Topic9

Topic 9: Personal and Social Development

• Key Theorists in Psychosocial Development

  • Sigmund Freud

  • Erik Erikson

  • Lawrence Kohlberg

  • These theorists help understand the interplay between personal development and the microsystem of our environment, which is described in Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory.

Importance of Personal and Social Development

• Predicts individual adjustment to social environments and self-reported wellbeing.

• Social Development:

  • Progression in interpersonal abilities and getting along with others.

  • Affects learning experiences and enjoyment of learning.

• Personal Development:

  • Growth in personality traits influencing interactions with physical and social environments.

Influences on Types of Development

• Influenced by:

  • Temperament (Nature)

    • Genetic predispositions affecting behavior.

    • Examples of temperament:

      • Adaptable children who are generally happy.

      • Distractible children with low attention spans and self-regulation.

      • Children who slowly adjust to change with negative moods.

  • Parents and Other Adults (Nurture)

    • Parents, extended family, and teachers influence development.

    • Peers play a crucial role in shaping social interactions.

The Influence of Nature and Nurture

• Nature: Genetic differences and temperament predispositions shape behavior.

• Nurture:

  • Environments impact temperamental expressions.

  • Example of gendered socialization:

    • Shy and inhibited behavior is often accepted for girls.

    • Boisterous behavior is typically encouraged in boys.

• The environment may condition individuals differently based on gender roles, shaping their interactions and personality traits.