Developmental Psychologists study individual growth and development over the lifetime incorporating emotional, perceptual, intellectual, social, cognitive, and physical growth. In contrast, Personality Psychologist primarily focuses on behavior, feeling, and thinking patterns and how they are different from one person to another. Personality psychologists are interested in understanding an individual’s traits and the role they play to affect the individual as a whole.
Developmental psychologists in universities and colleges focus on teaching or research. Those in the healthcare sector assist in the assessment, evaluation, and treatment of persons with developmental disabilities. Furthermore, they may work in elderly nursing facilities, centers for the homeless, mental health clinics, and hospitals. Likewise, personality psychologists work in healthcare, social assistance, and educational centers. Additionally, others work independently in research and patient counseling. In healthcare facilities, personality psychologists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and mental health centers.
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Are developmental and personality psychology career possibilities and why?
Both subspecialties present promising career possibilities that I am interested in. Developmental psychology enables us to get insight on individual’s growth, development, and adaptation in a lifetime. The knowledge gained is then applied to assist those facing such challenges overcome them and exploit their full capabilities. Similarly, a personality psychologist offers assistance to individuals facing personality related challenges that may result in adverse self-destructive behaviors such as suicide attempts, substance abuse, and gambling. Additionally, personality psychologist helps such individual regulate their emotions and offer alternative methods of handling overwhelming emotions such as aggression.
New thing learned
Individuals focusing in the treatment of counseling patients with particular developmental disorders should consider pursuing Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) while those interested in research in the field of developmental psychology should consider Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Equally, a career in personality psychology requires a Ph.D. although in some fields Masters in Arts (M.A) or Masters in Science (M.S) is sufficient.
Application
Babies who fail to walk by the age of fifteen months display developmental or signs of ill-health. Developmental psychologists assist the parents and doctors detect, understand the situation, and treat any psychology or health-related issues. Thus, developmental psychologist’s intervention enables rectification of the situation and help the child have normal development. On the other hand, personality psychology is applied by special education teachers since they work with students with special needs. For instance, the teacher modifies lesson plans and other teaching techniques to suit a student with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The adjustment helps to create a more conducive studying environment.
