Theories on Human Development Process

Theories on Human Development Process

Introduction

The development and learning process of every human being starts the moment they are born. Be it physical growth or emotional development, every individual human being is constantly subjected to these procedures. Hence, these of changes will continue to occur in an individual over entire life span. Therefore, there exist a number of life stages in an individual's life that includes infants, children, adolescence, adult and the old age. Every individual is constantly developing in all these stages in several aspects. These include, motor skills, social development, cognitive development, moral development and emotional development (Bae, 1999). All these developments in a human's life are majorly influenced by three major factors that include cultural, social and socioeconomic factors.

Discussion

There have been a number of theories proposed on the procedures of human development. Many experts in the field have presented many possibilities regarding the human behaviors in several stages under the influence of several factors. The most well and discussed theories remain the Erikson's developmental theory and the Kohlberg's model of moral development theory. Although, in different contexts, both the theories discusses the various aspects of the development of human behavior and personality.

Erikson's Developmental Theory

Erikson has classified eight stages for the development procedures to continue in a human being. These include,

0-2 years

This is the most vulnerable age in the developmental procedures. A child in this stage is solely dependent on his parents and guardians for all his needs and his comforts. The milestone of this stage is to recognize and identify trustworthiness of other individuals in the surrounding. The individuals that are regular sources of food, love and comfort are considered by the infant as reliable. Through these practices, an infant is also evolving in his trust in his own judgments (Erikson, 1994).

2-4 years

This is the stage when a child has started to gain his senses and consciousness. Therefore, he is exploring, experimenting and testing a number of new and alien things in his surroundings. In addition, the interest of a child also starts to develop in this particular stage. A child is still very dependent on his parents. However, he starts to create a sense of will and authority of things he wishes to do and things he will not.

4-5 years

This is the stage when the child is still exploring his surroundings. However, I thus stage a child is willing to take the initiative and implement the knowledge in his action. His autonomy encourages him to decide a task, plan how he will execute it and then finally perform the task. The frustration of failing in the attempt and the learning in case of success further built the attitude of a child towards problem solving.

5-12 years

These are the years in an individual's life when he is almost independent when it comes to his control over his physical body. The learning skills of a child at this stage are exercised more often. Majority of the children are usually enrolled in schools ...