Welcome

to the Department of Developmental Psychology

Development

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How do individuals develop from infancy to very old age? Why do developmental pathways differ between individuals? What are the contributions of biology, social and historical contexts, and the developing individuals themselves? How can one characterize and promote positive development? These are some of the questions that developmental psychology seeks to answer.

The team of our department is committed to the tradition of lifespan psychology. We offer classes in Bachelor and Master programs that address basic and applied aspects of human development from conception to death. The lifespan approach also infuses our research agenda. Together with national and international cooperation partners, we investigate children, adolescents, and adults from various age groups, including very old age. Our research interests include, among others, the development of socio-emotional and self-regulatory processes. Findings from our studies have been published in numerous internationally renowned journals and books.

New Publication

Our former doctoral candidates, Jenny Jaquet and Alissa von Großmann, will soon publish results from their study in the journal "Psychology and Aging".
1 June 2026

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Job opening

We are offering a doctoral position (75%) at the earliest possible date as part of a DFG-funded research project.
13 May 2026

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Research Study “Generations in Conversation” Featured on Media

Our currently ongoing study “Generations in Conversation” was recently featured in a television report by MDR and JenaTV. The reports provide illustrative insights into the aims and procedures of the study and highlights its scientific as well as societal relevance.
13 May 2026

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