Theories of Development

Process

A progressive series of changes that occur in a predictable pattern due to interactions between biological and environmental factors.

Sigmund Freud

The psychologist who developed the controversial psychosexual theory of personality development.

Libido

The instinctual energy or sex drive that Freud identified as the main source of life.

Erogenous Zones

Pleasure areas in the body that are crucial for developing a healthy personality according to Freud.

Fixation

An attachment to a particular object or activity that occurs when a psychosexual stage is excessively satisfied.

Oral Stage

The first stage of psychosexual development, occurring in the first year of life, focused on oral pleasure.

Anal Stage

The second stage of psychosexual development, from ages 2 to 4, centered on anal pleasure and control.

Phallic Stage

The third stage of psychosexual development, from ages 4 to 6, involving pleasure through genitals and complex attachments to parents.

Latency Stage

The fourth stage of psychosexual development, from age 7 onward, where urges are inhibited and conflicts are resolved.

Genital Stage

The final stage of psychosexual development, beginning at age 12, focused on sexual role identity formation.

Erik Erikson

The psychologist who proposed the psychosocial theory emphasizing conflict and socialization.

Psychosocial Development

A theory consisting of eight stages that address conflicts or crises throughout a person's life.

Trust vs

The first stage of psychosocial development, occurring from birth to 1 year, focusing on the provision of basic needs.

Autonomy vs

The second stage, from ages 2 to 3, where children learn to do things independently.

Initiative vs

The third stage, from ages 3 to 5, where children seek independence and purpose.

Industry vs

The fourth stage, from ages 6 to 11, focusing on skill development and education.

Identity vs

The fifth stage, during adolescence, where individuals explore their identity.

Intimacy vs

The sixth stage, in early adulthood, focusing on forming relationships.

Generativity vs

The seventh stage, in middle adulthood, addressing contributions to society.

Integrity vs

The eighth stage, in late adulthood, reflecting on life satisfaction and achievements.

Jean Piaget

The psychologist known for his cognitive development theory, emphasizing equilibrium.

Cognitive Development

A theory consisting of five stages that describe how children's thinking evolves.

Sensorimotor Stage

The first stage of cognitive development, from birth to 2 years, characterized by sensory experiences and object permanence.

Pre-operational Stage

The second stage, from ages 2 to 7, where children are egocentric and begin symbolic representation.

Concrete Operational Stage

The third stage, from ages 8 to 11, where logical reasoning and classification abilities develop.

Formal Operational Stage

The fourth stage, from ages 11 to 15, where abstract thinking and hypothesis testing emerge.

Lawrence Kohlberg

The psychologist who developed a theory of moral development based on right and wrong.

Moral Dilemma

A situation where any action taken is considered wrong, highlighting moral reasoning.

Pre-conventional Level

The first level of moral development, focusing on punishment and reward.

Conventional Level

The second level, emphasizing social approval and adherence to rules.

Post-conventional Level

The third level, where moral reasoning is based on social contracts and universal principles.