Psychologists have proposed a number of different theories to explain the intellectual, emotional and social development of children. The effect of these theories can be seen in education, parenting, and approaches to children's mental health. Some of these theories are concerned with how children learn and others explore the age old question of the relative importance of nature versus nurture. While many of the classic developmental theories focus exclusively on the events of infancy and childhood, recent research is becoming increasingly concerned with adolescent and adult development.

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