
Personality and the development of
Karen Duvall
Evergreen State College There are many factors that effect the way that children develop. Children progress through many stages as they grow and what happens in each of the stages can have an impact on their social and emotional well being. Many theorists have speculated as to what goes on in the depths of our psyche. Why do we make certain choices? How do our interactions within society impact our development? Self definition has been a studied from a variety of perspectives - historical, cultural and developmental (Kroger, 1996). Throughout history, we have asked ourselves the age old question, Who am I? Developmental psychologists study the way that we function. All the magnificent ways that are bodies work, the way we think and obtain new information and how these factors change across our life span. These theorists look at how these factors are affected by genetics, culture and experience (Wade, 2008). One such theorist was Erik Erikson. The central thesis of Erikson is the establishment of an ego-identity. Freud believed the ego could be described as the part of the psyche that develops in order to ensure the health and safety and sanity of the personality as it mediates between the demands of the Id (the unconscious) and external reality (Fadimen & Frager, 2005, p. 50). Erikson postulated that the ego had a more important role, “a selective, integrating, coherent and persistent agency central to personality function”
Ego psychology usually represents the followers of Anna and Sigmund Freud teachings (Coles, 1992). Present day ego psychology is loyal to Freud’s work with a foundation of psychoanalysis, although it is more ordinary and practical of the ego in the application of psychoanalysis. Anna Freud mentored Erikson Erik, who is popular for his expansion works in ego psychology field and psychoanalysis (Goodwin, 2005). The mentorship of Anna influence Erik professional and academic career in psychology. Anna and Erik when he was tutoring children in Heitzing School managed by Dorothy Burlingham, a longtime friend of Anna. Anna saw the skillful manner of Erikson with the children and showed her interest in guiding Erik to study more regarding child psychology.
This video describes 5 different development characteristics of children. Physical, cognitive, self, social and moral which are all equally important and often time may even affect one another. In particular I found the concept of self-development interesting. This concept deals with how we see ourselves and how we grow as an individual. The basis of our self-worth and how we handle emotions will always play a key role in how we handle tough situations in life and the amount of confidence we have in ourselves. Therefore, I selected this
Developmental psychology is the study of how the mix of child’s genes and upbringing affect their feelings, emotions, personality, and actions.
Developmental psychology is the scientific study of how and why human beings change over the span of their lifetime. Developmental psychology’s general focus was children and infants but now it has enlarged and now also focuses on adults. Although it would have been logical for me to choose a biopsychologist or neuroscientist as a specialization considering that I am pursuing college to become physician, I chose the topic of developmental psychology because the world is changing rapidly and it is significantly affecting the way the new generations view the world.
In developmental psychology, researchers describe the physical, emotional, and psychological stages of development while relating the specific issues involved in the stages, which can hinder proper development. Developmental psychology, also described as human development, is the scientific investigation of methodical psychological modifications that take place in humans in excess of the path of the average life span. Originally concerned with infants and young children, the field has extended to include adolescence, adult development, the aging, and the entire life span. This field of study scrutinizes adjustments across an
Childhood development encompasses the cognitive, physical, social, moral and emotional changes from birth until the end of adolescence (White, Hayes & Livesey, 2013). Throughout childhood, environment and genetics promote or discourage growth and development. This essay will analyse the cognitive, physical, social, moral and emotional domains in relativity to my own development from the prenatal stage until adolescence. Psychological and environmental theories are used to develop the understanding and connection between each domain and stage of development. Lastly, this essay will address the controversial nature verses nurture debate and its relevance to my childhood development.
The influence of the contextual world view on the conceptualization of the individual in relation to developmental psychology can be described as follows: First, the individual is seen as constantly changing. In addition, the change that occurs is viewed as an interaction of the individual and the context within which they live. Thus, a developmental psychologist operating from this perspective would examine the interaction of biological, psychological, historical, and sociological factors on an individual's development; the gestalt including not only the
Throughout the readings of chapters one and two of Development of Children and Adolescents, I obtained additional knowledge to add to my basic foundation from my previous psychology courses. Chapter one discussed development from a psychological perspective; on the other hand, chapter two analyzed the biological aspects of the human mind in order to grasp explanations for the population’s general function.
Freud was an Id psychologist where Erikson was an ego psychologist. Erikson explains the conflict that can happen within your ego though culture and society. Freud expands on the belief that there is conflict between the id and the superego (McLeod, 2013). Like Erikson I also believe that development takes place though one’s life. I still change my mind and sometimes still feel that I am on the wrong track wondering what my life’s purpose
Developmental psychology is the scientific study of how and why human beings change over the course of their life. Originally concerned with infants and children, the field has expanded to include adolescence, adult development, aging, and the entire lifespan. Using the multiple levels of analysis that we’ve talked about in this class and the information I have learned in Developmental Psychology , I can apply to some parts of my life while also talking about it in regards to biologically, psychologically, and finally socially,but first I want to share the importance of Developmental Psychology because I was too confused about it at first.
Self-perception evolves at each stage of growth and development. As children enter school, they become more self-aware. Therefore, peers, activities, and friendships play a fundamental role in the elaboration of an individual?s self-perception. These various factors help to mold the personality and character of a child. Children between the ages of five to eleven place a lot of value on their physical skills and achievements, social acceptance, appearance, and level of control. Many young people have a tendency to compare themselves with other people their age. This time of self-discovery is often clouded by the need to fit in and often to a rigid set of linear social rules of what other children their age think of them. Therefore, the parents must make their children feel competent, loved, and have self-respect (Burns, Dunn, Brady, Starr, & Blosser, 2013).
As we grow older we change; these changes are most visible during infancy and childhood. From birth, babies grow larger and show noticeable development in both their social and intellectual competence. The study of age-related changes in human behaviour is referred to as developmental psychology. Child development refers to the psychological and biological changes that occur in individuals from birth to adolescence. By understanding child development, psychologists know what to expect in infants and children at each developmental stage, and can therefore establish the limitations in infant’s and children’s growth
Erik Erikson’s theory was greatly influenced by Sigmund freuds theory, following Sigmund freuds theory to do with the structure of personalities, but freud was an id psychologist, erk erikson was an ego psychologist. erikson highlighted the part of culture and society and also the battles that happen with the ego, but Freud stressed the battle between the superego and the id. Apparently Erikson reported that the ego grows as it positively resolves disasters that are definitely common in nature. This involves having trust within others, emerging an intellect of individuality in society and also helping the next generation to make the future. Erikson covers on Freuds views by concerntrating on the adaptive and imaginative characteristics of the ego
Sigmund Freud, a renowned psychologist and psychoanalyst, is notably known for creating the idea of the id, the ego and superego. These three concepts, according to Freud, make up the human psyche and provide some insight and understanding into how the human mind works. These so-called systems in the brain are in no way physical but together, they make up a whole and contribute towards an individual’s behavior.
Environmental factors as family, learning environment, and community along with other biological, social and psychological forces contribute to children’s development(6). Erik Erikson, a psychoanalytic theorist, called the psychosocial stage during early childhood “initiative versus guilt” stage. It involves make believe play and ambition which develop when “parents support their child’s sense of purpose”(13).