This article examines the state of the art in developmental theorizing today and identifies shifts in direction needed for further progress. Developmental psychology’s robust empirical base calls for new directions in theorizing. The historical context of theorizing shows how developmental theoretical issues arose from a series of developmental theories and the challenges to these theories. Several trends in developmental theorizing in recent years indicate how the theoretical landscape is changing. A look at the current state of theorizing reveals ways in which existing theories are limited, especially in light of new research findings and psychologists’ increasing awareness of the influence of the world views in which theories are developed. Suggested future directions for developmental theorizing include decentering individual minds by considering larger socio-cultural contexts, developing diversity-informed theories, and keeping a focus on core developmental principles.

本文考察了当今发展理论的最新发展水平，并确定了进一步发展所需的方向转变。发展心理学强大的经验基础要求理论化的新方向。理论化的历史背景表明，发展理论问题是如何从一系列发展理论中产生的，以及对这些理论的挑战。近年来发展理论的若干趋势表明理论格局正在发生变化。审视当前的理论化状态揭示了现有理论受到限制的方式，特别是考虑到新的研究结果和心理学家对发展理论的世界观影响的日益认识。