Development Theories

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the development theories discussed in the lecture notes.

Psychoanalytic Theory

A theory developed by Sigmund Freud focusing on unconscious motivations and the influence of early childhood experiences on behavior.

Freud’s Stages of Psychosexual Development

A series of five stages (oral, anal, phallic, latency, genital) through which children move, each centered on a different erogenous zone.

Erogenous Zones

Pleasure areas in Freud’s theory where fixation can occur if needs are not met.

Oedipus Complex

A child's unconscious desire for the opposite-sex parent and jealousy toward the same-sex parent, typically associated with boys.

Electra Complex

A child's unconscious desire for the opposite-sex parent and rivalry with the same-sex parent, typically associated with girls.

Id

The primitive and instinctual part of the mind that contains sexual and aggressive drives and hidden memories.

Ego

The rational part of the mind that mediates between the desires of the id and the realities of the external world.

Superego

The ethical component of the personality that provides the moral standards by which the ego operates.

Cognitive Development

A field of study in which Jean Piaget proposed stages of cognitive development in children.

Schema

A cognitive framework that helps organize and interpret information in the world.

Assimilation

The process of fitting new information into existing cognitive schemas or structures.

Accommodation

The process of altering existing schemas to incorporate new information.

Equilibration

The balance between assimilation and accommodation in cognitive development.

Psychosocial Development

A theory proposed by Erik Erikson that outlines eight stages of psychological development throughout the lifespan.

Trust vs. Mistrust

The first psychosocial crisis in infancy is where the goal is to develop trust without completely eliminating the capacity for mistrust.

Virtue of Hope

Autonomy

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

The second psychosocial crisis where children develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence.

Virtue of Will

Identity vs. Role Confusion

The fifth psychosocial crisis occurring during adolescence, dealing with personal identity and finding one's place in society.

Virtue of Fidelity

Generativity vs. Stagnation

The seventh psychosocial crisis associated with middle adulthood, focusing on the concern for establishing and guiding the next generation.

Virtue of Caring

Integrity vs. Despair

The eighth psychosocial crisis faced in late adulthood, focusing on reflecting on one's life and either feeling a sense of fulfillment or regret.

Virtue of Wisdom