. At this point, emphasis is placed on the physical, motor, cognitive, perceptual, affective, biological, genetic and social aspects of the individual. And in the same way, the constant effect that the environment has on the child is evaluated , both environmentally and socially.

On the other hand, child psychology also seeks to diagnose and treat all those conditions that could affect the mental balance of the infant.

Relevant authors

The famous Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud was the first mental health specialist to develop theories related to child psychology. He made a distinction between various psychosexual stages that were related to the personality of the individual in adulthood.

Who also designated characteristic stages in childhood development was the Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget . His contributions promoted the constructivist theory on the development of intelligence. At first, he used the observation of his own children to develop important theories that remain of great value to this day. The different periods of motor development are one of the most studied contributions, since they serve to understand the mental processes of the child and its correct evolution.

Why is child psychology important?

Throughout childhood, there are various phases that all of us sometimes go through unconsciously. Any external or internal stimulus that affects any of these phases or stages of childhood, can lead to a major long-term disorder.

Thus, child psychology is important when diagnosing and treating all those social, emotional, affective and learning problems that arise during development. In the same way, it serves to prevent difficulties and problems that may develop and become more pronounced in adulthood.

Although it is true that in the past the child population was already a victim of this type of condition, it should be noted that the last decades have further exacerbated this problem. This is due to the recognition of certain diagnoses, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Psychological conditions that affect child development

Although known childhood psychological conditions are abundant, there are some of them that tend to occur much more frequently, such as:

• Bullying or school harassment: this section includes both physical, psychological, social and verbal abuse.

• Imaginary friends: although the appearance of imaginary friends during childhood is usually seen as something normal, it is still a topic that should not be minimized. If these imaginary friends stick around for longer than they should, it may be a sign of a major psychological problem.

• School phobia: this term refers to an aversion or contempt on the part of the child for going to school, either due to an unjustified fear or anxiety.
• Autism: it is a congenital neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by social isolation, communication deficits and behavioral disorders.
• Childhood depression: is a psychological disorder that affects the infant’s mood, with feelings of sadness coexisting with sudden mood swings.

• The detachment product of divorces: the issue of divorces always brings psychological affections on children. Thus, sociability, self-esteem , behavior and school performance can be affected under these circumstances.

• Nervous tics: they are represented by involuntary, short, sudden and repetitive movements of various muscle groups.

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: This disorder encompasses both attention deficit and restlessness, emotional instability and compulsive behaviors.

How to train as a child psychologist?

There is an infinity of master’s courses and specializations that can be done, even online if you prefer.

In essence, child psychology is dedicated to those who have already obtained their bachelor’s or degree in psychology . However, the courses we are talking about are also available to parents who care about their children and who want to better monitor their development.

In the case of wanting to do a master’s or postgraduate degree in this area, you should only go to the university of your choice that has this branch. If, on the other hand, you want to take a simple course, you also have this possibility.