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developmental psychology

American  

noun

  1. a branch of psychology that studies changes in human behavior from early life to death.


developmental psychology Cultural  
  1. The branch of psychology that studies the psychological growth of individuals. It deals with the psychological responses and changes in behavior that characterize such stages of life as infancy, adolescence, and old age.


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Example Sentences

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As a researcher in developmental psychology, focusing on social development and psychological well-being, I argue that news fatigue is not laziness, weakness or a generational decline in civic interest.

From Science Daily Jun. 16, 2026

Thalia R. Goldstein, associate professor and director of applied developmental psychology at George Mason University, said storytelling could be a healthy way to introduce kids to painful truths.

From The Wall Street Journal May 14, 2026

Monique Botha, a professor in social and developmental psychology at Durham University, said the "fearmongering" could stop women from seeking appropriate care during their pregnancy.

From BBC Sep. 23, 2025

Kettering, who has a doctorate in cognitive developmental psychology and a master’s in evaluation, said she’s had to make significant financial sacrifices to continue teaching in the system.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 5, 2023

In the developmental psychology classes I teach, I talk about different theories of aging.

From Salon Jan. 30, 2022

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