WWP: Developmental Psychologist

The world of psychology is much bigger than anyone can imagine. For any mental
disorder anyone may have, there is more than likely a psychologist for it. The true definition of
Developmental Psychology is the study of human growth and development. This may include
physical, mental emotional, intellectual, and social changes and milestones. Throughout humans
lives, they go through various stages of development. These psychologists study how people
grow and adapt to different life stages. They also conduct research designed to help people reach
their full potential. Development psychologists work with people of all ages to understand and
support their growth (APA).
These psychologists work in many different fields. Including government agencies,
healthcare facilities and schools. They may also work in assisted living homes for the elderly,
hospitals, mental health clinics, and centers for the homeless. Salaries for these psychologists
vary greatly by location and job experience. According to salary.com, the median annual
earnings for developmental psychologists in 2009 ranged from $69,000 to $91,000. The highest
10% of earners made more than $100,000 per year (APA). Anyone interested in a career in
developmental psychology must first earn a four-year bachelors degree in psychology at an
accredited university. To start their degrees however, more advanced degrees are usually
necessary (Careers in Psychology). Students looking to pursue this career will typically have a
choice of earning a PsyD or PhD in developmental psychology. However, they should always
consider earning PhDs. (Careers in Psychology). Students interested in this field should
complete various courses in psychology, biology, and the physical sciences. It typically will take
2 years to earn a masters degree in psychology, but many students decide to complete

internships. Doctorate students usually complete internships or obtain clinical experiences under
the supervision of licensed psychologists.
The title of pioneer in developmental psychology belongs to the one and only Sigmund
Freud. He was examining the study of human behavior and how counseling can be used to
analyze and change people (PIHD). Freuds most famous theory was the psychoanalytic theory,
and it states that emotional problems are caused by unconscious issues from childhood. Freud
believed we are primarily motivated by biological drives and instincts. Freud is not the only
psychologists who explained human development. Carl Jung and Jean Piaget focused on
development of higher functioning abilities, like the emotions and mind. Although, Jung saw
psychoanalytic theory as too focused on sexuality or natural instincts and not enough on free
choice or emotional development. Jung began offering the Stages of Life. These stages include
the inner development people undergo through time. They include childhood, youth, middle life,
and old age. Jean Piaget came along a few decades after Jung. Like Jung, Piaget believed that
human development had more to do with higher level functioning than merely ones sexual
nature or automatic instincts.
Theories of developmental psychology derive from the research that is conducted. There
are different types of research conducted. The first being cross-sectional research. This involves
looking at different groups of people at different ages. A benefit of this type of research is that it
can be done relatively quickly; because the research data is all gathered at the same point in time.
The next being longitudinal research; this involves studying the same group of individuals over
an extended period of time. The benefit of this type of research is that it allows researchers to
look at changed over time. However, longitudinal studies require enormous amounts of time and
are often quite extensive. Because of this, these studies often have only a small group of subjects,

which makes it difficult to apply these results to a larger population. One of the largest, most
renowned studied in developmental psychology is Nature v.s. Nurture. Along with experience
and personality, developmental psychology examines a number of factors that influence growth,
including, but not limited to; cognitive development, gender development, physical growth,
psychosexual growth, and sexual development (All Psychology Schools). In a recent CBS news
report, Cornell University recently conducted a developmental psychology study focusing on the
justice system. In the study, developmental psychologists found that when it comes to minor
court cases, unattractive defendants are more likely to be convicted and receive harsher sentences
than good-looking defendants. Essentially, when cases lack strong evidence, some jurors may
reason emotionally, considering irrelevant factors such as defendants looks, rather than basing
decisions on facts and logic.
In my own professional pursuits, I can surely say that I have experienced developmental
psychology in my life. When I was a young girl I used to dread going to haunted houses, and I
did everything I could to stay away from them. Now that I am older, I look forward to going to
them with my family. This is a perfect example, because like developmental psychology
explains, as you age and experience more, you brain develops in different ways and your
viewpoints on life change as well. Psychology can be applied anywhere in everyday life.