Theories of Development

Introduction

• Focus on understanding the different theories of development.
• The lecture covers four key theorists: Freud, Erikson, Vygotsky, and Kohlberg.

Definition of Development

• Development: Series of age-related changes throughout a lifespan.
• People pass through different stages in a specific order, each building on the previous one.

Sigmund Freud: Psychosexual Theory of Development

• Focus: Personality development during childhood.
• Key Points:
  • Early childhood (up to age five) is crucial for personality development.
  • Personality is largely established by age five.
  • Early experiences significantly impact later behavior.
  • Theory consists of five stages.
  • Successful completion leads to a healthy personality.
  • Unresolved issues can lead to fixation.

Erik Erikson: Psychosocial Development Theory

• Focus: Personality development throughout one's lifespan.
• Key Points:
  • Involves overcoming conflicts at each developmental stage.
  • Success or failure affects overall functioning.
  • Consists of eight stages.
  • Stages involve new challenges; outcomes depend on handling these challenges.

Lev Vygotsky: Sociocultural Cognitive Development Theory

• Focus: Active learning through social interaction.
• Key Points:
  • Children learn actively and through hands-on experiences.
  • Emphasizes the role of parents, caregivers, peers, cultural beliefs, language.
  • Higher-order learning develops through social interaction.
  • Interaction with others guides development.
  • Theory is incomplete due to Vygotsky's early death.

Lawrence Kohlberg: Moral Development Theory

• Focus: Development of morals and moral reasoning.
• Key Points:
  • Moral reasoning depends on cognitive development.
  • Three levels of moral development, each divided into two stages (total six stages).
  • Based on research involving moral dilemmas presented to children.
  • Analyzes reasoning behind judgments.

Conclusion

• Freud and Erikson: Focus on personality development.
• Vygotsky and Kohlberg: Focus on cognitive development.
• Importance of understanding the similarities and differences among theories.
• The next videos will delve deeper into each theory.