Careers in Development and Personality Psychology

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Abstract

This paper focuses on development and personality psychology. It identifies the type of education needed to become a professional, describes a range of duties as well as works settings and income. Attention is paid to the most interesting things related to the areas. Two real-world human experiences are discussed based on podcasts. Finally, the hot topic of each area is identified.

Development Psychology

Professionals who work in this area of psychology concentrate on the provision of required assistance to people with developmental issues. They often work with children who are retarded and try to improve their condition so that they can catch up with their peers. In addition to that, developmental psychologists spend much time helping the elderly because the representatives of this population are rather vulnerable to memory problems, etc. All in all, these professionals communicate with patients, define their physical or mental problems, create and follow a treatment plan (Kuther & Morgan, 2012).

To become a developmental psychologist, a person should get at least a bachelors degree, but the doctoral level gives one more chance to practice independently. So it is more advantageous for one to use a possibility to continue learning and receive a masters degree, Ph. D or Psy. D., as those who have a greater degree, obtain more employment opportunities. Being a student, a person should focus on the theory, statistics, and methodology of this area of psychology. Social and emotional development should also receive much attention.

Developmental psychologists can earn about $65, 000. Still, it is significant to remember that salary can vary greatly, depending on the occupation, workplace, working hours, etc. Becoming a professional in this area, one receives an opportunity to work in different facilities. In general, they include educational, research, or government settings and often prefer healthcare establishments.

As I got to know more about developmental psychology, I realized that it appeals to me. I can see myself working in this sphere in the nearest future. I would like to help children who fail to reach the progress made by their peers. I believe that kind tends to be too cruel to those who differ. Thus, my assistance can be useful because it can help those who are special to become a part of the community and be treated just like others.

It was interesting for me to get to know that developmental psychologists can work in governmental agencies and that many of them focus on the connection between personal characteristics, behavior, and the environment. This information is significant because it can help me to consider what I will do in the future.

In his podcast, Michael (2014) spoke about dementia. He paid attention to the fact that this disease affects the lives of the seniors enormously. Still, I was impressed to find out that it can be a two-edged sword. Even though I always realized that it prevents people from having positive memories as they are just forgotten, I could hardly imagine that it has advantages, such as a possibility to forget about quarrels.

The hot topic I am interested in is the lack of attention paid to the developmental problems of the elderly. Based on my personal experience, I can say that people mainly connect developmental psychology with childhood issues. They often do not know that problems seniors have are treated by these professionals. That is why the life of the elderly worsens as well as their health condition. The representatives of the general public should know more about symptoms and treatment of such things as dementia so that this sphere can develop and improve the quality of life for the elderly.

Personality Psychology

Of course, developmental and personality psychologists have much in common, as they represent the same sphere. Still, it is critical to differentiate these professionals because the scopes of their practice hardly have much in common. For example, the last one focuses on peoples actions and thoughts. In addition to that, the emphasis is made on how they deal with their emotions, both positive and negative, and adjust to society. They can also consider how experiences from childhood have affected ones current state. The influence may be discussed concentrating on both physical and mental issues.

Developmental and personality psychologists work in the same sphere that is why it is not surprising that the level of education, which they are expected to obtain does not differ. Professionals should be at least a bachelors or masters while more benefit and independent practice can be obtained when becoming Ph. D or Psy. D. The knowledge received during the studies should concentrate on individual characteristics that motivate behaviors. They often discuss specific aspects of personality. Social norms should also be studied.

A professional earns about $72,000, but this number can become greater if one decides to work in a private field. Changes can also be observed depending on the facility and workload. Psychologists who operate in this area have an opportunity to choose whether they want to work in universities, research and healthcare facilities, profit or non-profit agencies. A wide range of workplaces ensures that every person can find something to his or her liking.

As a got to know more about personality psychology, I realized that I may become a professional who works in this area because I am interested in its sphere. I always want to know why people think and behave in the way they do. I am interested in the things that shape a person, what makes people similar or different. To my mind, people who can answer these questions can change the lives of their subjects so that they can achieve their targets.

When perceiving new information about personality psychology, I was surprised to get to know that these professionals can spend hours in archives. I realized that working with historical archives; they receive a chance to find out something more about people who lived before us and to focus on past societies. I was also impressed by the fact that they can help to design educational programs. Considering influences made on learners, they assist teachers for they not to waste time and effort, in defining the most optimal plan.

In his podcast, Michael (2013) discussed the fact that people tend to get absorbed in some books and movies while others do not interest them much. He wondered why this happens only in particular cases and found out that the most appealing stories and films make individuals imagine that they are the protagonists. In this way, the representatives of the general public can receive an opportunity to reach new experiences that are not available in real life.

Brain training is discussed in the framework of personality psychology. This topic is rather hot today due to the innovations that are made in the sphere of technology. People always tried to increase their intelligence, but now new techniques appear which allows them to improve the process. Professionals start considering computerized training but remain skeptical. Research is needed to enhance the knowledge of the topic.

References

Kuther, T., & Morgan, R. (2012). Careers in psychology: Opportunities in a changing world. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.

Michael. (2013). Ep 190: Why do you get so absorbed in that book (or movie)? Web.

Michael. (2014). Dementia: When living in the moment is not a good thing. Web.

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