The physical and emotional transformation from newborn to elderly is an important field of study for scientists and psychologists. From these studies arose the field of developmental psychology, a branch of psychology that explores how emotional, social, biological and cognitive processes change throughout our lives.
Professionals interested in pursuing work in this field can begin their journey by enrolling in the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Applied Psychology – Child Advocacy program from Florida Institute of Technology. This degree program provides students with the in-depth study of the foundations of psychology, child development and child advocacy practices, preparing them for numerous rewarding professional roles.
Developmental Psychology Definition, Theories and Ideas
Developmental psychology is the study of how people grow, develop and change throughout their lifespan. The field focuses on the holistic development of humans, spanning cognitive, intellectual, emotional, social and physical change.
Several theories and ideas that we rely on today came from famous developmental psychologists. One of the earliest theories on childhood development came from Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Focusing on the ideal education of children, Rousseau divided psychological development into five stages, as follows:
- Infancy (birth to two years): Learning through senses and instincts
- Childhood (two to 12 years): Actively engaging with memory and imagination to develop intellectual abilities
- Preadolescence (12 to 15 years): Going through rapid physical and emotional development, involving growth and change as children progress toward adulthood
- Adolescence (15 to 20 years): Developing independence and maturity
- Adulthood (20 years and on): Culminating education and becoming an adult member of society
Jean Piaget also studied and theorized about child development, broken down into four stages. The first sensorimotor stage mirrors Rousseau’s to a degree, focusing on senses and developing a concept of object permanence. Piaget posited the second stage of development, from two to seven years, is preoperational, the period when children develop symbolic thought. In Piaget’s third concrete operational stage of development, children seven to 11 years of age develop logical thought. The fourth formal operational stage lasts from adolescence to adulthood and involves developing scientific reasoning.
In addition to his childhood stages research, Piaget created the theory of cognitive development. Piaget was the first to pose the idea that children did not learn the same way as adults, but rather through maturation and exposure to different environments. He believed children learn by acquiring schemas, being mental frameworks children develop as they build knowledge through experience and environmental interaction. Schemas, according to Piaget, are the building blocks of our mental model. In other words, we expand our knowledge each time we develop a schema.
Yet another seminal theory of psychological development came from Erik Erikson. Erikson maintained that people experience eight stages of development throughout their lifespan, based on social relationships and growth. During each stage, a person would go through a “psychosocial crisis” that, through resolution, would build and develop their personality either negatively or positively.
Career Paths in Developmental Psychology
As an area of study, developmental psychology can be a component of many psychology-oriented occupations, many involving working with children. After obtaining the required education, training and experience, professionals who work in this area can become developmental psychologists.
Developmental psychologists take stages of life and development into account as they work with their patients. If a young child hasn’t reached a particular milestone, a developmental psychologist will assess the child and try to determine the cause. Early intervention is key to helping a child get back on the right developmental track. These professionals also work with adolescents and adults to bolster their development and monitor their progress.
Additionally, developmental psychologists are typically the type of psychologists that identify and diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other common developmental disabilities and disorders. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 31 children eight years of age have some form of ASD, and about 1 in 6 children three to 17 years of age have some kind of developmental disability. Further, these are merely children who have been identified or diagnosed with a disorder or disability. In reality, many more children may experience these types of developmental challenges.
Developmental psychologists may work in a private practice or in a healthcare facility like a hospital or an assisted living home. Some also work at a university and primarily focus on research.
Career Growth and Salary Potential for Developmental Psychologists
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide specific data on developmental psychologists, but BLS projects that employment in the psychologist occupational group will increase 7% from 2023 to 2033. As of 2024, the median annual salary for a psychologist was $94,310.
Salary potential and employment opportunities vary depending on factors such as a candidate’s education and experience, as well as regional market conditions. As such, aspiring psychologists should conduct independent research to determine their career prospects.
Developmental Psychologist Education Requirements
Most psychologists hold advanced degrees such as a master’s or doctorate degree, depending on their specialization, specific type of practice and relevant regulations. A good foundation for entry-level positions and a graduate education in the field is a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology, such as Florida Tech’s specialized child advocacy program.
After obtaining an advanced degree, an internship under an experienced psychologist is generally required, and most states require psychologists to be licensed. Aspiring psychologists must check with their state to verify correct requirements.
Organizations like the American Board of Professional Psychology offer certifications in different specialties. Being board-certified, especially in a specialty like developmental psychology, allows for more credibility and more job opportunities as many hospitals and clinics require certification.
Developing the Skills Needed for a Career in the Field
A developmental psychologist must have patience and solid interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients and caregivers. They need to be able to analyze a situation to form the best treatment plan, as well as diagnose the problem. Their powers of observation should be strong, as well as their communication skills. Trustworthiness is also essential, as patients need to be able to fully trust their psychologist.
Those interested in pursuing a career in developmental psychology can learn how to apply these skills to practice in a comprehensive psychology degree program. Programs like Florida Tech’s also help students delve further into theories of child and cognitive development, allowing future professionals to integrate complex concepts and methods into the important work they aspire to.
Learn more about the online BA in Applied Psychology – Child Advocacy program from Florida Institute of Technology.
