Change is inevitable. As humans, we are constantly growing throughout our lives, from conception to death. Psychologists try to understand and explain how and why people change throughout life. While most of these changes are normal and expected, sometimes they can cause problems that require additional help. Prescriptive development principles help professionals recognize potential problems and intervene early for better outcomes. Developmental psychologists can work with people of all ages to address disabilities and support growth, but some may choose to specialize in specific age groups, such as childhood, adulthood, or old age.

What is developmental psychology?

Developmental psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on how people grow and change throughout life. People who specialize in this field are not only interested in the physical changes that occur as a person grows. It also addresses social, emotional, and cognitive development across the lifespan.

Some of the many issues that developmental psychologists can help with include:

• Cognitive development in childhood and throughout life
• developmental and learning disabilities
• emotional development
• language acquisition
• moral reasoning
• development of movement skills
• Personal Development
• self-awareness and self-understanding

Social and cultural influences on child development

Although these experts spend a lot of time studying and observing how these processes work normally, they are also interested in what interferes with developmental processes.

Stage of development

As you can imagine, developmental psychologists often divide development into different life stages. Each of these developmental stages usually represents a time when several milestones have been reached. People can face challenges at any time, and developmental psychologists often help those who are struggling to get back to normal.

Prenatal

The prenatal period is important to developmental psychologists who want to understand how early developmental influences affect later growth in childhood. Psychologists can see how primal reflexes develop before birth, how the fetus responds to stimuli in the womb and the sensations and perceptions that the baby can perceive before birth.

Developmental psychologists can also look for potential problems such as Down syndrome, maternal drug use, and genetic disorders that may affect future development. 

Early Childhood

The period from infancy to childhood is a time of tremendous growth and change. Developmental psychologists look at things like the physical, cognitive, and emotional growth that occurs during this critical period of development. In addition to providing interventions for potential developmental problems, psychologists now focus on helping children reach their full potential. Parents and health care professionals often work to ensure that children are growing well, eating well, and reaching age-appropriate cognitive milestones.

Middle Childhood

This stage of development is characterized by the increasing importance of physical maturity and social influence as the child graduates from primary school.

Children begin to make their mark on the world as they build friendships, acquire skills through schoolwork, and continue to develop their unique sense of self. Parents may seek the help of a developmental psychologist to help their child cope with potential problems at this age, including social, emotional, and mental health issues.

Teenager

Adolescence is often of interest because it deals with the psychological upheavals and transitions that accompany this period of development. Psychologists such as Erik Erikson are particularly interested in how exploring this period leads to personality formation.

At this age, children often test boundaries and explore new identities as they explore who they are and what they want to be. A developmental psychologist can help teens deal with more complex issues common to teens, including puberty, emotional distress, and social pressure.

Early Adulthood

This period of life is often characterized by the formation and maintenance of relationships. Important milestones in early adulthood include bonding, intimacy, close friendships, and family formation. People who can form and maintain such relationships tend to feel intimacy and social support, while those who struggle with such relationships may feel alienated and lonely. People with such problems can seek help from a developmental psychologist to build healthy relationships and cope with emotional problems.

Middle Adulthood

This stage of life focuses on developing purpose and contributing to society. Erikson described this as the conflict between productivity and stagnation.

People who connect with the world, contribute to something lasting and leave a mark on the next generation emerge with a sense of purpose. Activities such as career, family, group membership, and community involvement contribute to this sense of generosity.

Older Adults

Old age is often thought of as a time of declining health, but many older people are still active and busy in their 80s and 90s. Increasing health problems mark this developmental stage, and some people may experience the mental decline associated with dementia. Erikson also saw old age as a time to reflect on life. A person who can look back and see a life well lived is wiser and more prepared for the end of life, and a person who looks back with regret may experience regret, regret, and despair. A developmental psychologist can work with older patients to help them cope with problems associated with the aging process.