The Psychology of Growing Minds: How Age Reshapes Thought and Emotion

Prof. Dr. Anu Kant Mital; Kishore Raipurkar; Prof. Dhanashri Rajshri Ravindra Jadhav; Krithika Tharan

doi:10.63345/book.wrl.

The Psychology of Growing Minds: How Age Reshapes Thought and Emotion

Authors

Prof. Dr. Anu Kant Mital

Kishore Raipurkar

Prof. Dhanashri Rajshri Ravindra Jadhav

Krithika Tharan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63345/book.wrl.

Keywords:

Lifespan Perspective, Developmental Psychology Research, Lifespan Psychology Studies, Academic Psychology Publications, Wissira Press, Wissira Academic Books, International Research Journal in Psychology

Synopsis

Human development is often viewed as a sequence of milestones-childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age-each treated as a separate psychological chapter. Yet the human mind does not grow in isolated segments. Thought, emotion, and behaviour evolve continuously, shaped by age, experience, relationships, and the broader social world. The Psychology of Growing Minds: How Age Reshapes Thought and Emotion is written with the conviction that understanding this lifelong journey is essential not only for students of psychology but for educators, caregivers, policymakers, and individuals seeking deeper insight into themselves and others.

This book adopts a lifespan perspective, emphasizing that psychological growth does not end with childhood or adolescence. Instead, each stage of life introduces new ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to the world. From the sensory foundations of infancy to the reflective wisdom of late adulthood, development is presented as a dynamic process involving both continuity and change. By tracing this progression, the book highlights how early experiences influence later functioning, while also recognizing the capacity for growth, adaptation, and resilience at every age.

A central aim of this work is to integrate cognitive and emotional development within their social and cultural contexts. Too often, psychological texts isolate thinking from feeling, or individual development from social influence. This book brings these elements together, showing how cognition, emotion, identity, and relationships interact across the lifespan. The discussion draws upon established psychological theories while remaining accessible, making complex ideas understandable without oversimplification.

The chapters are organized to reflect key developmental periods, each explored through thematic sections that examine reasoning, emotional regulation, identity formation, and social roles. Practical illustrations and case examples are used to connect theory with lived experience, reinforcing the relevance of developmental psychology to everyday life. Throughout the book, emphasis is placed on psychological well-being, ethical understanding, and the importance of supportive environments in fostering healthy development.

This book is intended for undergraduate and postgraduate students of psychology, education, and social sciences, as well as for professionals working with individuals across age groups. It may also serve as a reflective guide for readers interested in understanding their own developmental journeys. By presenting development as a shared human process, the book encourages empathy, self-awareness, and respect for the evolving nature of the human mind.

Ultimately, The Psychology of Growing Minds seeks to remind readers that growth is not defined by age alone, but by the ongoing interaction between mind, emotion, and experience. Recognizing this interconnected journey allows us to better support learning, mental health, and human flourishing across the entire lifespan.

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Author Biographies

Prof. Dr. Anu Kant Mital

Dr. Anu Kant Mital is an eminent psychiatrist, academic, and global mental health consultant with over three decades of experience in clinical psychiatry and psychological sciences. A graduate of Grant Medical College, Mumbai, he holds an M.D. in Psychiatry, a Ph.D. in Psychology from MAG H University (UK), and an M.A. in Psychology. His extensive training spans clinical hypnotherapy, family therapy (UK), criminology, and biomedical ethics. Dr. Mital has served as a UNESCO Unit Head in Biomedical Ethics (Haifa) and as an External Consultant with the United Nations CISMU. He is currently a Consultant Psychiatrist at several prestigious institutions including Jupiter Hospital, Masina Hospital, and Godbole Heart Hospital. He has held academic leadership roles such as Dean at FIAMC Biomedical Ethics Centre and in the past as the Professor of Psychiatry at R.G. Medical College. His international exposure includes service within the UK NHS and observation at the University of Berne, Switzerland

Kishore Raipurkar

Kishore Chandrakant Raipurkar is a retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering with over four decades of distinguished experience in higher and technical education under the Government of Maharashtra. He has served in multiple academic leadership roles including Head of Department, Training and Placement Officer, Controller of Examinations, and In-Charge Principal at reputed government engineering institutions. Holding postgraduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Psychology, he uniquely integrates technical expertise with human development, pedagogy, and mentoring. He has designed university curricula, authored academic books, led national-level training programs, and contributed to industry–academia collaboration initiatives. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology, he continues to work as a trainer, counselor, and education consultant, with a strong commitment to student employability and social development.

Prof. Dhanashri Rajshri Ravindra Jadhav

Prof. Dhanashri R. Jadhav is an experienced counselling psychologist with over 5 years of expertise in career and family counselling. She has successfully guided more than 1500 students in career planning, decision-making, and personal development. As part of her work with CareerNaksha, she has spent 2 years helping students explore educational and professional pathways. At her own initiative, Mind Power Counselling Center, Prof. Jadhav offers therapy for anger and stress management, depression, anxiety, trauma, and personal empowerment. She has conducted 100+ family counselling sessions, focusing on conflict resolution and enhancing family communication. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from Savitribai Phule Pune University (2015–2017) and is currently pursuing a PhD in Counselling Psychology from Himalayan Garhwal University, Uttarakhand. Her approach blends empathy, insight, and strategic guidance, aimed at empowering individuals to thrive in academic, emotional, and personal spheres.

Krithika Tharan

Krithika Tharan is a Nutritional Psychologist, TEDx Speaker, and Founder of Hepta Academy and Hepta Senz, integrating psychology, nutrition, and behavioral science to drive holistic wellness. A certified Zenlp Master Practitioner and corporate trainer, she empowers professionals through evidence-based programs that enhance mental resilience and productivity. Recognized among Vikatan’s Top 10 Vella Manithargal for social impact, Krithika has authored acclaimed books on diet and travel and delivered over 300+ media sessions. Her mission is to help organizations cultivate healthier, purpose-driven teams that align wellbeing with peak performance.

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