Readings in Developmental Psychology

Most literature on developmental psychology is, as one would expect, scholarly. In the broader sense of the term, this literature includes Piaget’s “genetic epistemology” (on the genesis of knowledge), theory of knowledge (epistemology), and empirical research on individual facets of how adult develop over the lifespan. At times, the writing also borders on philosophy, as in Adorno, Bhaskar, and Wilber (who wouldn’t admit it).

In the list below, Demick and Andreoletti (2003) present a synopsis of recent research, whereas Wilber (2000) provides a bird’s eye’s view of the field. In Jaques’s writing, you will find a full-fledged theory of work and organizations based on Piaget’s research on the development of logical thinking.

It is a good idea to start with Wilber’s book, although you won’t find anything about dialectical thinking there.

Adorno, Th.W. (1999). Negative dialectics. Continuum.

Basseches, M. (1984). Dialectical thinking and adult development. Ablex.

Bhaskar, R. (1993). Dialectic: The pulse of freedom. Verso.

Commons, M. et al. (1985). Beyond formal operations (vol. 1). Praeger

Commons, M. et al. (1990). Adult development: Models and methods in the study of
     adolescent and adult development (vol. 2), Praeger.

Cook-Greuter, S. (1999). Postautonomous ego development. Bell & Howell.

Demick, J. & C. Andreoletti (2003). Handbook of adult development. Kluwer
     Academic/Plenum Publishers.

Jaques, E. (1989 f.) Requisite organization. Cason Hall.

Jaques, E. (1994). Human capability. Cason Hall & Co.

Kegan, R. (1982). The evolving self. Harvard University Press.

Kegan, R. (1994). In over our heads. Harvard University Press.

King, P.M. & Kitchener, K.S. (1994). Developing reflective judgment. Jossey-Bass.

Laske, O. (1999). Transformative effects of coaching on executives’
     professional agenda (2 vol., order no. 9930438). Bell & Howell.

Laske, O. (2006). Measuring hidden dimensions. IDM Press.

Schein, E. (1999) Process consultation revisited. Addison-Wesley.

Stober, D.R. & Grant, A.M. (2006). Evidence-based coaching handbook. Wiley & Sons.

Wilber, K. (2000). Integral psychology. Shambhala.