Department Developmental Psychology
Developmental psychology investigates psychosocial and cognitive changes during the entire lifespan (from childhood to old age) as well as their interaction with the environment. In addition to healthy development, research is also being conducted on developmental disorders and delinquent behavior. Hence, individual differences in development is central.
The activities in our department are arranged around the MERIT principle, consisting of Management, Education, Research, Impact and Team.
Management
Stefan Bogaerts is department chair and forms together with Yvonne Brehmer, Jelle Sijtsema, Eeske van Roekel and Nicola Ballhausen (as representative of the assistant professors) the daily board.
Education
We share our expertise on the development of individual differences with our students.
- In the English-taught Research Master in Psychology: Individual Differences and Assessment, we train students to conduct research in developmental psychology. This program is open to international applicants with a relevant bachelor degree.
- In the English and Dutch Bachelor Psychology, we teach topics concerning normal and deviant development, in the first years, and also in the majors Forensic Psychology and Developmental and Lifespan psychology. This English-program is open to international applicants with a relevant high school degree.
- Additionally, our Dutch programs 'Master Klinische Kinder- en Jeugdpsychologie' and 'Master Klinische Forensische Psychologie' and the new English program 'Master Positive Psychology and Well-being' (within the program 'Master Psychologie en Geestelijke Gezondheid' (PGG)) are focused on applying theoretical knowledge through interventions and/or training in various settings, such as mental health care, education, companies, and other professional domains.
Research
The research in our department focuses on psychosocial and cognitive changes during the entire lifespan (from childhood to old age) as well as their interaction with the environment. Besides healthy development, research is also being conducted on developmental disorders and delinquent behavior. Hence, individual differences in development is central. Three important pillars that reinforce and enrich each other (see below) represent the research lines of the department.
- Developmental Psychopathology during the Lifespan, Emotion Regulation and Forensic Psychology
- Successful Lifespan Development - Successful Aging
- Social-Emotional Development in Youths
For more information about specific research projects, which are externally funded, please visit our page on grants.
Impact
An important goal of conducting scientific research is to impact society in positive ways. Our master students, for instance, conduct a clinical internship, and we collaborate with practitioners in various settings (e.g., forensic psychiatric care). We also share our expertise with others, including children and their families, policy makers and community institutions. Follow us on Twitter to keep updated!
Team
Our department consists of a vibrant group of researchers interested in understanding the emergence and existence of individual differences in development across the lifespan.