Developmental Theories of Childhood

Developmental Theories of Childhood
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Developmental Theories of Childhood
Introduction
In the current period in the US, there has been an increase in cases of underage drinking, a menace that has proved so difficult to resolve. Subsequently, at a time when the adolescents are believed to be engrossed in their studies, external factors chip in, making them lose focus (Rathus, 2013). The three theories that have comprehensively analyzed childhood development include Jean Piaget theory of cognitive development, Erik Erikson’s theory on psychosocial stages, and Abraham Maslow’s theory on motivation.
A Summary of Jean Piaget’s Theory
A theory of cognitive development was created in 1936 by a Swiss psychologist called Jean Piaget. Even though many researchers and scientists on the past occasions attempted to analyze transition during childhood, it is clear that Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development has been of wide influence (Demetriou, 2016). This is because it put into perspectives contrasting developmental stages with respect to the intellectual and perceptual relationship. In the acknowledgment, the stages vary at age level from one child to another (Newman, 2017). Initially, Piaget incorporated two components, accommodation, and assimilation. Furthermore, he made a proposition of 4 stages; sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational, the latter is for those with the age of 11 and above. Ideally, he described a child’s ability to perceive information.

For instance, how does a child mind differ from that of an adult? He further provided valid explanations into why children find it so hard to accept reality. Why is it so hard for a child to accept emotions and decisions of others? Consequently, counseling from adults lived experiences and heredity influence a child’s progression. At the concrete operational stage, children begin to think logically, making concrete decisions instead of abstract.
A summary of Erik Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Stage
Erikson emphasized on a child’s response to the development of his or her identity. He delved into two dimensions; Failure to develop self-belief and development of self-confidence that will make an individual become a productive member of society. This is referred to as the psychosocial theory. In the acknowledgment, Erikson’s ideologies, to some extent, assimilated the encryptions of Freud in 1928. Erikson was an ego psychologist who created this theory in two phases. Psychosocial development comprised of 8 distinctive stages from infancy to adulthood, each stage demonstrating a psychosocial crisis. In subsequent, there was an aggravation of either negative or positive impact towards personality development. Moreover, he described the relationship between cultural setup and self-ego. The theory further explores the dynamics of an ego as it facilitates conflict resolution by simply establishing trust and confidence in others. This not only defines a person’s identity but also, prepare the upcoming generation for the future. Before the age of 18, a child passes through 5 developmental stages; trust versus mistrust, autonomy versus shame and doubt, initiative versus guilt, competence versus inferiority and identity versus confusion. Beyond the age of 18, the stages include intimacy versus isolation, generativity versus stagnation and ego integrity versus despair. Agreeable, most people have acknowledged relating this theory to their personal life.

Abraham Maslow’s Theory of Motivation
In 1943, a positive psychologist called Abraham Maslow pioneered a theory on hierarchy of needs. The classification was based on the following; psychological needs, safety needs, love and belonging needs self-esteem needs and most importantly, self-actualization needs (D’Souza, 2016).
Before a child could begin a learning process, there is a need to ascertain those needs. In addition, the theory highlighted both external and internal factors that might disrupt the smooth learning process. For instance, a hungry child will have a difficulty in learning. Obviously, this facilitates psychological threat shifting away from his primary focus. In equal measures, for efficiency in the learning process, a child should feel some sense of belonging, he should be loved. At the expense of higher-order thinking or perceptual capabilities, the stress put the mind in a survival mode.
Comparison of the Theories
Definition of a person’s identity is emphasized in all the three theories. Just like in Jean Piaget’s theory, Erik Erikson theory emphasized on the concept that personality development exists in an individual’s lifespan. Subsequently, Piaget’s descriptions on the cognitive development focused on internal growth during childhood development. On the other hand, Erikson’s theory heightened the influence caused by the external social structure. Notably, Abraham Maslow’s theory is based on 5 classifications. Piaget’s theory comprises of 4 developmental stages whereas that of Erikson has a total of 8 distinctive stages. The latter proposed a series of predetermined personality developmental stages. Failure of satisfying the needs in a particular stage automatically leads to stagnation. Maslow argued that progress in developmental stages is based on a lived experience whereas, Erikson demonstrated that progression within developmental stages is based on a person’s age. Moreover, Maslow stressed the importance of self-actualization. Even though there is only one goal achievement, it is clear that not all can achieve it. According to Erikson, the main objective requires a person’s tolerance with respect to overcoming a psychosocial crisis, varying from stage to stage (Boyd, 2014).
Prevalence of Underage Consumption of Alcohol
The three theories create platforms into explaining reasons for increased cases of underage consumption of alcohol. Until, recently, there have been a number of reported cases of truancy. Piaget’s theory of cognitive development describes a child’s intellectual ability in tandem with perceiving sensitive issues. In schools, students are restricted to certain rules and regulations. Adolescents are able to think abstractly and in the process, there is a likelihood of formulation of own ideas. In simplicity, the adolescents have a curiosity in all dimensions of possibilities. A child in his middle adolescence, for instance, is culpable of extensively scrutinizing issues. However, adult guidance can enhance a healthy cognitive growth. This might facilitate a decrease in underage consumption of alcohol. For example, a parent should create a communication platform where they can hear the thoughts of his adolescent child. This will make a child become independent while making meaningful decisions.
Erikson’s psychosocial theory emphasized on the need to search for identity among the adolescents. What does the term ‘identity’ mean? Basically, the adolescents strive to satisfy three components; values, occupational and sexual. Psychoanalytic theory focused on personality development, especially, for those between 12-18 years. He further highlighted the need for an adolescent child to solve a crisis, the first one occurring during early to middle adolescence. This is referred to as the crisis of identity versus identity confusion. The adolescents become even more confused as a result of peer pressure. Interestingly, Erikson demonstrated the need to embrace a unique identity as it builds on self-confidence and with regards, formulation of sound decision making.
An adolescent can determine his or her own identity and in respect to this, there is need to embrace decorum in behavior. Failure to navigate a psychosocial crisis would create a situation where an adolescent feels socially alienated. Education will acquaint an adolescent with the necessary skills to navigate a crisis.
Until today, Maslow’s theory of motivation is still relevant in adolescents. Abraham Maslow argued that mechanisms enhancing psychosocial adequacies should be formulated. This facilitates the provision of a child’s emotional needs. He further highlighted the need for society to embrace the concept of ego-identity which can be achieved through adult guidance counseling. The adults will understand the desires and needs of the children, appreciation of the adolescents’ welfare. In the agreement, the adolescents should be accorded with not only dignity but also recognition. In positive psychology, self-actualization is where a person’s priority is first satisfied. As much there have been cries to give freedom to the adolescents, Abraham Maslow stressed on the need for moderation, without necessarily exhibiting psychological threat to them. Education is one of the basic needs. Through adult counseling, the adolescents will become aware of the negative impacts associated with underage drinking. In conclusion, the three theories have created a clear picture into understanding personality development stages. Since adults can make both concrete and abstract decisions, they should always feel free to guide the adolescents who are vulnerable. They should first learn to appreciate them as this will enable the children to confide to them with a lot of ease. Positive psychology has highlighted important ways of spending leisure time. Preferably, a parent should spend more time with his child.

References
Rathus, S. A. (2013). Childhood and adolescence: Voyages in development. Cengage Learning.
Demetriou, A., Shayer, M., & Efklides, A. (Eds.). (2016). Neo-Piagetian theories of cognitive development: Implications and applications for education. Routledge.
Newman, B. M., & Newman, P. R. (2017). Development through life: A psychosocial approach. Cengage Learning.
D’Souza, J., & Gurin, M. (2016). The universal significance of Maslow’s concept of self-actualization. The Humanistic Psychologist, 44(2), 210.
Boyd, D. R., Bee, H. L., & Johnson, P. A. (2014). Lifespan development. Pearson.