Developmental Theories Piaget Erikson and Bandura
Child development is the process of change and stability in children from conception through adolescences (Papalia, Olds & Feldman, 2008). Throughout history child development was not looked at as a priority and little attention was paid to the many advances in cognitive abilities, physical growth, and language use. Children were viewed as miniature adults and also considered a burden. Children were treated like adults, such as their responsibility of work, marriage, monarchy, and even their style of dress. By the end of the 19th century, many advances in the western world paved the way for the scientific study of child development (Papalia, Olds & Feldman, 2008). Child and adolescent development is a combination of complex mechanisms and systems, all of which take place in the greater world environment. Each theorist has a different perspective on development, and yet, they all agree that the one thing that affects development most is the external, societal environment. Of the five major perspectives I chose to compare and contrast the theories of Piaget, Erikson, and Bandura, to explain why the understanding of normal child and adolescent development is important in assisting children to reach their full potential.
During the first year and a half of a child’s life, the infant grows at a very rapid rate. The infant develops physically, emotionally, mentally, and even socially. The physical development refers to the infants increasing ability to utilize various body parts. For example, the infant learns to utilize their hands for picking up objects. Motor skills and development refers to the child’s ability to control movement. For example, the child is able to use their motor skills to get from point “A” to point “B”. Brain development is a crucial process that helps a child respond more to sight and sound, which helps prepare them for further development. These developmental processes work together to ensure that a child is able to reach their full potential.
During the first year and a half of a child’s life, the infant grows at a very rapid rate. The infant develops physically, emotionally, mentally, and even socially. The physical development refers to the infants increasing ability to utilize various body parts. For example, the infant learns to utilize their hands for picking up objects. Motor skills and development refers to the child’s ability to control movement. For example, the child is able to use their motor skills to get from point “A” to point “B”. Brain development is a crucial process that helps a child respond more to sight and sound, which helps prepare them for further development. These developmental processes work together to ensure that a child is able to reach their full potential.