Human Development - Assignment Example

Question 1

Human development is a process that begins in the womb and continues throughout all stages of life. The psychological development of an individual follows an analogous path and is highly influenced by several factors from a variety of internal and external systems. We will examine several of these systems to elucidate their effects on individual development.

Biological factors are often considered first when discussing influences on individual development. Genetics have an undeniably massive influence on the individualization of a human being. The DNA found within genetic materials provides instructions that guide the biological growth of a person, including the physical structure of the brain.

According to the concepts of cognitive neuropsychology, it can be suggested that the psychological development of an individual is intimately tied to biological changes within the brain. Evidence suggests that this relationship is bidirectional, with psychological influences leading to changes in the structure of neural networks. This certainly appears to be true as it applies to learning, and it is through learning that we develop many of our individual traits.

Human learning is largely accomplished through observation, indicating a clear path through which the environment can influence personal psychological development. A person’s perception plays a large role in determining the psychological response that will occur in the presence of certain stimuli. Learning through observation is always performed in the context of the environment, demonstrating the indirect influence of external systems (society and culture included) on personal development.

An example of the direct influences of the environment on development can be found in the field of epigenetics (Bird, 2007). This term refers to the effect of environmental variables on the expression of genes. Physical, psychological, and sociocultural influences call all trigger biological responses that alter the original expression of genetic information. This complex relationship is an effective demonstration of the many systems that work together to create an individual.

Question 2

Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson are two of the most contributable researchers in the field of psychoanalysis (Berger, 2008). Freud, the founding father of this psychological theory, highlighted the importance of unconscious thoughts in the development of an individual, as well as the impact of early-life development on adult psychology. Freud also developed the psychodynamic model of the Id, Ego, and Superego. Erikson’s theories are known as Neo-Freudian due to the fact that they share these psychoanalytic concepts with Freud while differing on several other important aspects.

Freud’s theories are infamous for the frequent and large focus on sexuality, while Erikson steered away from this controversy. Freud’s theory of early development includes stages that are based on coping with various sexual urges through the application of “psychic energy”. The developmental theory of Erikson replaces the sexual descriptions of childhood development with a series of stages that come with various personal challenges that are referred to as crises. A crisis is a challenge that may have successful or unsuccessful outcomes that are specific to each developmental stage. Another important difference between the developmental theories of Freud and Erikson is that Freud discounts the role of personal development after childhood, while Erikson includes the entire lifespan.  In addition, the crises posed by Erikson account for some social influences on personality development, while Freud’s stages are almost exclusively based on psychological and biological factors.