Theories of human mental development are extremely important for understanding the child’s personality and building adequate approaches to education. Most theorists give precise descriptions of the developmental phases and the consequences of improper parenting and attitudes towards children in these stages. Therefore, the health worker can influence the family’s situation and correct the wrong attitude of parents towards children, giving timely advice on parenting. Piaget, Erikson, and Freud have developed theories that can be applied to children of all ages, from infancy to adolescence.
It is noteworthy that Piaget’s theory focuses on intellectual and functional development, which goes through four phases – sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational stages. They refer to ages 0 to 2, 2 to 7, 7 to 11, and 12 years up to death (McLeod, 2020). This theory is convenient, as it helps to understand the most critical stages of cognitive development, including sensory acquaintance with the world and the formation of memory, interaction with objects that the child’s imagination endows with human qualities, the development of logic, and the operation of abstract concepts.
It is noteworthy that Erikson’s psychosocial development theory is associated with Piaget’s theory since social development is entirely dependent on cognitive development. Erickson identified eight stages of development: trust vs. mistrust, independence vs. shame or doubt, initiative vs. guilt, accomplishment vs. inferiority, identity vs. confusion, intimacy vs. isolation, generativity vs. stagnation, and integrity vs. despair.
The stages correspond to the ages of 12 to 18 months, 18 months to 3 years, 3 to 5 years, 5 to 12 years, 12 to 18 years, 18 to 40 years, 40 to 65 years, and 65 years to death. No less impressive is Freud’s theory of psychosexual development, which distinguishes five phases of the formation of ID, superego and ego – oral (0 to 1 years), anal (1 to 3 years), phallic (3 to 6 years), latent (6 years to puberty), and genital (puberty to death). The practical application of these theories allows health care providers to help parents raise children who will be confident and happy members of society.
References
McLeod, S. (2020). Piaget’s theory and stages of cognitive development. Web.