2_Theories of Development

University of Lethbridge - KNES 3630: Theories of Development

Lecture Objectives

  • Differentiate between theory & model

  • Describe two fundamental theories of human development

Theories vs. Models

Theory

  • Defined as "An explanation of a phenomenon or phenomena through a set of interrelated constructs" (Weber, 2007).

  • Explanation of why a phenomenon occurs.

  • Examples:

    • Darwin’s theory of natural selection

    • Self-determination theory

    • Social cognitive theory

Model

  • Represents how a phenomenon happens.

  • Provides structure & organization, but does not explain why it occurs.

  • Indicates what is happening, but not why.

Theories of Development

  • Erikson's Psychosocial Theory

  • Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

Erikson's Psychosocial Theory

  • Combines psychological (mind) and social (relationships) aspects.

  • Argues that developmental change occurs throughout the lifespan in 8 sequential stages.

Psychosocial Crisis

  • At each stage, individuals experience a conflict (turning point in development).

  • Called "Psychosocial Crisis or Conflict."

  • Resolution leads to healthy development and strengths.

  • Failure to resolve the crisis negatively impacts development.

Stages of Development

  1. Infancy (0-1 Year)

    • Conflict: Trust vs Mistrust

    • Trust = Reliable care & affection.

    • Mistrust = Insufficient or unreliable care.

  2. Early Childhood (2-3 Years)

    • Conflict: Autonomy vs Shame & Doubt

    • Autonomy = Independence & control.

    • Shame & Doubt = Lack of independence.

  3. Preschool (3-5 Years)

    • Conflict: Initiative vs Guilt

    • Initiative = Capability to lead.

    • Guilt = Self-doubt & lack of initiative.

  4. School Age (6-12 Years)

    • Conflict: Industry vs Inferiority

    • Industry = Competence & confidence.

    • Inferiority = Doubt in achievements.

  5. Adolescence (12-18 Years)

    • Conflict: Identity vs Role Confusion

    • Identity = Strong self-perception.

    • Role Confusion = Weak self-concept.

  6. Young Adulthood (19-40 Years)

    • Conflict: Intimacy vs Isolation

    • Intimacy = Loving relationships.

    • Isolation = Loneliness.

  7. Middle Adulthood (40-65 Years)

    • Conflict: Generativity vs Stagnation

    • Generativity = Accomplishment.

    • Stagnation = Shallow participation.

  8. Maturity (65 Years to Death)

    • Conflict: Integrity vs Despair

    • Integrity = Wisdom & satisfaction.

    • Despair = Regret & bitterness.

Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

  • Proposes that all individuals go through a series of universal developmental stages from birth to adolescence.

  • Represents a stage approach to development:

    • Quantity of information increases per stage.

    • Quality of knowledge changes in each stage.

  • Focuses on cognitive changes when transitioning between stages.

Stages of Cognitive Development

  1. Sensorimotor Stage (Birth to 2 years)

    • Constructs understanding through sensory experiences.

    • Progression from reflexive actions to symbolic thought.

  2. Preoperational Stage (2 to 7 years)

    • Begins representing the world with words & images.

    • Involves increased symbolic thinking beyond sensory connections.

  3. Concrete Operational Stage (7 to 11 years)

    • Can reason logically about concrete events.

    • Ability to classify objects into sets.

  4. Formal Operational Stage (12 years old and beyond)

    • Develops abstract thought, logic, & deductive reasoning.

    • Cognitive skills may develop later in some individuals.