Developmental Theories Essay - 816 Words

Reaction Paper Number One Theories of Development There are many types of developmental theories. First being the Psychoanalytic Theory, and the Cognitive Theory. Within these two types of theories there are several psychologists that have their own theory of development. After exploring these different theories I will then share my opinion on which theory I believe to be more accurate. By definition the Psychoanalytic Theory describes development as a primarily unconscious and heavily colored by emotion. Behavior is merely a surface characteristic, and the symbolic workings of the mind have to be analyzed to understand behavior (Santrock). Sigmund Freud took the psychoanalytic approach with his Psychosexual Theory, Freud†¦show more content†¦For example during the anal stage the primary focus is learning to control the bladder and bowel movements, thus giving a child a since of independence. Although if a child is not rewarded properly or ridiculed for having accidents a child may have a negative out come later in life as a result (Cherry). Erikson also took the psychoanalytic approach with his Psychosocial Theory. Erikson believed that people developed socially and where motivated by the desire to affiliate with other people. He also believed that people continued to develop through their entire life span with equal importance. There are eight stages in Erikson’s theory starting from the Oral Stage, where a person develops trust versus mistrust, and continues to the Integrity versus Despair Stage accruing into the late 60’s and onward. Like Freud, Erikson believed that if any one stage is not successfully accomplished negative effects could result later in life. Although because Erikson believed that people continue to develop throughout life if any one stage is not successfully achieved at the recommended time, a person could still accomplish the level thus resulting in a positive outcome. Cognitive Theories focus on conscious thoughts, remembering, problem solving and decision making. Cognitive development refers to how a person understands the world through interaction. Piaget, and Vygotsky both took the Cognitive approach to development. Vygotsky claimed that social development was far moreShow MoreRelatedDevelopmental Stages And Developmental Theories1004 Words   |  5 PagesDevelopmental Stages and Developmental Theories There have been numerous studies on human development to explain how we function at different stages in our lives. These studies have looked at development from birth to adulthood. Researchers have wanted to know what makes individuals tick so that different methods can be applied to help individuals, in the current stage they are in, to realize their potential. In some cases it has to be up to the parents or teachers, specifically with the earlyRead MoreThe Theory Of Developmental Psychology1644 Words   |  7 Pages Developmental Psychology 2 Abstract Developmental Psychology is a scientific study that shows psychological changes in human being to birth to adulthood. It was first made to help infants and children, but now it has expanded to help the adolescence and adults just as well. Paul B. Baltes, has apply the six principles of human development, lifelong, multidimensional, multidirectional, gains and losses, contextualRead MoreThe Theory Of Developmental Psychology1896 Words   |  8 PagesDevelopmental psychology is viewed as different types of approaches which aim to look at how people develop. Theories such as Bowlby s attachment theory can explain how a child s development can be altered by their attachment, thus leading to the ideology of the nature vs nurture debate, nature referring to the process of biological maturation while nurture is referring to the influence of the environment or surroundings, which involves the idea that a person learns through experiences.(McLeodRead MoreTheories And Theories Of Development al Psychology874 Words   |  4 Pages DESCRIBE AND EVALUATE 2 THEORIES IN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY Attachment states to a particular strong bond with a specific person or persons. The bond among the person is emotional and effective, and the person that an infant bond to in this way is known as an attachment figure as said by Schaffer(1977),there are three ways in which attachment can be developed. There are three ways in which attachment can be developed. The first one is when the new born baby is attached to any human; secondary,Read MoreThe Theory Of Developmental Psychology1336 Words   |  6 PagesDevelopmental psychology is viewed as different approaches which aims to look at how children and adults develop. Theories such as Bowlby s attachment theory can explain how a child s development can be altered by their attachment, thus leading to the ideology of the nature vs nurture debate, nature referring to the process of biological maturation while nurture is referring to the impact of the environment or surroundings, which involves the idea that a person learns through expe riences. (McLeodRead MoreReflection Paper On Developmental Theories1283 Words   |  6 PagesReflection Paper on Developmental Theories First of all, through this assignment, I have learned that it is necessary to apply the knowledge of human behavior and the social environment to each case presented. Adults build life structures or patterns of living that are altered during their life cycles. They claim that each relationship an individual occupies cause some conflicts and balances that exist between the stages. It pushes a person to question their life structure and questions whereRead MoreDevelopmental Theories, Erikson And Freud Essay979 Words   |  4 Pagesunderstand what development means and how people develop, especially children. In this essay I will talk about two very important developmental theories, Erikson and Freud. In addition, compare their similarities and their differences. Erikson was a psychologist who was greatly influenced by Freud. Although influenced by Freud there are some differences in there developmental stages. Erikson believed that development in an individual was molded by society, culture, and environment. While Freud’s beliefRead MoreDevelopmental Theories in Juno Essay1166 Words   |  5 Pagesexcellent representation of film and the creative process coming together to create characters and a story that draws in the audience and allows them to invest themselves in the lives of the characters, but it is also an excellent example of the developmental process. This is because the movie reflects not only the development of its protagonist Juno MacGuff and her emotional growth and development, but also her physical development throughout her pregnancy. Juno  begins with the adolescent protagonistRead MoreRelationship Of Themes Of Developmental Theories Essay1955 Words   |  8 PagesRelationship of Themes to Developmental Theories First of all, loneliness, a first developmental theme addressed above can be related to John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth’s Attachment theory, where Amy is living with her estranged father after the death of her mother. Initially she spends most of her time living alone as she does not have any friends and her father is busy in his work. It’s seems that both are not attached emotionally with each other which results in the manifestation of her affectionlessRead MoreTheories Of Developmental Psychology : Attachment Theory1178 Words   |  5 PagesDescribe and evaluate two theories in developmental psychology Attachment theory, it refers to an affectionate bond. â€Å"A relatively extended and enduring connection with the partner is important as a unique individual is interchangeable with no other† Ainsworth (1989) cited in Gross (2003) hand out in class (03/06/2013).The aim of this attachment is for the infant to remain in close proximity to the attachment figure as she is considered the secure base and the infant would become distressed on separation