Applied Developmental Science

The chapter focuses on promising directions in applied developmental science in the next decade by charting the recent contributions and future potential for new ways of thinking about how we conceptualize and optimize development across the life course, the role of applied developmental science in public and private institutions, and obligations to promote a social justice agenda that contributes to social policies sensitive to diverse developmental challenges and inclusive in its offering of opportunities for individuals from different cultural, economic, and social positions. It brings together theoretical concepts and frameworks, methodological advances, and emerging themes and controversies that are redefining applied developmental science, highlighting areas that warrant further exploration and focusing attention on critical issues that should be addressed in future. Keywords: applied developmental science; translational research; social justice; health disparities; youth civic engagement; lifespan theory and methods; school-based interventions; selective optimization and compensation; aging; genetic research; adult develop; aggression; life span; prevention; developmental asset; racism; ethnic minority