Theories of Development

Key Theorists

• Sigmund Freud

  • Freud proposed the psychosexual theory of development.
  • Personality development occurs primarily during childhood.
  • Early childhood (up to age 5) is crucial for personality development.
  • Theory consists of 5 stages.
  • Successful completion leads to a healthy personality; fixation can occur if issues aren't resolved.

• Erik Erikson

  • Introduced the psychosocial development theory.
  • Personality development spans one's entire lifespan.
  • Each stage involves overcoming a conflict.
  • Success or failure in each stage affects overall functioning.
  • Theory includes 8 stages.

• Lev Vygotsky

  • Developed the sociocultural cognitive development theory.
  • Emphasized active learning through hands-on experiences.
  • Learning influenced by parents, caregivers, peers, cultural beliefs, attitudes, and language.
  • Higher order functions develop through social interactions.
  • Interaction with others guides children's performance and development.
  • Vygotsky's work is incomplete due to his early death at age 38.

• Lawrence Kohlberg

  • Created the moral development theory.
  • Focused on moral reasoning and distinguishing right from wrong.
  • Moral reasoning depends on cognitive development.
  • Theory divides into 3 levels, each with 2 stages, totaling 6 stages.
  • Research involved moral dilemma interviews with children to analyze their reasoning.

Summary

• Personality Development Theorists: Freud and Erikson
• Cognitive Development Theorists: Vygotsky and Kohlberg
• Key focus is in understanding similarities, differences, and the focus of each theory.
• More detailed exploration of each theory to follow in subsequent videos.