You are on page 1of 15

Freud's Psychosexual Development Theory, humans go through a series of stages in

which they derive pleasure from different parts of their bodies.


These stages, which are also associated with conflicts that must be resolved, shape an
individual's personality and behavior. Here is a more detailed explanation of each stage:
1. Oral Stage (birth to 18 months): During this stage, infants derive pleasure from sucking
and biting. The primary conflict in this stage is the weaning process, which involves
transitioning from breast or bottle feeding to solid foods. Infants who have difficulty with
this transition or are weaned too early or too late may develop oral fixation, which can
manifest as an excessive need for oral stimulation (such as through smoking or
overeating).

2. Anal Stage (18 months to 3 years): During this stage, children derive pleasure from
bowel movements and controlling their elimination. The primary conflict in this stage is
toilet training, which involves teaching children to use the toilet independently. Children
who are punished or overly praised for their toilet habits may develop anal fixation, which
can manifest as either excessive orderliness or messiness in their adult lives.

3. Phallic Stage (3 to 6 years): During this stage, children develop an interest in their own
bodies and the bodies of others. The primary conflict in this stage is the Oedipus Complex
(for boys) or Electra Complex (for girls). Boys experience unconscious sexual desire for
their mothers and fear of punishment by their fathers, while girls experience unconscious
sexual desire for their fathers and jealousy of their mothers. Freud believed that successful
resolution of the Oedipus or Electra complex leads to identification with the same-sex
parent and the development of a healthy gender identity.

4. Latency Stage (6 to 11 years): During this stage, children focus on developing social
skills and intellectual pursuits rather than sexual or aggressive impulses. Freud believed
that this stage represents a period of relative calm before the onset of puberty and the
resumption of sexual impulses.

5. Genital Stage (puberty to adulthood): Individuals reach sexual maturity and are capable
of forming intimate relationships with others. Freud believed that the primary conflict in this
stage was the ability to form healthy, mature relationships with others, which he called
"genital love." He argued that individuals who were unable to form healthy relationships
during this stage may experience various forms of sexual and emotional dysfunction.
Stage Age Focus Key Characteristics Adult Fixation
of
Libido
Old Oral 0-18mo. Mouth Infants derive pleasure Addiction to
from sucking and biting. smoking, alcohol,
Feeding eating
Age Anal 18mo.- Anus Children derive Anal
3yrs pleasure from bowel retentive/expulsive
movements and
control. Toilet training
Parrot Phallic 3-6yrs Genital Children develop an Vanity, envy,
interest in their own passivity,
and other's bodies. confused identity.
Oedipus/Electra Sexual
dysfunction.
Love Latent 6-11yrs Focus on developing Critical stage to
social skills and develop social
intellectual pursuits. skills and
Socialism Skills confidence
Grapes Genital Puberty Genital Reach sexual maturity Transfer of
to and capable of forming fixations from
adulthood intimate relationships earlier stages
Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory proposes that individuals go through
eight distinct stages of development across the lifespan, each characterized by a
unique psychological crisis that must be successfully resolved in order to progress to
the next stage. These crises are not necessarily negative, but rather represent a
challenge that the individual must overcome in order to develop a healthy personality.

1. Trust vs. Mistrust (0-1 year): In this stage, infants learn to trust their caregivers
and the world around them. If caregivers are responsive and consistent, infants
develop a sense of trust. If caregivers are neglectful or inconsistent, infants develop
a sense of mistrust.

2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1-3 years): In this stage, toddlers begin to
assert their independence and develop their sense of self. If caregivers encourage
and support this exploration, toddlers develop a sense of autonomy. If caregivers
discourage or shame this behavior, toddlers may develop a sense of shame and
doubt.

3. Initiative vs. Guilt (3-6 years): In this stage, children begin to take initiative and
plan activities. If caregivers encourage and support these activities, children
develop a sense of initiative. If caregivers discourage or criticize these activities,
children may develop a sense of guilt.

4. Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12 years): In this stage, children develop a sense of
competence and begin to master new skills. If children receive recognition and
encouragement for their efforts, they develop a sense of industry. If children
receive little recognition or are criticized for their efforts, they may develop a
sense of inferiority.

5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18 years): In this stage, adolescents develop a
sense of identity and begin to explore their values, beliefs, and goals. If adolescents
are able to successfully navigate this exploration, they develop a strong sense
of identity. If they are unable to do so, they may experience role confusion.
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (18-40 years): In this stage, young adults develop close
relationships and form intimate connections with others. If they are able to
establish these relationships, they develop a sense of intimacy. If they are
unable to do so, they may experience feelings of isolation.

7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (40-65 years): In this stage, adults become more
concerned with their legacy and the impact they will have on future generations. If
they are able to make meaningful contributions to society, they develop a
sense of generativity. If they are unable to do so, they may experience feelings
of stagnation.

8. Integrity vs. Despair (65+ years): In this stage, older adults reflect on their lives
and contemplate their accomplishments and failures. If they feel a sense of
fulfillment and acceptance, they develop a sense of integrity. If they feel regret
or despair, they may experience feelings of despair.
Jean Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development is a comprehensive framework that
explains how children acquire and develop knowledge over time. The theory is based on the
concept that children actively construct their own understanding of the world around
them, rather than simply absorbing information passively. Piaget's theory of
development can be summarized in the following points:

Four stages of Cognitive Development:


Piaget's theory identifies four stages of cognitive development that children go through, each
characterized by distinct ways of thinking and understanding the world. These stages are:

 Sensorimotor stage (birth to 2 years old): In this stage, children use their senses and
motor skills to explore and learn about the world around them. They develop object
permanence, which means that they understand that objects still exist even when they
are out of sight.
 Preoperational stage (2 to 7 years old): In this stage, children develop symbolic
thinking and language skills. They are able to represent objects and events using
symbols, but they lack the ability to think logically or understand conservation (the
idea that the amount of a substance remains the same even when it is poured into a
different container).

 Concrete operational stage (7 to 11 years old): In this stage, children begin to think
logically and understand conservation. They can perform mental operations (such
as addition and subtraction) and classify objects based on their characteristics.

 Formal operational stage (11 years old and up): In this stage, children develop the
ability to think abstractly and logically. They are able to reason about hypothetical
situations and use deductive reasoning.

Schemas:
Piaget believed that children organize their knowledge and experiences into mental
frameworks called schemas. Schemas are mental representations of the world that help
children understand and interpret new information. As children encounter new
experiences, they adjust and modify their schemas to fit new information.
Assimilation and accommodation:
Piaget believed that children learn by actively constructing their own understanding of the
world around them. This process involves two complementary processes: assimilation and
accommodation. Assimilation occurs when children incorporate new information into
existing schemas. Accommodation occurs when children modify their schemas to fit
new information.

Equilibration:
Piaget believed that learning is an active process that involves resolving conflicts between
existing schemas and new information. This process is called equilibration. When children
encounter new information that does not fit their existing schemas, they experience a
state of disequilibrium. To restore equilibrium, they must either modify their schemas or
adapt to the new information in some way.

Object permanence:
Piaget's theory is perhaps best known for his concept of object permanence, which is the
understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. According
to Piaget, object permanence develops gradually during the sensorimotor stage, and is
a critical milestone in cognitive development.

Criticisms:
While Piaget's theory has been influential in the field of developmental psychology, it has also
been subject to criticism. Some researchers have questioned the universality of the stages,
arguing that cultural and environmental factors may influence cognitive development.
Others have suggested that Piaget underestimated children's abilities in certain areas,
such as object permanence. Nonetheless, Piaget's theory remains an important framework
for understanding how children develop and acquire knowledge.
Lev Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory of Development emphasizes the role of social and
cultural factors in cognitive development. Unlike Piaget's theory, which focuses on
individual development, Vygotsky's theory emphasizes the importance of social interaction
and cultural context in shaping cognitive development. Vygotsky's theory of development
can be summarized in the following points:

 Zone of Proximal Development:


Vygotsky's theory emphasizes the concept of the zone of proximal development (ZPD),
which refers to the difference between what a child can do on their own and what
they can do with assistance from a more knowledgeable person. According to
Vygotsky, learning occurs when children are exposed to tasks that are just beyond their
current level of ability, but with the help of a more knowledgeable person, they can
complete the task successfully.

 Scaffolding:
Vygotsky believed that adults and more knowledgeable peers can provide scaffolding to
support a child's learning. Scaffolding involves breaking down complex tasks into
smaller, more manageable steps, and providing guidance and support as the child
progresses through the task. As the child becomes more competent, the scaffolding is
gradually removed, allowing the child to complete the task on their own.

 Cultural tools:
Vygotsky emphasized the role of cultural tools, such as language, in shaping cognitive
development. According to Vygotsky, language is not simply a means of communication,
but also a tool for thinking and problem-solving. Through language, children are able to
internalize cultural knowledge and use it to guide their own thinking and behavior.

 Private speech:
Vygotsky also noted the importance of private speech, which refers to the verbal
comments that children make to themselves as they engage in a task. According to
Vygotsky, private speech serves as a tool for self-regulation, helping children to plan
and monitor their own actions.
Criticisms:
While Vygotsky's theory has been influential in the field of developmental psychology, it has
also been subject to criticism. Some researchers have questioned the universality of
Vygotsky's theory, arguing that the importance of social and cultural factors may vary
across different cultures and contexts. Others have suggested that Vygotsky's theory
places too much emphasis on the role of social interaction, and not enough emphasis
on individual differences in cognitive development. Nonetheless, Vygotsky's theory
remains an important framework for understanding the role of social and cultural factors in
cognitive development.

Lawrence Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development proposes that moral reasoning


develops in a series of stages that individuals progress through. The theory is based on
the idea that individuals gradually move from a focus on external rewards and
punishments to a focus on internalized moral principles. The stages of moral
development are as follows:

Pre-conventional level:
At this level, moral reasoning is focused on external rewards and punishments.
Individuals at this level tend to make moral decisions based on what will result in the greatest
reward or the least punishment.

Conventional level:
At this level, individuals begin to internalize the rules and expectations of society. Moral
reasoning is based on conformity to social norms and expectations. Individuals at this
level tend to make moral decisions based on what is expected of them by society and
what will maintain social order.
Post-conventional level:
At this level, individuals begin to develop their own moral principles that are independent
of the expectations of society. Moral reasoning is based on principles such as justice,
fairness, and respect for individual rights. Individuals at this level tend to make moral
decisions based on their own ethical principles, even if those principles conflict with
societal norms.

Kohlberg's theory also proposes that individuals progress through these stages in a fixed
sequence, and that higher stages are more advanced and mature than lower stages. In
addition, Kohlberg believed that individuals could only progress to higher stages through
exposure to moral dilemmas that challenged their existing beliefs and principles.

Critics of Kohlberg's theory have argued that it places too much emphasis on cognitive
processes and does not account for the influence of emotions and social context on
moral reasoning. Others have criticized the theory for its individualistic focus and lack of
attention to the role of culture and socialization in shaping moral development. Nonetheless,
Kohlberg's theory remains an important framework for understanding the development of
moral reasoning in individuals.

John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth developed Attachment Theory, which proposes that
early experiences with caregivers shape the development of attachment patterns in
children. The theory emphasizes the importance of a secure attachment bond between a
child and their primary caregiver in promoting healthy social, emotional, and cognitive
development. The key concepts of attachment theory include:

Attachment:
Attachment is the emotional bond that forms between an infant and their primary
caregiver. According to attachment theory, a secure attachment bond is characterized by
feelings of safety, comfort, and security in the presence of the caregiver.
Pre-attachment stage (birth to 6 weeks):
During this stage, infants do not show a clear preference for a specific caregiver and are
equally comfortable with anyone who provides care for them. Infants at this stage
respond to stimuli such as touch, warmth, and sound, and are comforted by soothing
and familiar sensations.

Attachment-in-the-making stage (6 weeks to 6-8 months):


During this stage, infants begin to develop a preference for a specific caregiver and form
a nascent attachment bond. Infants at this stage begin to recognize familiar faces and
voices and respond differently to them. They also begin to engage in social behaviors
such as smiling, vocalizing, and reaching out to be held.

Clear-cut attachment stage (6-8 months to 18-24 months):


During this stage, infants have developed a strong attachment bond with their primary
caregiver and display distress when separated from them. Infants at this stage seek out
their caregiver for comfort and support when feeling upset or threatened, and use the
caregiver as a secure base from which to explore the world.

Formation of reciprocal relationships (18-24 months and beyond):


During this stage, the attachment bond becomes more reciprocal as the child becomes
more independent and develops the ability to communicate their own needs and
desires. Children at this stage become more skilled at reading and responding to social cues,
and develop more complex relationships with multiple caregivers.

Bowlby's stages of attachment highlight the importance of the caregiver-infant


relationship in shaping the development of attachment patterns in children. The stages
also emphasize the role of attachment in promoting social, emotional, and cognitive
development in infants and young children.
Attachment styles:
Attachment theory proposes that there are three main attachment styles: secure, avoidant,
and anxious-ambivalent. A child with a secure attachment style feels comfortable
exploring their environment, seeks out their caregiver for comfort when needed, and is
able to form positive relationships with others. A child with an avoidant attachment style
is independent and self-sufficient, avoids their caregiver when distressed, and may
have difficulty forming close relationships with others. A child with an anxious-
ambivalent attachment style is clingy and insecure, seeks out their caregiver but is
difficult to comfort, and may have difficulty trusting others.

Strange Situation:
The Strange Situation is a laboratory procedure developed by Mary Ainsworth to assess
attachment styles in young children. In the Strange Situation, a child and their caregiver are
placed in an unfamiliar environment, and the child's behavior when separated from and
reunited with the caregiver is observed.

Internal working models:


Attachment theory proposes that early experiences with caregivers shape the
development of internal working models, which are mental representations of relationships
that guide an individual's expectations and behaviors in future relationships.

Criticisms:
Critics of attachment theory have argued that it places too much emphasis on the mother-
child relationship and does not account for the role of other caregivers or the influence
of cultural factors on attachment patterns. Others have suggested that attachment theory
overemphasizes the importance of early experiences and does not sufficiently account for the
role of ongoing experiences and relationships in shaping attachment patterns.

Despite these criticisms, attachment theory remains an influential framework for


understanding the development of attachment patterns in children and the importance of
secure attachment in promoting healthy development.
Urie Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory proposes that development is
influenced by the interactions between individuals and their environment at multiple
levels. The theory emphasizes the importance of considering the broader social and cultural
context in which development occurs. The key concepts of ecological systems theory include:

Microsystem:
The microsystem is the immediate environment in which an individual lives and directly
interacts with. It includes relationships with family members, peers, teachers, and others
in the immediate environment.

Mesosystem:
The mesosystem refers to the interactions and connections between different
microsystems. For example, the relationship between a child's family and their school, or
between their family and their religious community.

Exosystem:
The exosystem includes the broader social and cultural context in which an individual
lives, but with which they may not directly interact. For example, the workplace of a
parent, or the policies of a government that affect a family's access to resources.

Macrosystem:
The macrosystem includes the broader cultural and societal context in which an
individual lives. This can include values, beliefs, and customs that influence behavior
and development at all other levels of the ecological system.

Chronosystem:
The chronosystem refers to the changes and transitions that occur over time in an
individual's life and in the broader societal context. This can include life events such as
the birth of a sibling, changes in family structure, or historical events such as wars or
economic recessions.
Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory highlights the importance of considering the
multiple levels of influence on development and the dynamic nature of these
interactions over time. The theory emphasizes the importance of understanding the
individual's unique context in order to promote healthy development and well-being.

Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory proposes that learning occurs through
observation, imitation, and the social context in which behavior is observed and
performed. The key concepts of Bandura's social learning theory include:

Observational learning:
Bandura believed that people learn by observing the behavior of others and the
consequences of those behaviors. Observational learning can occur through direct
observation or through media such as television, film, or social media.

Modeling:
Modeling refers to the process of imitating the behavior of others. Bandura proposed that
individuals are more likely to model behaviors that they perceive as positive, rewarding,
or useful in achieving their goals.

Reinforcement:
Bandura suggested that the consequences of behavior are an important factor in
determining whether that behavior will be repeated in the future. Positive
reinforcement, such as praise or rewards, can increase the likelihood of a behavior being
repeated, while negative reinforcement, such as punishment or criticism, can decrease
the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Self-efficacy:
Bandura's theory emphasizes the importance of individuals' beliefs in their own abilities
to perform a behavior successfully. Self-efficacy can be influenced by factors such as
past experiences, vicarious experiences (i.e., observing others), and social persuasion
(i.e., encouragement or discouragement from others).
Reciprocal determinism:
Bandura's theory emphasizes the bidirectional relationship between individuals and their
environment. People both influence and are influenced by the social context in which
they live.

Bandura's social learning theory highlights the importance of the social context in shaping
behavior and development. The theory emphasizes that learning and behavior are
influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including the behaviors of others, the
consequences of those behaviors, and individuals' beliefs in their own abilities to
perform behaviors successfully. The theory has important implications for understanding
the role of the environment in shaping behavior and for developing interventions to promote
positive behavior change.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a theory of motivation that proposes that people have a set
of basic needs that must be met before they can be motivated to pursue higher level
needs. The hierarchy is often depicted as a pyramid with five levels, with lower-level needs at
the base of the pyramid and higher-level needs at the top. The key concepts of Maslow's
hierarchy of needs include:

Physiological needs:
The most basic needs on Maslow's hierarchy are physiological needs, such as food, water,
air, and shelter. These needs must be met in order to maintain basic bodily functions
and survive.

Safety needs:
Once physiological needs are met, individuals are motivated to pursue safety needs,
such as personal security, stability, and protection from danger.
Love and belonging needs:
After safety needs are met, individuals are motivated to pursue social needs, such as
love, affection, and a sense of belonging. These needs involve forming meaningful
relationships with others and feeling a sense of connection to a community.

Esteem needs:
Once social needs are met, individuals are motivated to pursue esteem needs, such as
self-esteem, recognition, and respect from others. These needs involve feeling valued
and respected by others and having a sense of achievement and self-worth.

Self-actualization needs:
At the top of the pyramid are self-actualization needs, which involve fulfilling one's potential
and achieving personal growth and fulfillment. These needs involve pursuing creative or
intellectual interests, seeking personal development, and engaging in activities that
bring a sense of meaning and purpose to life.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs emphasizes the importance of meeting basic needs before
pursuing higher level needs. The theory suggests that individuals will only be motivated to
pursue higher level needs once lower-level needs are satisfied. The hierarchy has
important implications for understanding human motivation and behavior and for developing
interventions to promote well-being and personal growth.

You might also like