Theories of Child Development - Article Example

Child development theories Child development theories Child development is important in the day to day life as it allows the understanding the development of children. The study further helps in the appreciation of the physical, educational, emotional and cognitive stages that are undergone by children since birth to the stage of early childhood (Laura 2009). Grand theories explain the entire aspects of growth extensively.Sigmund Freud’s theory versus Erik Erikson’s theorySigmund proposed a theory that highly focused on the childhood experiences and events importance.

According to Freud, development in children is a series of mental and psychosexual stages. Freud categorised the stages as Oral, phallic, anal, and genital and latency (Laura 2009). Each stage of carries with it a satisfaction of a desire and can play a great role in the character’s adult personality. Erikson as well proposed a development theory factored by stages. Erikson’s theory entailed growth of human throughout the individual’s lifespan. According to Erikson, each development phase was focused in the overcoming of a certain conflict (Erikson, 1968).

Erikson contrast Sigmund’s theories that stand for development stages for the libidinal desire satisfaction.Cognitive versus behavioural child developmentCognitive theory by Jean Piaget states that kids and adults think differently. Jean was the first to understand the role played by children in the world’s knowledge gaining. Jean refers to children as young scientists. Behavioural theories are constructed by theorists such as Skinner, Pavlov and Watson. The theories deal with the on observable behaviour.

The theory considers the external factors and stimuli as the primary cause of development (Erikson, 1968). Contrary to the Cognitive theory, behavioural approach does not consider the internal development factors.In conclusion, some psychologists have developed principles and theories to explain the various child development aspects. The methods possess a significant impact on the understanding of child development. The contemporary psychologists draw dynamic perspectives and ideas for the sake of child development knowledge (Laura, 2009)ReferencesBerk, Laura E. (2009).Child Development. 8th ed. United States of America: Pearson Education, Inc.

Erikson E (1968), Identity, Youth, and Crisis, New York: Norton