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Developmental Psychology, Term Paper Example
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The development of the psyche has been a topic of many psychologist and behaviorist. Developmental psychology is a field of psychology that examines the impact of maturational processes and experience on behavior (TJHSST, 2009). Early in the research regarding the development of the psyche, Sigmund Freud’s therapy revolved totally around a psychosexual approach focusing mainly on the self gratification, bodily functions and specific body parts. Several theorists have developed theories from his work. Erik Erikson studied under this philosophy and expanded on Freud’s work. He is notable for his work with developmental psychology and his theory of psychosocial development beyond the self and leaning towards a behavioral perspective; with continual learning from birth until death. John B. Watson is known for his work with classical and operant conditioning and the use of reinforcement versus punishments. Jean Piaget focused on assimilation and accommodation.
Lifespan development is a specific approach to the study of human development over a lifetime. “Our exploration begins where this process culminates, at birth, where who are will ultimately become is a life-long endeavor” (Discovering Psychology, 2009). Psychologists dedicated to this principle consider the various personality qualities and characteristics contributing to the diversity of one person to another. Four main topics are the core of lifespan development and include physical, cognitive, personality and social development. This theory is further broken down into subcategories relating to specific age groups. Erickson developed eight stages of development, from birth until death.
Erickson’s basic philosophy rest on two major themes: (1) the world gets bigger as we go along and (2) failure is cumulative (Harder, 2009). The first stage is conception to infancy; 0 to 18 months. Beginning with pregnancy; germinal, embryonic and fetal periods, the child is dependent on the mother in vitro and at birth. To ensure the health of the baby the mother must take care of herself during pregnancy; avoid alcohol and smoking, eat healthy and get plenty of exercise.
This stage centers on the basic conflict of trust versus mistrust with feeding being the most important events in the child’s life after birth. This stage is when the child will learn a sense of trust based on the reliability of the caregiver, attention and love the child experiences. Passing successfully through this stage is reliant on the caregiver’s positive and loving attitude with specific emphasis on visual contact and touch (Harder, 2009). Socially the baby will learn to smile and respond to loving caregivers. Stranger anxiety develops later in this stage. Physically the body will grow at differing rates; beginning with cephalocaudal growth, then to the center of the body with skill development beginning to take place. Cognitively the child will progressively develop memory skills and repetition.
The next stage is early childhood; 18 months to 3 years. This is a major time of development with the basic skills of self control and bravery. This is the time children learn to master skills; walking, talking and learning to feed themselves. Fine motor development and autonomy are the important elements of this stage. Learning to command attention, voice our likes and dislikes and the ability to feel shame or uncertainty is developed at this time. The child becomes social with learning to talk and interact with others.
Stage three is the play age: 3 to 5 years. Erickson’s believed this is the time for the ego development and specifically to learn initiative versus guilt. Cognitively and physically at this age fine motor developments have matured and the child takes on a sense of purpose. “Why” has become the most used question during this phase. This is a time of social identification; “if we’re frustrated over natural desires and goals, we may easily experience guilt” (Harder, 2009). Socially children learn gender identity at this time and self-concept.
The next stage is the school years: 6 to 12 years. This is the industry versus inferiority phase. This stage is often called the latency stage where “we are capable of learning, creating and accomplishing numerous new skills and knowledge, thus developing a sense of industry” (Harder, 2009). This is one of the most social stages and feelings of inadequacy can complicate our lives and lead to inferiority problems. This is a time when children grow outward into the community and form attachments with friends and leave parents to play a less important role socially. Changes physically at this time are different depending on gender. Fine motor skills begin to increase and become perfected with less awkwardness. This stage prepares us for the puberty stage coming up.
Adolescence: 12 to 18 years leads into identity versus role confusion. Although all stages are significant and have special learning elements, this stage is the most significant in terms of society, and moral and ethical growth. This age group is learning to develop an identity; apart from family or friends. Being at a stage in the middle of childhood and adulthood creates havoc within this group. From this stage on psychological development begins to be the sole responsibility of the individual. At this stage the child may go through a reversal and withdraw from responsibility. Erikson termed this a ‘moratorium’ and “if we are unsuccessful in navigating this stage, we will experience role confusion and upheaval” (Harder, 2009). This is also a time of short spans of rapid physical growth. Puberty begins and body awareness becomes evident. Cognitively children in this stage begin to think differently and thought processes and mental capabilities begin to mature.
The following stage is young adulthood: 18 to 35 years and intimacy and solidarity versus isolation are the challenges of this phase. This is a period of time of searching for a mate, looking for close and intimate relationships. Failure to successfully achieve this phase results in isolation. Socially marriage and close friends are the significant relationships in this phase. Physical development is complete during this stage. This is a time of health and energy with heightened psychomotor skills. Intelligence and creativity are becoming important and success in life is associated with how these are used to handle situations, chose mates and develop a career. Moving further emotionally from the parents and accepting responsibility for self is a major change in this stage.
Middle adulthood: 35 to 55/65 years with generatively versus self absorption or stagnation are the outcomes of this age group. This is at time when work and family take our dominating thoughts and time. Adults in this group are usually parents themselves by now and will be facing the loss of children to marriage and college. This is the time often referred to as the ‘mid-life crisis.’ We still want and need meaningful work and purpose; however, we are entering a new phase with major life changes. Becoming stagnate or self-absorbed results if new purposes are not found. Aging is a concern at this stage and the adult will begin to lose height, visual and hearing acuity with delayed reaction time to situations. Cognition is stable during this time.
The last stage in Erikson’s theory is late adulthood: 55/65 to death. Integrity versus despair with a basic strength of wisdom is attached to this phase. Erikson believes that much of life is preparing for the middle adulthood and the last stage is recovering from it (Harder, 2009). Some regard this stage as integrity as the person looks back on their life with happiness and a deep feeling of contribution to the world. Others may look at this in despair and feel they have been a failure. Physically this age group is slowing down with signs of hair color change, and loss of skin elasticity. Internally changes are taking place with the brain becoming smaller, the heart, lungs and circulatory system is reduced. Cognitively memory loss may be occurring or accelerating depending on the age it begins. Socially during this stage some adults will withdraw and prefer to be alone, while others remain social and stay active with friends and social commitments. The largest factor is whether they view their live in terms of success or failure.
Erikson’s eight stages cover the entire lifespan of individuals. He is considered one of the top theorists and his contributions to developmental psychology are well documented and referenced. Erikson was influenced by Sigmund Freud; however, Dr. Freud saw development as limited to childhood years. He felt that the body, mind and culture were the predominating influences on development. Erikson devoted time and effort to study individuals from birth to death to support his therapy of lifespan development.
Works Cited
Discovering Psychology. “Life Span Development.” 2009. Retrieved November 25, 2008 from http://www.learner.org/discoveringpsychology/development/index.html
Harder, Arlene F. “The Developmental Stages of Erik Erikson.” 2009. Learning Place Online.com. Retrieved November 25, 2009 from http://www.learningplaceonline.com/stages/organize/Erikson.htm
TJHSST – Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. “Psych Online Glossary.” 2009. Retrieved November 25, 2009 from http://academics.tjhsst.edu/psych/oldPsych/ch1/terms.html#psychology
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