Which area of psychology focuses on how personality develops over an individual's lifespan?

Developmental Psychology is the area of psychology that examines how individuals grow and change throughout their lifespan, including the evolution of personality. This branch studies various stages of development—from infancy through old age—analyzing the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes that occur. Researchers in developmental psychology investigate how genes, environment, culture, and social interactions influence personality traits and behaviors over time, providing insights into how individuals form their identities and how these identities may shift as they encounter new experiences and challenges.

This field also addresses critical milestones and theories related to personality development, such as Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which outline how our interactions and relationships influence personality across different life stages. In doing so, it highlights the importance of both innate factors and life experience in shaping who we are as individuals throughout our lives.