Theories of Development

Theories of Development

Learning Goals

• Understand the three major issues debated in development

• Describe common theories of development

• Outline developmental tasks for each of Erikson's stages

Major Issues in Development

1. Nature vs. Nurture

   • Examines the influence of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) on development.

   • Questions arise about inherited traits versus learned behaviors.

   • Interaction between genes and environment significantly shapes development.

2. Continuity vs. Discontinuity

   • Continuous development views growth as gradual and cumulative, adding skills over time.

   • Discontinuous development sees changes occurring in distinct stages, often unexpectedly (e.g., cognitive milestones).

3. Universal vs. Context-Specific Development

   • Investigates whether developmental stages are uniform across cultures or vary significantly.

   • Cultural practices influence the timing of milestones, though the ability remains universal (e.g., walking).

Common Theories of Development

• Sigmund Freud's Psychosexual Development

  • Development occurs through five stages in early childhood.

  • Fixation at any stage can lead to personality issues later in life.

• Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Development

  • Proposes eight stages spanning a person’s lifespan, each with a core conflict to resolve.

  • Successful resolution leads to healthy personality traits.

• Jean Piaget's Cognitive Development

  • Identifies four stages: Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, and Formal Operational.

  • Emphasizes reasoning and cognitive growth as central to development.

• John Bowlby & Mary Ainsworth's Attachment Theory

  • Explains how early attachment styles with caregivers shape personality and future relationships.

• Lev Vygotsky's Sociocultural Development

  • Highlights the impact of social interaction and culture on cognitive development.

• Urie Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory

  • Analyzes the multiple environmental layers affecting a child’s development.

• Lawrence Kohlberg's Moral Development

  • Describes six stages of moral reasoning that evolve as children mature.

Developmental Tasks for Erikson's Stages

1. Trust vs. Mistrust (0-1 year)

   • Primary task is to develop trust when caregivers provide stability and consistency.

2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1-3 years)

   • Focuses on developing a sense of personal control over physical skills and independence.

3. Initiative vs. Guilt (3-6 years)

   • Children assert control and power over their environment through directing play and other activities.

4. Industry vs. Inferiority (7-11 years)

   • Task involves coping with new social and academic demands, leading to a sense of competence.

5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18 years)

   • Exploration of different roles and the formation of identity in society.

6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (19-40 years)

   • Establishing intimate relationships and connections with others is crucial during this stage.

7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (40-65 years)

   • Focus on contributing to society and helping to guide future generations.

8. Integrity vs. Despair (65+ years)

   • Reflecting on life, feeling either fulfillment or regret influences one’s perception of life achievements.