Developmental Science in 2025: A Predictive Review

Abstract

This article discusses the current and emerging status of contemporary developmental science and present predictions about the growth of the field by 2025. Key contemporary features of developmental science involve a theoretical focus on models derived from the relational developmental systems, metamodel, a methodological focus on quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods analytic approaches. Emerging foci involve an integrative understanding of evolution and of epigenetics, methodological innovations predicated on the idiographic nature of intraindividual change and on the use of systems science and econometric methods, and the use of relation developmental systems-based evidence to enact applications to optimize human development and to promote social justice.