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Developmental Theories Essay

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Theories of Development There are many types of developmental theories. First being the Psychoanalytic Theory, and the Cognitive Theory. Within these two types of theories there are several psychologists that have their own theory of development. After exploring these different theories I will then share my opinion on which theory I believe to be more accurate.
By definition the Psychoanalytic Theory describes development as a primarily unconscious and heavily colored by emotion. Behavior is merely a surface characteristic, and the symbolic workings of the mind have to be analyzed to understand behavior (Santrock).
Sigmund Freud took the psychoanalytic approach with his Psychosexual Theory, Freud …show more content…

For example during the anal stage the primary focus is learning to control the bladder and bowel movements, thus giving a child a since of independence. Although if a child is not rewarded properly or ridiculed for having accidents a child may have a negative out come later in life as a result (Cherry).
Erikson also took the psychoanalytic approach with his Psychosocial Theory. Erikson believed that people developed socially and where motivated by the desire to affiliate with other people. He also believed that people continued to develop through their entire life span with equal importance. There are eight stages in Erikson’s theory starting from the Oral Stage, where a person develops trust versus mistrust, and continues to the Integrity versus Despair Stage accruing into the late 60’s and onward. Like Freud, Erikson believed that if any one stage is not successfully accomplished negative effects could result later in life. Although because Erikson believed that people continue to develop throughout life if any one stage is not successfully achieved at the recommended time, a person could still accomplish the level thus resulting in a positive outcome.
Cognitive Theories focus on conscious thoughts, remembering, problem solving and decision making. Cognitive development refers to how a person understands the world through interaction. Piaget, and Vygotsky both took the Cognitive approach to development. Vygotsky claimed that social development was far more

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