Studying developmental psychology will help you in your personal and professional life. So, what do developmental psychologists do? They study the physical, cognitive, social, intellectual, perceptual, personality and emotional growth of people across their lifespan, from infancy to old age.

Whether you want to take a short online course or dedicate your entire career to developmental psychology, there are many reasons to gain knowledge in this area. The knowledge learned will be instrumental to many careers, such as counselling, aged-care, community service, child protection, teaching, nursing and childcare.

The following are six great reasons to study developmental psychology:

 

1. Better Understand Yourself

If you know where you’ve come from and where you’re going, you’ll be better prepared for the future. We were all children, we will all grow to adulthood, reach middle age, and navigate old age. You will continue to develop and grow throughout all these stages, it doesn’t begin and end with adulthood. Having an appreciation of what’s to come throughout all life stages will help you better manage all stages and changes you will experience throughout your life.

 

2. Make Connections with Others

Human beings are complicated creatures and it pays to have an education in developmental psychology to better understand the motivations and behaviours or others. This knowledge will help you become a more perceptive and thoughtful person, enhancing your ability to make connections with others.

 

3. Confidence to Raise Your Children

When you become a parent, you take on one of the most important and daunting jobs of your life. If you understand developmental psychology, you will be better equipped to understand and interact with your children.

 

4. Recognise Abnormal Development

If you know what’s normal, you can better identify when problems arise. The sooner developmental abnormalities are picked up and treated the better the outcome. There are many developmental delays and disorders that affect children, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and dyslexia.

 

5. Professional Development

Those interested in a career in social work, community health, counselling, teaching or childcare would benefit from a course in developmental psychology. If you currently work in these industries a course, such as the Certificate of Developmental Psychology would be a beneficial professional development for you.

 

6. Advocate for Others

If you work in an advocacy role, whether professionally or personally –  as a parent of a school-age child or a carer for an elderly relative – being able to understand human development through the life stages will act in your favour. This educational background can even lead to a career in advocacy.

 

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