Research

Fredah Mainah, PhD · Journal of Developmental Science · Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026), pp. 6–8

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.

Fredah Mainah, PhD · Journal of Developmental Science · Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026), pp. 9–11

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.

Njideka N. Olatunde, PhD · Journal of Developmental Science · Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026), pp. 12–14

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.

Fredah Mainah, PhD · Journal of Developmental Science · Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026), pp. 15–18

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.

Kevin Muchiri, PhD · Journal of Developmental Science · Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026), pp. 19–22

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.

Esther Andrew, PhD · Journal of Developmental Science · Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026), pp. 23–25

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.

Fredah Mainah, PhD · Journal of Developmental Science · Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026), pp. 26–28

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.