Psychological Theories of Child & Adolescent Development

Course Overview

Embark on a journey of discovery and better understand the ways in which children and adolescents think and behave.

The Psychological Theories of Child and Adolescent Development micro-credential explores the critical milestones that shape how children and adolescents view themselves and others.

In this 8-week course, you will learn about the three stages of early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence. Explore the development theories of Freud, Erikson, Bowlby, Piaget, Bandura, Vygotsky, Kohlberg, and Maslow.

Learn about relational aspects that impact and influence the behaviour of the adolescent.

What You’ll Learn

Over the course of eight (8) weeks, through videos, readings and discussions, you will explore the following topics:

Week 1: Engage with the developmental theories of Freud, Erikson and Bowlby as they relate to child and adolescent development.

Week 2: Explore the developmental theories of Vygotsky, Bandura, Kohlberg and Maslow as they relate to child and adolescent development.

Week 3: Look at significant developmental milestones of early childhood.

Week 4: Learn about significant developmental milestones of middle childhood.

Week 5: Investigate the physical, cognitive, and moral development aspects of adolescence as well as psychosocial conflicts that occur over this developmental period.

Week 6: Introduction to relational aspects of adolescence that impact and influence the behaviour of the adolescent.

Week 7: Explore a range of contextual factors that impact child and adolescent development.

Week 8: Summative Assessment Case study. Complete and submit a summative assessment in the form of a Case study.

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Discuss child and adolescent development theories of Freud, Erikson, Bowlby, Piaget, Bandura, Vygotsky, Kohlberg, and Maslow.
• Explain significant developmental milestones that distinguish early childhood, middle childhood and adolescence.
• Identify social and emotional/psychological changes which take place across these three developmental stages.
• Contextualise child and adolescent development through parenting styles and family influences.
• Describe the significance of Bronfenbrenner’s socio-ecological systems theory for child and adolescent development.

Certification

Upon completion, you will receive a digital certificate of competence and badge. Your certificate and badge can be shared on 100+ social media platforms, allowing you to share your achievement with a single click.

Stackable Credentials

Stack specified combinations of micro-credentials and they can be recognised as equivalent to a module within the Bachelor of Applied Social Science Degree at SACAP. Psychological Theories of Child & Adolescent Development can be stacked with Counselling Children & Youth, and if you meet the minimum entrance criteria, you can enrol for the Bachelor of Applied Social Science Degree and apply for module exemption.

Dates

• Class of 2026 June: 8 June – 2 August
• Class of 2026 August: 10 August – 4 October
• Class of 2026 September: 7 September – 1 November
• Class of 2026 October: 12 October – 6 December

There are no online classes. Course content is released on a weekly basis allowing you to work through the course material, and meet weekly targets, at a time that is most convenient to you.

FAQs

The Team

The SACAP Global team brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience across various disciplines. Our expert short course developers and dedicated support team are passionate about sharing their insights to help you get the most out of your online learning journey.