How developmental psychology shapes our children: expert opinion!

How developmental psychology shapes our children: expert opinion!

Prof. Dr. Tina Kretschmer took over the professorship for developmental psychology and educational psychology at the Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) in Erlangen-Nuremberg on April 1, 2025. FAU is one of the 15 largest and most research-intensive universities in Germany. It offers over 270 degree programs and has more than 39,000 students. In her new role, Kretschmer will focus in particular on social development across the lifespan.

Her research focus is on the origins of individual differences. She examines the interaction of genetic predispositions and social influences, such as family or peer-group relationships. These topics are central in the Developmental psychology, which looks at psychological changes and developments in individuals throughout their lifespan.

Research background

Before moving to FAU, Kretschmer worked at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands from 2011 to 2025, first as a postdoc and most recently as a professor. Before that, she spent five years in England, where she worked at the University of Sussex and King's College London. Her academic training includes studying educational sciences, psychology and sociology at the Free University of Berlin. A semester abroad in Sweden gave her additional perspectives, particularly in intercultural communication and public health.

Developmental psychology studies how people develop across various dimensions, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes. These aspects are essential to understand human growth and development. Kretschmer's research aims to clarify the interactions between genetic factors and psychological traits, which goes back to the seminal work of theorists such as Jean Piaget, who described cognitive development in four stages.

Personal and future plans

In her private life, Kretschmer has a secret talent: she delights her friends and family with her cooking skills and claims to cook the best curry outside of Asia. Traveling is another passion and she plans to build a campervan to explore new places, but hasn't found the time yet. She is also interested in Christmas markets in Nuremberg and looks forward to exploring the region's hilly landscape.

As a child, she dreamed of becoming a reporter so she could explore the world. She also cites her mother as her role model, who founded a company in East Germany in the 1990s. Kretschmer is the first female scientist in her family and is guided in her career by the desire to go her own way.

Her most useful tool as a professor is the Apple Notes app, which helps her organize her research and teaching. With her broad range of experience and her special expertise, Kretschmer will certainly make a valuable contribution to the FAU scientific community.

Overall, Kretschmer's work is of great importance in developmental psychology because it examines not only learning and cognitive development, but also the effects of environmental factors on the developmental process. The findings from their research will help to better overcome challenges in different phases of life and to specifically support development. Further information on developmental psychology can be found at sonderpaedagoge.de.