Topic: Human Growth and Development

Sigmund Freud (1856-1938)

Freud's psychoanalytic theory primarily looks at the inner workings of the mind, especially the unconscious, which in this context means below the level of the conscious mind.

Developmentally, psychoanalytic theory examines the psychosexual stages of childhood. Sexual, in this context, refers to self-exploration and gratification rather than relationships.

Transition from one stage to the next can be hindered or fixated. In pursuit of pleasure, an individual can be over- or undergratified.

The major issues with psychoanalytic theory are the lack of scientific research to support the theory, the dominance of one factor (sexual gratification) to explain development, and the fact that this theory does not take into account cultural variations or contemporary environmental issues that affect development.

Erik Erikson (1902-1994)

Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory is technically considered a type of psychoanalytic theory but with a more detailed explanation of childhood and adult development. The stages represent transitions based on conflict or a time of crisis. Conflict, in this case, is the need to move from one stage to the next.

Jean Piaget (1896-1980)

Children develop their ways of thinking and processing information through organization and adaption. Adults develop schemas, which are frameworks that help adults organize and interpret information. There are four stages of development according to Piaget's stage theory.

*Briefly describe the Freud, Erickson, and Piaget theories regarding development. Provide the major similarities and differences between each.

*Explain how these early theories were developed, and why there is concern related to race, gender, socioeconomic status, and other areas of diversity in how these theories were developed.

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