The historical origins and developmental pathways of the discipline of developmental psychopathology

The historical origins of the field of developmental psychopathology are discussed and the meaning of a developmental psychopathology perspective is described. The definitional principles and tenets of the discipline of developmental psychopathology are delineated and they are utilized to highlight diversity in process and outcome. The definitional principles that are discussed include: 1) the mutual interplay between the study of normality and psychopathology; 2) the importance of a multiple-levels of analysis and multidisciplinary approach; 3) the processes that contribute to resilient adaptation in the face of significant adversity; 4) translational research; and 5) implications for prevention and intervention. Examples derived from research and clinical contexts are provided to illustrate these principles. Advances in our knowledge base in developmental psychopathology not only have benefitted the scientific understanding of the relation between normal and abnormal development, but also have contributed to reducing the individual and societal burden of mental illness.