The founding issue of the Journal of Developmental Science was published in July 2026.
SPIRALAcademic Press
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Publishing peer-reviewed research, books, and scholarly resources that advance the science and practice of human development, leadership, and organizational science.

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All publications undergo double-blind peer review by qualified scholars in the relevant field.

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Interdisciplinary

Bridging developmental psychology, organizational science, leadership, and educational research.

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Committed to the highest standards of publication ethics, research integrity, and transparency.

Our Journals

Peer-reviewed publications advancing scholarship in human development and related disciplines.

Published July 2026Open AccessDouble-Blind

Journal of Developmental Science

The Journal of Developmental Science publishes original research, theoretical contributions, and critical reviews advancing the scientific understanding of human development across the lifespan. The j...

Developmental PsychologyLifespan DevelopmentNeurodevelopmentEducational Development
Quarterly
Founding Issue OpenOpen AccessDouble-Blind

Journal of Human Development and Self-Leadership

JHDSL publishes original empirical, theoretical, and review articles advancing the science and practice of human development across the lifespan, with particular emphasis on self-directed growth, meta...

Human DevelopmentSelf-LeadershipMetacognitionDevelopmental Psychology
ISSN: Pending
Quarterly
Now Published

Journal of Developmental Science

Volume 1, Number 1  ·  2026  ·  Inaugural Issue — Founding Edition

The founding edition of JDS establishes Developmental Science as an integrative discipline and introduces the SPIRAL Framework as a theoretical model for self-directed development across the lifespan. This issue is freely available as open access and eligible for ISSN application as a sample issue.

This Issue Contains
01
Editorial
Toward a Science of Human Becoming
02
Theoretical Article
The SPIRAL Framework: A Model for Self-Directed Development
03
Conceptual Article
Decision Fatigue and the Developmental Costs of Leadership
04
Theoretical Article
Burnout as Developmental Disruption: A Lifespan Reconceptualization
05
Conceptual Article
Institutional Coherence and Mission Drift

Featured Research

EditorialOpen Access

Why Developmental Science? The Case for an Integrative Science of Human Becoming

Fredah Mainah, PhD · Journal of Developmental Science · Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026)

This editorial introduces the Journal of Developmental Science and makes the case for Developmental Science as a distinct, integrative discipline. The author argues that the fragmentation of human development research across psychology, neuroscience, education, and organizational science has created a gap — a gap that Developmental Science is uniquely positioned to fill. Drawing on the SPIRAL framework and the author's lived experience as a transformation leader, this editorial articulates the intellectual foundations, disciplinary boundaries, and scholarly ambitions of the new journal.

DOI: 10.68203/3fq7wm2k8d
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Theoretical ArticleOpen Access

Toward a Definition of Developmental Science

Fredah Mainah, PhD · Journal of Developmental Science · Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026)

This article proposes a formal definition of Developmental Science as an integrative, lifespan-oriented discipline dedicated to understanding the processes, conditions, and contexts of human growth and transformation. The author reviews existing definitions from adjacent fields, identifies the conceptual gaps that motivate a new disciplinary formation, and proposes a set of defining characteristics that distinguish Developmental Science from developmental psychology, organizational science, and related fields.

DOI: 10.68203/h5tz9pnq6r
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Conceptual ArticleOpen Access

Human Coherence: A Proposed Integrative Construct

Njideka N. Olatunde, PhD · Journal of Developmental Science · Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026)

This article introduces Human Coherence as a proposed integrative construct for Developmental Science. Human Coherence is defined as the dynamic alignment of an individual's values, beliefs, behaviors, and relational patterns into a functionally integrated whole that supports sustained development and effective action. Drawing on the Touchology™ framework and four decades of practice in holistic wellness, the author proposes a multi-dimensional model of Human Coherence that integrates physical, emotional, and relational dimensions of human functioning, identifies its developmental antecedents and consequences, and outlines a research agenda for empirical investigation of the construct.

DOI: 10.68203/v2jrb8xy4m
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Theoretical ArticleOpen Access

The SPIRAL Framework as a Model of Reflective Human Development

Fredah Mainah, PhD · Journal of Developmental Science · Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026)

This article presents the SPIRAL framework as a theoretical model of reflective human development. SPIRAL — an acronym for Self-observation, Perspective-taking, Integration, Reflection, Action, and Learning — is proposed as a recursive developmental cycle through which individuals move from unreflective functioning to increasingly sophisticated self-directed development. The article situates the framework within the existing literature on adult development, metacognition, and transformative learning.

DOI: 10.68203/n7kd3wqz5t
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Conceptual ArticleOpen Access

Developmental Intelligence: Toward a New Construct

Kevin Muchiri, PhD · Journal of Developmental Science · Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026)

This article proposes Developmental Intelligence (DI) as a new construct for Developmental Science. Developmental Intelligence is defined as the capacity to recognize, navigate, and leverage developmental transitions — one's own and others' — in service of sustained growth and effective action. Drawing on the Misfit's Revival Framework and the author's work mentoring emerging leaders across four continents, the construct is distinguished from related concepts including emotional intelligence, social intelligence, and cognitive complexity. The author proposes a three-component model of Developmental Intelligence grounded in identity formation, healing, and purposive action.

DOI: 10.68203/rm4x8kj2vp
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Programmatic ArticleOpen Access

A Research Agenda for Developmental Science

Esther Andrew, PhD · Journal of Developmental Science · Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026)

This article proposes a research agenda for the emerging discipline of Developmental Science. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks introduced in this inaugural issue and grounded in the author's work building Circles of Safety for at-risk youth, the author identifies five priority research areas: the mechanisms of developmental change, the community and relational conditions that support or impede development, the measurement of developmental constructs across vulnerable populations, the application of developmental science in community and organizational contexts, and the development of integrative theoretical frameworks that bridge individual and systemic levels of analysis.

DOI: 10.68203/wq6n2fz9hd
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Founder's ReflectionOpen Access

On Beginning: A Founder's Reflection

Fredah Mainah, PhD · Journal of Developmental Science · Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026)

In this reflection, the founder of SPIRAL Academic Press and the Journal of Developmental Science reflects on the origins, motivations, and aspirations that gave rise to this publishing venture. The reflection is offered not as autobiography but as a contribution to the intellectual history of the discipline — an account of the lived experience that made the founding of this journal not merely possible but necessary.

DOI: 10.68203/zp8mt4vx3k
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News & Announcements

PublicationJuly 2026

Journal of Developmental Science Publishes Inaugural Issue — Volume 1, Number 1

SPIRAL Academic Press announces the publication of the inaugural issue of the Journal of Developmental Science (JDS), Volume 1, Number 1 (2026). This founding edition establishes Developmental Science as an integrative discipline and introduces the SPIRAL Framework as a theoretical model for self-directed development across the lifespan. The issue is freely available as open access.

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Press ReleaseJanuary 2026

SPIRAL Academic Press Announces Launch as Independent Scholarly Publisher

SPIRAL Academic Press, a division of SPIRAL With Fredah LLC, announces its official launch as an independent peer-reviewed publisher dedicated to advancing the science of human development, leadership, and organizational transformation.

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Submit Your Research

SPIRAL Academic Press welcomes original research, theoretical contributions, systematic reviews, and critical perspectives advancing the science of human development.