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The study of human development is important not only to psychology but also to biology, anthropology, sociology, education, and history. Developmental psychologists help us better understand how people change and grow and then apply this knowledge to help us live up to our full potential.
By understanding the typical rates at which people mature and the specific things that typically take place at each stage, psychologists can better identify when children and adults may need special assistance or intervention.
exploring how to support elderly patients to remain independent
evaluating young children to identify developmental delays or disabilities
providing recommendations and treatment plans for various developmental issues
analysing the social, behavioural, cognitive and emotional changes that occur throughout a person's life
researching how children gain language skills
exploring different developmental issues relating to specific groups of people, for example, the elderly or young children
investigating child or elderly abuse and neglect
educating families of children or elderly patients to support treatment plans and care
specialising in the treatment of memory loss in older patients
treating various learning disabilities in young children, such as ADHD.
teaching development psychology if working in higher education to undergraduate students studying psychology
The first step toward becoming a developmental psychologist is to earn a bachelor's degree. Most students major in psychology, although some study biology or the social sciences.
Many master's and doctoral programs require a certain Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score to apply. You can take the GRE during or after your undergraduate studies, as your test results are valid for five years.
The next step involves pursuing a master's degree in psychology and choosing a specialization, such as social psychology, educational psychology, and adolescent behavior.
After completing their master's degree, students can start applying for doctoral programs. There are two types of doctorates: the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in psychology and the doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). The Ph.D. suits learners pursuing a career in academia or research. The Psy.D. prepares psychologists for clinical practice.
Psychology doctoral programs take 4-7 years to complete. In addition to coursework, students participate in internships to gain experience in their area of interest. Many psychology programs also require a capstone or thesis to graduate.
After graduation, students should apply for psychology postdoctoral fellowships or "postdocs." These experiences help students fulfill the supervised hours necessary to apply for licensure. Postdocs are paid positions that typically last 1-2 years.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following average salaries for individuals working in the following settings where developmental psychologists are frequently employed:3
Payscale.com suggests that the average annual salary for developmental psychologists was $63,500 as of August 2019.5
Looking after patients experiencing developmental delays or a disability can mean helping them or their families cope with stress and fear. Demonstrating empathy can help build a strong relationship with patients, assisting with their ongoing care and treatment plans. Showing a patient and their loved ones you understand the challenges they're experiencing by using empathy can help demonstrate your care for your patients. To improve your empathy skills, try to put yourself in your patient's (or their parents', if working with children) situation. Asking them questions and responding to any queries they have with kindness is also essential.
Developmental psychologists are typically required to perform or participate in research to address various cognitive, emotional and social developmental impairments. Knowing how to undertake research, write a formal research proposal, request funding and how to use different research methods can be helpful. The ability to question and challenge findings, perform literature research and analyse results to produce a conclusive argument can be an essential skill.
Developmental psychologists communicate with patients and their families about intervention and treatment programs. Communication can be a critical part of patient care. Their role can also be about providing education and awareness about specific developmental concerns and how to best proceed for the best results. In addition, being compassionate with strong interpersonal skills can be helpful. Part of a psychologist's role is to listen to the concerns of the patient or their family to help work out the best course of action.
An essential skill as a development psychologist is to make conclusions from any patient observations to help provide solutions or treatment plans. Depending on the patient's response, you may be required to adapt your treatment or intervention plan, identifying new and innovative ways to help with developmental issues. Problem solving can also be essential if you're involved in research to help identify solutions.
Developmental psychologists can develop significant knowledge about different human behaviours through research or interacting with their patients. Strong analytical skills can help them better understand these behaviours, investigating what the causes may be and how to address any developmental delays or concerns. In addition, analysing behaviour can help them evaluate, diagnose or treat their patients.
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