Lesson 7: Theories of Development

Attention

Click HERE to view a video on Human Growth and Development Theories

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

• Identify how an understanding of human development theory is applicable to work in the mental health field.

Teaching

Some of the major questions posed by psychologists and researchers are centered on the relative contributions of genetics versus environment ("nature versus nurture") the process through which development occurs, and the overall importance of early experiences versus that of later events.

The classic issue in child development research is the 'nature vs. nurture' debate. Does genetic inheritance play a larger role in influencing development and behavior, or does the environment have a stronger effect?

Today, most psychologists recognize that both elements play an essential role, but the debate continues over many developmental questions about topics ranging from academic aptitude to sexual orientation. What effects these attributes and traits? Can something determine them? What? How?

Developmental psychology is a branch of psychology that studies how people grow and change over the course of a lifetime. Before you begin a more in depth study of this subject, you need to understand exactly what 'development' means.
 
Developmental psychologists do not just study the physical changes that occur as people grow; they also look at the social, emotional, and cognitive development that occurs throughout life. Theories of development provide a framework for thinking about human growth, development, and learning.

Why do we study development? What can we learn from psychological theories of development? If you have ever wondered about what motivates human thought and behavior, understanding these theories can provide useful insight into individuals and society.

Some Theories and Influences

Psychoanalytic theories of development began with the work of Sigmund Freud, who believed that early childhood experiences had a lasting effect on the course of development. Freud's work was incredibly influential and inspired numerous other psychologists.

One of the most famous theorists influenced by Freud was Erik Erikson, whose eight-stage theory of human development remains one of the best-known psychological theories.

During the first half of the twentieth century, another school of thought, known as behaviorism, rose to become a dominant force within psychology. What may have occurred during this time to influence the field in such a way?

Behaviorists believed that psychology needed to focus only on observable and quantifiable behaviors in order to become a more scientific discipline.
According to the behavioral perspective, all human behavior can be described in terms of environmental influences.

Early behaviorists, such as John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner, insisted that learning occurs purely through processes of association and reinforcement. Can you identify some reinforcers for your own behavior? Can you expand on the levels of association?
 
As the field branched in a multitude of direction, a psychologist, Albert Bandura, became an important voice in Social Cognitive theory. He rejected the narrow perspective of pure reinforcement/behavior links and demonstrated the powerful effects of observational learning. The social environment emerged as a particular focus.
 
Cognitive theories of development look at how thought processes and mental operations influence growth and change. One of the seminal cognitive theorists is Jean Piaget. Piaget created one of the most famous theories of cognitive development, suggesting that children are not just passive recipients of information. Instead, he proposed that children are "little scientists" who actively construct their knowledge and understanding of the world. Can you give some examples of observations you have noticed in your experience of children at different ages?

Click HERE to visit a website that reviews a number of Developmental Theories

Assessment

Lesson 7 Quiz

1. Select one of the theories in the lesson that most resonates with you. Review the theory using the resources given in the Lesson Plan. Describe how an understanding of this theory would apply in your role in the Mental Health field.