Developmental psychology is the branch of psychology that studies how humans grow and change across their lifespan, according to VeryWell Mind. A developmental psychologist may explore physical, social, emotional and cognitive development over time. Psychologists can study growth and development in various life stages, such as early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood and older adulthood.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

If you’re fascinated by how the human mind works and how people change throughout their lifetime, consider starting your journey by studying psychology at GCU. Many of our psychology degrees allow for specialization in areas such as geropsychology, which explores the psychological issues that pertain to individuals in the older adult stage of life.

Developmental psychology is important because it helps us develop a greater understanding of the people around us. The research conducted in this subfield may have implications for many other fields beyond psychology, including education, public administration, social services and public health, according to a study published in Research and Reviews in Psychology.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Expanding the developmental psychology definition to consider its applications opens the door to a wide range of possibilities. These psychologists may help adults navigate midlife transitions, as well as career changes. They can also work with couples experiencing relationship difficulties, as well as problems related to parenting, according to GoodTherapy.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Other issues that these psychologists may work on with clients can include:^{(See disclaimer 3)}

• Aging-related challenges
• Cognitive changes
• Adjusting to retirement
• End-of-life matters

Developmental psychologists also frequently work with children affected by developmental disorders and learning disabilities. Their clients may struggle with social skills deficits, behavioral problems, autism spectrum disorders and ADHD.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

The work that these psychologists do can contribute to evidence-based instructional practices and curriculum development. It can influence parenting strategies and policymaking, as well as support early intervention programs aimed at helping young children get the best possible start in life.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

A developmental psychologist may explore many aspects of a person’s change over their lifetime, including:^{(See disclaimer 1)}

• Physical changes: How a person physically grows and acquires physical skills, such as gross and fine motor skills.
• Cognitive development: How a person acquires language and how memory, thinking and problem-solving change.
• Socio-emotional development: The development of emotional self-regulation and empathy, as well as growth of relationships.

These psychologists may also study how personality develops and changes, as well as how a person acquires and evolves their moral reasoning.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

The major stages that these psychologists study are:^{(See disclaimer 1)}

• Prenatal: The growth of the fetus and how fetuses respond to stimuli.
• Early childhood: A critical period of development marked by rapid and significant growth and change.
• Middle childhood: The period in which children develop their sense of self and form friendships.
• Adolescence: A transitional developmental stage often characterized by emotional and behavioral turmoil, burgeoning independence and self-identity strengthening.
• Early adulthood: Characterized by the development of new relationships and increasing responsibilities.
• Middle adulthood: A period in which adults may choose to focus on contributing to society.
• Older adulthood: A time of adaptation necessitated by age-related changes.

Numerous theories have been proposed in this field, giving shape to research initiatives and the application of psychological principles. One of the most influential theories is Jean Piaget’s cognitive development theory. This framework proposes four stages of cognitive development in childhood, from the sensorimotor stage from birth through age two to the formal operational stage at age 12+ years. These developmental stages explain how children progress from learning about the world around them via sensory activities to how they develop abstract thought.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Another way of examining development in childhood and beyond is with Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development theory. It proposes eight stages of life, starting with learning to trust caregivers in infancy and ending with reflecting back on life as a senior.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Contemporary theories in developmental psychology include Lev Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, which focuses on social interaction and cultural context, and Albert Bandura’s social learning theory, which explores learning through observation and imitation.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

A developmental psychologist may choose to focus their career on a specific age range. For example, they may specialize in working with infants and preschoolers (early childhood development) or with school-aged children through teenagers (child and adolescent development). Alternatively, they may specialize in supporting adults and older adults. Some psychologists may specialize in working with individuals of any age with developmental disabilities.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Some developmental psychologists focus primarily on research or teaching. They work in colleges and universities, according to the American Psychological Association. Those who work primarily with older adults may work in assisted living communities. Other common work settings include healthcare facilities, including mental health clinics, and community centers that serve the unhoused population.^{(See disclaimer 4)} 

The job responsibilities of a developmental psychologist will largely depend on their chosen career path and area of focus. Those who work in colleges and universities will focus on research and teaching.^{(See disclaimer 4)} They may: 

• Design and conduct research studies
• Publish their findings and present findings at conferences
• Develop curriculum and lesson plans
• Teach classes and grade assignments

The work that these researchers do can expand the tools and techniques available to psychologists who focus on directly helping people through application in the field.

Other psychologists may do any of the following:

• Evaluate children and other clients to determine whether they might have a developmental disability.
• Work collaboratively with a treatment team to identify and implement evidence-based treatment strategies.
• Study the safety and effectiveness of treatments designed to aid individuals with developmental disabilities.

A career in developmental psychology typically requires advanced education and training. Students may begin by earning a bachelor's degree in psychology, which provides foundational knowledge of human behavior, research methods and psychological principles. Depending on the role they pursue, professionals may need graduate-level education, such as a master's in psychology or a doctoral degree, along with supervised experience and state licensure requirements.^{(See disclaimer 4)} 

If you’re thinking of pursuing a career in this subfield of psychology, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recommends cultivating the following skills:^{(See disclaimer 5 )}

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Observation
• Patience
• Professional integrity
• Analytical reasoning
• Compassion and empathy

This subfield in psychology may be a good choice for you if you’re curious about how people change and grow throughout their lifetime, as well as how they adapt to challenges. The subfield offers career possibilities that focus predominantly on research and teaching, as well as those that focus on the application of psychological principles to practical situations.^{(See disclaimer 4)} This can make it a good choice for those who are interested in career versatility.

You can pursue your passion for studying psychology at GCU, where you can choose from a broad assortment of psychology degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Start your education with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and then progress to earn a master’s degree in a specialization area of interest. Career paths and educational requirements vary, and students interested in psychologist licensure typically need a clinical doctoral degree in addition to meeting other state-specific requirements. At GCU, you’ll join a supportive learning community fully integrated with our Christian faith.