Lifespan Development
Our program focuses on advancing knowledge of the processes of change for individuals across the lifespan. Topics of research interest include: developmental theories, methods of investigating Lifespan change, as well as such processes as cognition, memory, theories of mind, identity, risk-taking, social relationships, and problem behaviour.
Members of our faculty have expertise in childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and aging. Graduates of our program have gone on to pursue careers in academic and research settings, health-related institutions, and program development and evaluation.
For further information about applying (including on-line application forms), visit the Department's graduate admissions page.
Faculty
Core faculty
Core faculty
- Scott M. Hofer, Professor, Mohr Research Chair in Adult Development and Aging
- Christopher E. Lalonde, Professor
- Bonnie J. Leadbeater, Professor
- Stuart MacDonald, Associate Professor
- Ulrich Mueller, Associate Professor
- Andrea Piccinin, Associate Professor
Affiliated faculty
Affiliated faculty
- Catherine Costigan, Associate Professor
- Marion Ehrenberg, Associate Professor
- Michael Hunter, Associate Professor
- D. Stephen Lindsay, Professor
- Michael Masson, Professor
- Marsha Runtz, Associate Professor
- Holly Tuokko, Associate Professor
Courses
Research Methods in Lifespan Psychology (PSYC 560)
A critical examination of research designs and analytical approaches for understanding developmental and aging-related change and variation. Includes cross-sectional, longitudinal, sequential, experimental, and qualitative approaches.
History and Theories in Lifespan Psychology (PSYC 561)
Seminar review of the major classical and contemporary theoretical perspectives and their implications for the study of psychological development across the lifespan. Emphasis on differences among theoretical perspectives with respect to central developmental issues such as concepts of change, sources of development, and the universality of developmental laws and findings.
Infancy and Childhood (PSYC 562)
Seminar review of theory and research examining psychological development from infancy through childhood. Special topics include personality/temperament, representation, language, attachment, parent-child relations, and socialization process.
Adult Development and Aging (PSYC 563)
Seminar review of theory and research examining psychological processes during adulthood and aging. Specific topics include memory, intelligence, problem solving, personality, social processes, and mental health. Attention is also given to the biological and sociocultural contexts of these developments.
Advanced Analysis of Change and Variation in Lifespan Development (PSYC 564)
Focuses on the general linear mixed model for repeated measurements and other nested data structures. Multilevel and structural equation models will be examined and applied to longitudinal data. May include time invariant and time-varying covariates, evaluation of alternative time structures, change in factor-level outcomes, analysis with attrition and mortality, and joint models of change.
Cognitive Development in Adulthood and Aging (PSYC 565)
Seminar review of theory and research examining gains and losses in various cognitive skills from young adulthood to old age. Traditional experimental, psychometric, and cognitive science approaches are considered. Specific topics include age-related change in memory, intelligence, problem solving, reading skills, and as well as practical and social cognition.
Personality and Adjustment in Adulthood and Aging (PSYC 566)
Seminar review of theory and research examining personality change, stress, coping, and adjustment across the adult lifespan. Specific topics include the cases for and against personality change, personality as a mediator of other behavior, stress, coping, life events, and mental health in adulthood.
Dysfunctional Development in Adulthood and Aging (PSYC 567)
Seminar review of theory and research examining dysfunctional and pathological processes in later life. Specific topics include dementia, depression, personality disorders, alcoholism and other addictions, and suicide. Attention will be given to issues of etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and impact on caregivers.
Adolescence (PSYC 568)
Seminar review of theory and research examining psychological processes during adolescence. Specific topics include pubertal maturation, parent-adolescent relations, gender roles, sexuality, and problem behavior. Attention will be given to the role of the context (e.g., family, school) in adolescent development.
Special Topics in Lifespan Development (PSYC 569)
Topical seminars on specialized issues related to lifespan development and aging. Topics may include: Developmental Psychopathology; Early Social and Emotional Development; Cognitive Development in Childhood and Adolescence; Culture & Cognition; Development During Midlife.
Requirements
This program is directed toward a Ph.D degree. Students must first obtain an M.A. or M.Sc. degree as an intermediate step. This usually requires two years of study beyond the baccalaureate degree, a research apprenticeship with a faculty member, and thesis.
The doctoral degree requires at least two years of study beyond the master's degree, comprehensive examinations in the candidate's major and minor areas of study, and a dissertation.
Students participate in core seminars (MSc: PSYC 560, PSYC 561, one of PSYC 562, PSYC 563, or PSYC 568; Ph.D: PSYC 564, two of PSYC 562, 563, or PSYC 568) designed to develop expertise related to theoretical, methodological and empirical issues in lifespan development.
Beyond these core seminars, students collaborate with their faculty committee to develop a program of additional courses, individual study, research, and practicum experiences designed to develop competence in the student's chosen area of specialization. We endorse an apprenticeship model of graduate training in which students work closely with a faculty mentor.
Alumni
Some former students: Where are they now?
David A. Almeida (Ph.D. 1993)
Associate Professor
Family Studies & Human Development
University of Arizona
Odette N. Gould (Ph.D. 1993)
Associate Professor
Department of Psychology
Mount Allison University
Jennifer L. Maggs (Ph.D. 1993)
Associate Professor
Family Studies & Human Development
University of Arizona
Leslie McDonald-Miszczak (Ph.D. 1995)
Associate Professor
Department of Psychology
University of Western Washington
Jill B. Rich (Ph.D. 1993)
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
York University
Heather A. Sears (Ph.D. 1995)
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
University of New Brunswick
Brent J. Small (Ph.D. 1995)
Assistant Professor
Department of Gerontology
University of South Florida
Grace A. Hopp (Ph.D. 1999)
Clinical Psychologist
Geriatric Program
Riverview Hospital, Vancouver, BC
Questions
If you have questions about our program, or would like more information, please contact:
Other sources of information:
Upcoming Psychology Events
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