Developmental Psychology

Goals

The developmental area provides a framework for the interdisciplinary study of development at multiple levels of analysis, using both non-human animal and human subjects. The goals of the developmental area are to foster collaborative research projects, to encourage cross-fertilization of ideas, theory, and methodology, and to provide a focus of study for graduate students.

Study of development

Development may be understood as a process of differentiation, organization and hierarchical integration of successive stages of ontogenesis and behavioral complexity. Our faculty study normative and atypical development and how we can learn much about each from the other. The study of development is a way to understand the interaction between genetics and environment in contributing to behavior. It may also help us understand complex behavior and inform interventions.

Faculty research

Faculty in the developmental area study development at the level of individuals, dyads, and family groups, and longitudinal methodology is a common theme. Areas of study include sensory, perceptual, and physiological processes, genetic, ecological, and social influences on the development of communication, psychopathology in at-risk populations, adolescent romantic relationships, developmentally sensitive interventions, psychotherapy outcomes, human-animal relationships, and pathways to stress or coping, across the lifespan. Below is the list of faculty members associated with this research area. Interested students should apply to the graduate program (experimental, clinical, or counseling) listed next to the name of the faculty member with whom they wish to work.

 

 

Contact Information

Department of Psychology
Austin Peay Building
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996

Phone: 865-974-3328
Fax: 865-974-3330