Child development theories

Jean Piaget

A theorist known for his work on cognitive development, stating that children think differently than adults.

Cognitive Development

The process by which children gain the ability to think and understand.

Sensorimotor Stage (0–2 years)

The stage where learning occurs through senses and movement; object permanence develops.

Object Permanence

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen.

Preoperational Stage (2–7 years)

The stage characterized by imaginative thinking, egocentrism, and magical thinking.

Egocentrism

The inability to differentiate between one's own perspective and that of others.

Concrete Operational Stage (7–11 years)

The stage where logical thinking develops and children understand cause and effect.

Formal Operational Stage (12+ years)

The stage characterized by abstract thinking and the ability to consider future possibilities.

Erik Erikson

A theorist known for his psychosocial stages of development, focusing on emotional and social growth.

Trust vs. Mistrust (Birth–1 year)

The first stage of Erikson's theory; the key question is 'Can I trust my caregivers?'

Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt (1–3 years)

The second stage where children desire independence and need choices.

Initiative vs. Guilt (3–6 years)

The stage where children like to help and pretend, requiring praise for participation.

Industry vs. Inferiority (6–12 years)

Children seek to succeed and learn; they require encouragement and achievable goals.

Identity vs. Role Confusion (12–18 years)

Teens discover who they are, needing privacy, respect, and independence.

Lev Vygotsky

A theorist emphasizing the role of social interaction in learning.

Scaffolding

Support given to a child by an adult to assist learning.

Bowlby’s Attachment Theory

The theory that secure attachment makes a child feel safe with a caregiver.

Secure Attachment

A bond that allows a child to feel safe with their caregiver.

Bandura’s Social Learning Theory

The theory that children learn behaviors by observing and imitating others.

Kohlberg's Moral Development

A theory outlining how morality develops from avoiding punishment to establishing personal values.

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory

A theory that emphasizes the multiple systems influencing a child's development.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

A motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs.

Temperament (Thomas & Chess)

Refers to the innate traits that influence how one thinks, behaves, and reacts with the environment.

Developmental Milestones

Tasks that are achievement markers in a child’s development.

Infants (0–12 months)

Developmental stage where infants roll, sit, crawl, and exhibit stranger anxiety.

Toddlers (1–3 years)

Developmental stage where toddlers walk, run, and assert independence.

Preschoolers (3–5 years)

Developmental stage characterized by pretend play and asking questions.

School-age (6–12 years)

Developmental stage where children pursue mastery and understand rules.

Adolescents (12–18 years)

Developmental stage focusing on independence, peer relationships, and abstract thinking.