Theoretical Foundations of Nursing: Developmental Theories

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering developmental theories, major figures, and stages in human development as presented in nursing theoretical foundations.

Environmentalism

The theoretical view emphasizing that people grow to what they are made to be by their environments; includes British Empiricism, Behaviorism, and Cultural Anthropology.

British Empiricism

A perspective traced to John Locke ($1632-1704$) which posits that the human mind is a "Blank Slate" at birth and all knowledge comes through senses.

John Locke

A philosopher who believed children are uncivilized creatures needing adults to shape them, as the mind is a "Blank Slate" at birth.

Behaviorism

A perspective associated with John B. Watson ($1878-1958$) focusing on understanding humans through objective observation of behaviors and principles of conditioning.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process defined by B.F. Skinner that depends on reward and punishment, where the perceived consequences influence behavior frequency.

Principle of Reinforcement

A concept by Skinner suggesting that perceived consequences or rewards influence the frequency with which a behavior occurs.

Social Learning

A concept developed by Albert Bandura in the $1960s$ stating that development is guided by the imitation or avoidance of behavior modeled by others.

Organismic Perspective

A perspective stressing that people grow to what they make of themselves, involving an active role in determining their own development course.

Naturalism

Jean Jacques Rousseau’s ($1712-1778$) philosophy stressing that children are innately good unless corrupted by society, involving five developmental stages.

Maturationism

A theory supported by Hall and Gesell emphasizing internal biological factors and the "Normative Tradition" of developmental analysis.

Cognitive Development Theory

A theory by Jean Piaget ($1896-1980$) that emphasizes internal mental processes and explains how individuals think and how processes vary.

Sensorimotor Stage

Piaget's first stage ($0-2$ years) where an infant progresses from simple reflex responses to deliberate and imaginative activity.

Pre-operational Stage

Piaget's second stage ($2-7$ years) where the child begins to understand relationships and develops basic conceptual thought.

Concrete Operation Stage

Piaget's third stage ($7-11$ years) involving socialized and logical thinking, and problem solving via inductive reasoning.

Formal Operation Stage

Piaget's final stage ($11$ years and above) where cognitive structures mature, allowing for scientific thinking and solving complex problems.

Humanism

A focus on the dignity and freedom of individuals, stressing internal factors and self-perception, associated with Maslow, Buhler, and Rogers.

Hierarchy of Needs Theory

Abraham Maslow’s theory where needs are placed in a pyramid (Physiologic, Safety, Love/Belonging, Esteem, Self-Actualization) based on precedence.

Deficiency Needs

The first levels of Maslow’s hierarchy that, if not met, cause a lack that motivates a person to strive to achieve the need.

Ethology

A field concerned with the role of human behavior in the survival of the species, suggesting that behavior may have biological origins.

Moral Development Theory

Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory suggesting people progress through Preconventional, Conventional, and Post-conventional levels of ethical thinking.

Psychoanalytic Perspective

A focus on underlying forces that motivate behavior, including Freud’s psychosexual stages and Erikson’s psychosocial stages.

Id

The inborn part of the personality that operates on the pleasure principle, representing sexual and aggressive drives.

Ego

The "chief executive officer" of personality that operates on the reality principle, performing adaptation and problem-solving functions.

Superego

The component of personality comprising the conscience (punishes for wrongs) and Ego-Ideal (rewards for good), based on internalized values.

Psychosexual Developmental Theory

Sigmund Freud's theory describing stages (Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, Genital) where gratification shifts between different body zones.

Psychosocial Developmental Theory

Erik Erikson’s eight stages of development where each stage involves the resolution of a specific crisis (e.g., Trust vs Mistrust).

Trust vs Mistrust

Erikson's first stage where the task is viewing the world as safe and reliable; the associated virtues are drive and hope.

Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt

Erikson's stage focused on achieving a sense of control and free will; the associated virtues are self-control and will power.

Initiative vs Guilt

Erikson's stage involving the development of a conscience and learning to manage conflict and anxiety; virtues are direction and purpose.

Industry vs Inferiority

Erikson's stage where children emerge with confidence in their own abilities; the associated virtues are methods and competence.

Identity vs Role Confusion

Erikson's stage focusing on formulating a sense of self and belonging; the associated virtues are devotion and fidelity.

Intimacy vs Isolation

Erikson's stage involving the formation of adult loving relationships and attachments; the associated virtues are affiliation and love.

Generativity vs Stagnation

Erikson's stage focused on being creative and establishing the next generation; the associated virtues are productivity and care.

Ego Integrity vs Despair

Erikson's final stage involving the acceptance of responsibility for one's self and life; the associated virtue is wisdom.