Human Development

Jean Piaget

Psychologist who studied child development and is well known for his theory of cognitive development

Cognitive Development

Theory of how children develop cognitively. Includes four stages: Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, and Formal Operational

Sensorimotor

First stage of cognitive development from birth to 2 years old. Children learn through exploration of sensory and movement experiences.

Preoperational

2nd stage of cognitive development. From ages 2-7. Children begin to develop a sense of symbolism through words and pictures and often engage in imaginary and symbolic play.

Concrete Operational

Third stage of cognitive development. From ages 7-11. The child can begin to reason and now understands concepts like conversion and classification. They can perform operations on concrete objects but struggle with abstract thinking.

Formal operational

Fourth stage of cognitive development. From ages 12 and up, individuals develop the ability to think abstractly, logically, and systematically. They can use deductive reasoning and consider hypothetical situations.

Erik Erikson

Theorist who created the eight stages of psychosocial development, believed environmental factors contributed to people’s development.

Psychosocial Theory of Development

Created by Erik Erikson as a way to describe how humans develop according to their environment. Covers 8 stages in which people face a crisis at each stage they must overcome to continue on to the next stage

Trust vs Mistrust

first stage of psychosocial development that occurs from 0-1. Infants learn to either trust or mistrust their caretakers depending on if their needs are met

Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt

second stage of psychosocial development from ages 1-3. Toddlers learn how to be independent and do things by themselves in order to experience autonomy and avoid feeling shame.

Initiative vs Guilt

third stage of psychosocial development that occurs from ages 3-6. Children in early childhood learn how to take initiative over their actions by directing play and social interactions

Industry vs inferiority

fourth stage of psychosocial development that occurs at ages 6-11. Children in school learn to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities

Identity vs Role Confusion

fifth stage of psychosocial development that occurs from ages 12-18. Adolescents will attempt to develop their personal identity and a sense of self

Intimacy vs Isolation

Sixth stage of psychosocial development that occurs around 19-34. Young adults will attempt to find relationships with other people in order to avoid loneliness

Generativity vs Stagnation

Seventh stage of psychosocial development, occurs between 35-64. Adults will feel the need to create things or nurture things in order to feel a sense of purpose

Ego Integrity vs Despair

eight stage in psychosocial development that occurs after age 65. Older adults will look back on their life events and determine if they are happy or if they regret the things they did or didn’t do

Lawrence Kohlberg

Psychologist who cerated the stages of moral development

Theory of moral development

Theory proposed by Lawrence Kohlberg that outlines how a child’s sense of morals develop throughout their life. there are three stages with two substages each

Preconventional

first main stage of moral development, typically embodies children between the ages of 0-9. This stage is characterized by rewards and punishment

Avoiding punishment

first substage of moral development that consists of the desire to avoid punishment. Rules are perceived as fixed and absolute without considering intent. Right and wrong are determined by direct consequences

Self-interest

second substage of moral development that occurs when someone recognizes varying viewpoints but still base decisions on self interest. Actions are determined by if they serve personal needs

Conventional

Second main stage of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, typically occurs around ages 9-13 years old. This stage is characterized by morality based on external ethics

Good Boy Attitude/Good Interpersonal Relationships

third substage of moral development, occurs when someone is guided by social approval and maintaining relationships. Individuals aim to be seen as good to others and conform to social rules and expectations

Law and Order Morality

fourth substage of moral development, occurs when someone prioritizes law, order, and societal stability. Upholding laws and authority is critical for collective well-being

Postconventional

Third and final main stage of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development that occurs during adolescence and adulthood. This stage is characterized by morality based on personal ethics

Social Contract and Individual Rights

fifth substage of moral development where people are aware that rules exist for the good of the greatest number, but there are times when they will work against individuals and issues are not always clear cut

Universal Principles

Sixth substage of moral development that occurs when someone has developed their own set of moral guidelines which may or may not fit the law. People should be ready to go against the rest of society and pay the consequences of disapproval; few people make it to this stage