Developmental psychology is the scientific study of how and why humans grow, change, and adapt across the course of their lives. It examines how thinking, feeling, and behavior change throughout a persons life, and focuses on changes in physical, cognitive, social, intellectual, perceptual, and personality development. Developmental psychologists aim to explain how and why these changes occur, and how they affect individuals. They study a wide range of theoretical areas, such as biological, social, emotional, and cognitive processes. The field of developmental psychology involves a range of subfields, such as educational psychology, child psychopathology, forensic developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, ecological psychology, and cultural psychology. Developmental psychologists work with people of all ages to understand and support their growth, and conduct research designed to help people reach their full potential.