What is a Developmental Psychologist?

What is Developmental Psychology?

Developmental psychology is the area of psychology focused on human development across the lifespan.  Developmental psychologists study how people grow and develop throughout their life.  They examine various aspects of development that influence behavior and experiences from a biological and psychological perspective.  There are several areas of developmental psychology including:

• physical development
• cognitive development
• social and emotional development
• moral development
• language development

Some developmental therapists work with children who have missed one or more developmental milestones.  Their speech or motor skills could be delayed.  With early detection and intervention, a failure to miss one of these milestones can often be corrected. Further developmental complications can sometimes be avoided.

The field of developmental psychology is a professional career that requires a doctoral degree.  Some roles may require certification and licensing.

Developmental psychologists typically work in clinical settings with:

• individual clients
• families
• groups of children

Some developmental psychologists work in healthcare facilities or mental health clinics that specialize in assessing and treating individuals with developmental disabilities.  They may work with clients with speech delays or other neurodevelopmental disorders. Developmental psychologists may also work with individuals on the autism spectrum who experience developmental delays.  Developmental psychologists can also work in assisted living facilities helping the elderly.   Some work in government agencies or academia.

A developmental psychologist observes an individual who is experiencing developmental delays.  They apply their knowledge to support healthy development and overall well-being. The job requires an extensive understanding of psychological literature.  Practitioners should have compassion and empathy for individuals with disabilities.

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Developmental Psychology Salary Information

Developmental psychology is a professional career that requires:

• advanced education
• licensing
• expertise

Starting salaries tend to be higher than in other occupations. Location and years of experience also make a difference in the amount of money earned by these professionals. Developmental psychology is a highly demanding field, and most people who enter this profession do so because they want to help other people. Salaries in this profession are significantly higher than average, but the job duties are very challenging and require extreme caution to ensure that individuals are properly treated and cared for.

According to Payscale, salaries for this profession start out around $50,000 to $75,000, depending on the position, level of education, and professional expertise. The median annual salary for the entire occupation is about $80,000. The top-earning 10 percent of developmental psychologists take home at least $110,000, and senior-level positions may offer greater pay, additional bonuses, and more opportunity for advancement.

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What Does a Developmental Psychologist Do?

Developmental psychologists work with a variety of age groups since their focus is on human growth and changes throughout the lifespan.

Infants and Toddlers

When an infant or toddler misses an important developmental milestone, a treatment plan needs to be put into place to correct the problem before it can cause any complications.  Developmental psychologists examine areas like motor development, attachment formation, and language acquisition.

Children

Developmental psychologists work with children on the development of academic skills and moral reasoning.  They may also work on peer relationships and the idea of self-concept.  Psychologists conduct assessments and interventions for kids with developmental challenges or learning difficulties.

Adolescents

Adolescents have unique developmental changes and challenges.  Developmental psychologists examine identity formation, autonomy development, and social relationships.  They may also address risk-taking behavior and peer pressure.

Adults

Developmental psychologists working with adults investigate cognitive changes and socio-emotional development.  They also work with adults on identity development and career transitions.  Some psychologists also provide counseling and support to individuals adjusting to adulthood.

Older Adults

Older adults have their own unique challenges as they transition to old age.  Developmental psychologists address cognitive changes in areas like memory and decision-making.  They can also help with adjusting to retirement and issues related to health and aging.

Developmental psychologists typically specialize in a particular age group or stage of development.  The responsibilities of a developmental psychologist are extremely important, and the issues they deal with are very delicate.

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Necessary Skills

To be a successful developmental psychologist, you must be very attentive and knowledgeable about your profession. Other important qualities to have include:

• ongoing education
• clinical experience
• a dedication to relieving the suffering of others

Developmental psychologists generally work independently without supervision.  They must have a strong work ethic and pay attention to detail to be successful. Individuals and their families rely on developmental psychologists to help correct serious problems that could be difficult or impossible to reverse if left untreated.

Degree and Education Requirements to Become a Developmental Psychologist

This career requires a Ph.D. as well as professional certification and licensing in states where the field of developmental psychology is regulated. The standard academic path to get a Ph.D. in this field is to begin with a bachelor’s degree, then a master’s degree, and then a Ph.D. An alternative route is to get a bachelor’s degree and immediately go into a Ph.D. program focusing on developmental psychology. Continuing education and voluntary certification are also available for professionals in this field. Acquiring as many credentials as possible can help to eliminate any doubts clients may have about your expertise.

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Pros and Cons of Developmental Psychology Jobs

The field of developmental psychology offers many opportunities for rewarding, meaningful careers that impact the lives of others. There are many benefits and a few drawbacks to choosing this profession. The benefits include:

• professional autonomy
• regular office hours
• a high salary
• the satisfaction of helping children overcome developmental difficulties

The drawbacks include:

• lengthy educational and training requirements
• emotional demands
• ethical considerations and professional responsibilities
• funding constraints

Very few developmental psychologists consider the drawbacks of this career to outweigh the benefits. For most professionals, working with their clients is a reward in itself. Developmental psychology is a career choice for dedicated professionals who strongly want to help people in need.

Getting Started

To get started in the challenging field of developmental psychology, you must have a Ph.D. in psychology. Your degree can be specialized in developmental psychology or a more specific area of study within this discipline. If you’re still in high school, you can prepare for college by enrolling in advanced placement courses and practicing the SAT, ACT, and other standardized tests. During your undergraduate college education, you should take as many social science courses as possible, especially in psychology and early childhood development. If your university offers an undergraduate degree program in developmental psychology, you should major in it. Otherwise, you could major in a related subject such as general psychology.

Future Outlook

Psychology careers are expected to increase by around 6 percent over the next 10 years, which is an average rate of growth, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The field of developmental psychology is not a very competitive occupation, so there are likely to be enough jobs for everyone who enters this profession with a Ph.D. By engaging in continuing education and maintaining a strong work ethic, developmental psychologists can safeguard their careers and improve the quality of the service they provide.

Working with individuals with developmental challenges is a job that not everyone can do. If you have the interest and the ambition to obtain a Ph.D. and provide clinical services to individuals with developmental challenges, you should consider a developmental psychology career.