Reading Response
Since the 20th century, development in psychology has undergone various changes, and many early theorists have had an influence on the psychology field. Some of the notable theorists like Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky and Erick Erikson have had a great impact on child psychology. This paper delves into the contribution of these three theorists in their early study of several development stages, the differences and similarities in their theories and the significance of these stages.
Jean Piaget’s cognitive development theory focuses on the stages of a child who transitions from one stage followed by a sequence. Erick Erikson’s psychosocial development theory was developed later than Piaget’s. He dealt with the eight unique stages of a person’s life. Lev Vygotsky believed the socio-cultural environment was essential in cognitive development. He emphasizes the role of social interaction and instruction.
Erickson focuses on the whole development process, asserting how the environment interacts with an individual, thereby influencing the development. At the same time, Piaget’s theory of cognitive development takes an interest in a person’s thought process. He has a special emphasis on an individual’s early years, let’s say, at the age of 12. Vygotsky has his own theory, which proposes that in the roles of social interaction, a child’s development does not precede socialization. Social structures and social relations have an impact on a person’s mental development and functions.
The similarity between the three theories is that they all examine issues of development psychology, describing these developments through phases. Every theorist declares that each stage has its own different challenges in the development process. Hence, the successive stages are built on each other. To the extent that when one stage fails, the other stage also precipitates failure.
These three theorists have contributed widely to the field of development psychology, As much as they drew inspiration from different sources in the 20th century.
Reference
Mooney, C. G., & Amazon.com. (2013). Theories of childhood: An introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget, & Vygotsky. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
