Theories Describe And Explain What Happens During Developmen
Theories Describe And Explain What Happens During Development Theorie
Theories describe and explain what happens during development. Theories also offer a way of trying to predict behavior. Often theories can be used to understand the people with whom we are closest. For example, Erikson’s 8 Stages might help you understand why your teenage son cares more about his friend’s opinion than your perspective. For this discussion, think about different development theories and select one: Piaget's 4 Stages of Cognitive Development Erikson's 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development Behaviorism Social Learning Theory Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory Initial Post In your initial posting: State the specific theory you have chosen by its proper name. Provide an example from your life. Explain how an aspect or concept from the theory helps you understand the provided example.
Paper For Above instruction
The developmental processes through which individuals grow and change over their lifespan have been extensively studied and hypothesized within various theoretical frameworks. For the purpose of this discussion, I have chosen Erikson's Ego Psychosocial Development Theory, which emphasizes psychosocial stages influenced by social interactions and inner conflicts, shaping personality and behavior across the lifespan.
Erikson's theory comprises eight stages, each characterized by a specific psychosocial conflict that must be resolved for healthy psychological development. These stages range from trust vs. mistrust in infancy to integrity vs. despair in old age. A particularly resonant stage for me was the adolescence stage—identity versus role confusion—an essential period where individuals explore their personal identity and sense of self.
A personal example that illustrates this theory involves my own teenage years. During high school, I faced the challenge of establishing who I was beyond my family and immediate social circles. I experimented with different extracurricular activities, social groups, and personal interests, navigating social expectations and my internal desires. This process often led to feelings of confusion, as I questioned my future aspirations and social roles. Ultimately, I began to develop a clearer sense of my identity through reflections and social feedback.
From Erikson's perspective, adolescence is a vital period for identity formation. The concept of "identity versus role confusion" helps me understand my experiences, as I was in the process of resolving these conflicts, which involved integrating different aspects of my personality and social roles. The successful resolution during this stage laid the groundwork for my future endeavors, reinforcing the importance of this developmental task. Understanding this theory clarifies that this phase is marked by exploration and uncertainty, essential for mature identity development.
Consequently, Erikson's psychosocial model provides insight into how social influences and personal development intertwine. Recognizing the importance of this stage highlights the significance of supportive social environments and opportunities for exploration. It helps explain how my own experiences of questioning and experimentation contributed to becoming a more confident and self-aware individual. In essence, this theory underscores that development is an active, dynamic process that depends on resolving specific conflicts at each stage.
In conclusion, Erikson’s theory offers a comprehensive framework for understanding adolescent development, emphasizing the interplay between social challenges and personal growth. My life example exemplifies the critical role of identity exploration during adolescence and demonstrates how this developmental task helps shape long-term psychological health. Applying Erikson’s theory to real-life experiences enriches our understanding of human development, promoting empathy and effective support during critical life stages.
References
Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.
Cherry, K. (2020). Erik Erikson's psychosocial stages of development. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/erik-eriksons-stages-of-psychosocial-development-2795740
Haggbloom, S. J., et al. (2002). The 100 most eminent psychologists of the 20th century. Review of General Psychology, 6(2), 139-165.
McLeod, S. (2018). Erik Erikson's theory of psychological development. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html
Collins, W. A. (2003). The developmental significance of peer relationships. Child Development, 74(4), 104–105.
Williams, M. B. (2016). Theories of development. In J. Davis (Ed.), Lifespan development: A cultural approach (pp. 45-67). Sage Publications.
Santrock, J. W. (2019). Life-span development (16th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Lerner, R. M. (2013). Concepts and theories of human development. In R. M. Lerner (Ed.), Handbook of child psychology (7th ed., Vol. 1, pp. 1-68). Wiley.
Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. (2014). The life span: Human development for helping professionals and students. Pearson.