Development Theories: Chapter 2 Summary

Study Notes

Different theories explain the growth and change of individuals throughout their lifespan, including psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and contextual perspectives.
These theories assist in understanding various developmental aspects from infancy to old age, providing frameworks for interpreting individual changes.

Developmental theories are diverse and complex, each contributing unique insights into the human lifespan.
Some theories focus on specific stages, while others encompass broader environmental influences, including biological, social, and cultural factors, aiding in the anticipation and support of developmental changes.

Developmental Theories: Organize processes of human growth, enabling comprehension of changes across life stages.
Psychodynamic Theories: Concentrate on unconscious influences and early experiences, as illustrated in Freud’s and Erikson’s developmental stages.
Behavioral Theories: Explain learned behavior through Pavlov’s classical conditioning and Skinner’s operant conditioning, highlighting environmental interactions.
Cognitive Theories: Investigate how thinking evolves via Piaget's stages and Vygotsky's social-cultural theory, focusing on problem-solving and reasoning.
Contextual Approaches: Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory identifies layers of environmental influence on development.
Nature vs. Nurture: Ongoing debate regarding the impact of genetics (nature) versus environmental factors (nurture) on development.
Stages vs. Continuity: Differing opinions on whether development occurs in distinct stages or through continuous processes.
Active vs. Passive Participation: Some theories propose active involvement of individuals in their development, while others suggest a passive role influenced by the environment.
Cultural and Social Influences: Many theories now recognize the significant role of cultural and social contexts in shaping development.
Applications of Theories: Developmental theories are utilized in various fields to enhance understanding and support individuals through different life stages.

Psychodynamic Theories: Focus on unconscious drives and early experiences shaping personality (Freud, Erikson).
Behavioral Theories: Emphasize learned behaviors through conditioning (Pavlov, Skinner).
Cognitive Theories: Describe the evolution of thinking and reasoning throughout life stages (Piaget, Vygotsky).
Contextual Theories: Explore interactive contexts for development, as proposed by Bronfenbrenner.
Social Cognitive Theories: Highlight learning through observation and modeling (Bandura).

Bronfenbrenner proposes multiple overlapping contexts (microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem) for development.
Vygotsky highlights the interaction of culture and history in a child’s growth within the zone of proximal development.
Lerner emphasizes reciprocal relationships between individual development and contextual changes like education and family.
Ethological theory focuses on behavioral traits that have survival value, influencing development.

Normative-crisis theories outline predictable adult changes, while timing-of-events theory explores social expectations shaping life courses.
Dynamic systems theory considers the integrated nature of a child's mind, body, and social environment influencing development.

Comparing various developmental theories can provide a comprehensive view of change processes.
Theories offer systematic organization of existing knowledge and testable explanations for development, benefiting both experts and non-experts.

Accommodation: Adapting existing ideas to fit new experiences (Piaget).
Adaptation: Development process involving assimilation and accommodation.
Assimilation: Interpreting new experiences using existing concepts (Piaget).
Attachment: Intimate emotional bonds, particularly between infants and caregivers.
Behavior Modification: Techniques based on behaviorism for changing specific behaviors.