Abstract This paper provides two essays on childdevelopment, the first on the argument over whether the development of behavior is governed more by nature or nurture and how each affects childdevelopment; and the second on two of the stages offered by Piaget, the pre-operational stage and the concrete operational stage, and the differences between them as reflected in child behavior.
From the Paper "The argument over whether the development of behavior is governed more by nature or nurture has been ongoing for many decades. Which force is seen as dominant governs how one decides a number of biological and sociological issues. The debate over nature versus nurture means do inherent traits or the power of training and socialization in a cultural setting decide behavior. The debate has been seen in a wide variety of contexts, from gender roles to criminal activities. Studies of gender, for instance, suggest that as with most human behaviors, both nature and nurture play a role, and gender emerges in the interaction of the two. This can be seen in studies comparing different societies and showing that human behavior develops based on genetic factors creating a beginning framework that is then modified by the environment. Other studies have addressed criminal behavior and whether it is to any degree genetic."
Abstract Healthy early childhood development is highly dependent on some rather simple, yet profound variables. The first few feelings that an infant has are very basic instinctual attachments or bonding to his or her immediate environmental surroundings, including caregivers. Security is the primal most comforting feeling an infant has and if it is interrupted in these early often the result is an attachment disorder if not addressed properly. This particular case study is an exploration of childdevelopment during these early formative years.
From the Paper "While Jason's demeanor is generally good, he has a tendency to be withdrawn at times in different social situations. After his mother returned to work, his maternal grandmother had helped take care of him for approximately six months afterward. After that time Jason was introduced to a local day care facility with an excellent reputation. Initially Jason reacted quite negatively to the situation, crying for some time after being left and refusing to participate in any classroom activities, but eventually he could be left for the day without incident. However he continued to be withdrawn during playtime activities and had minimum of socialization with the other children."
Tags:childdevelopment, early childhood, parents social playtime, social activity, attachment seperation
This paper examines the various childdevelopment theories that have been a prime focus of psychology, psychoanalysis and child care experts for decades.
Abstract This detailed paper explores the myriad of childdevelopment theories available. The writer of this paper focuses on the methods of experts such as Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget and Arnold Gessell who were forerunners in their respective lines of child stage development theories. This paper also discusses the many theories that have arisen since social sciences and psychology have become official organized studies. This paper probes past and current theories that have been revered as the new awakening in childhood development and become models for numerous well-intentioned parents as well as those that are met with attacks and refuting studies.
From the Paper "The childhood development theories developed during the last century reside on a continuum that ranges from completely biological influences on one end to social or environmental influences on the other end as the predominant, determining factors. Between the two extremes lie a mixture of theories relying on a combination of factors. The one underlying thread through all of the various theories is that childhood development is an extremely complex and inexact science with an infinite number of variables interacting within each developing child."
Abstract In this paper, five different childdevelopment theories are examined. The writer looks at Psychoanalysis, Learning Theory, Piaget's Cognitive Development, Sociocultural Theory and Epigenetic Systems Theory. The writer then discusses and compares how each theory regards childdevelopment.
From the Paper "Freud's psychoanalytic theory saw childhood as going through several very definite stages: the oral, the anal and the phallic stages. It proposed that human beings are born with certain instincts to satisfy their biologically determined needs for food, shelter and warmth. Satisfying these needs is practical and gives a sense of pleasure which Freud referred to as sexual pleasure. He suggested that when an infant derives pleasure from suckling on the mothers breast this awakens sexuality in the infant and the child discovers an ... "
Abstract This paper offers a broad overview of what has been read in a psychology course focusing upon childhood development. The paper specifically notes the persistent confusion among academics with regard to the phenomenology of childhood psychopathology. It also reviews Bowlby's four phase developmental model in the maturation of the mother-child relationship.
From the Paper "We have been fortunate during the course of our studies this year to have read a number of excellent materials relating to early childhood development. The following paper will summarize what I have read and what I have gleaned from our course readings. Most of all, what I hope the reader will take away from the following pr?is of our course work is a recognition that academics agree on many things in the area of childhood development, however much they may disagree about the particulars. Beyond that, my interpretation of our course material leaves me with the distinct impression that much of what we are is not shaped by our genetic predispositions but by our external environment. While it is wrong to take the view that human children are "blank slates" upon which can be written anything ..."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts two articles that deal with childdevelopment after the death of a parent, emphasizing research methods and usefulness.
From the Paper "The death of a parent is a very traumatic experience for anyone, but when it occurs in childhood, the effects may be monumental. The world of the child is completely changed and this may take its toll emotionally, physically and psychologically. However, every child is different, thus reactions may vary depending on age, sex and characteristics of the surviving parent. The surviving parent may be very confused on how to best handle the situation. When looking for information, both scholarly journals and more simple web pages can be helpful."
Abstract A paper on childdevelopment and education that focuses on the importance of supplying children nutrition and intellectual activity so that they can grow physically and mentally.
Abstract Childdevelopment has always remained under tight scrutiny by various psychologists and sociologists. In this regard, a large number of theories exist which highlight various factors involved in the development of a child. This paper examines various theories of childdevelopment by analyzing view points of three important theorists Piaget, Freud and Vygotsky. It also encompasses the stages and factors affecting the childdevelopment.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Stages of ChildDevelopment Factors Affecting Development of Children
Conclusion
From the Paper "Various theorists have diverse opinions on the child development. Some theorists accord lot of importance to the developmental stages but there are theorists who contest the same. Erikson (1997, pp. 55-77) dwelled on a theory describing eight developmental stages through which a healthily developing human should pass from infancy to late adulthood. A person going through these developmental stages needs to master challenges being presented by that stage. A challenge of a particular stage not successfully completed reappear as problem in the next stage. According to Erikson, a child passing through the age of 6-10 years has to confront the Middle Childhood Stage which offers various challenges like acquiring of skills for and developing competence in work, developing friendships, self-evaluations, and team-play etc."
Abstract Does play a role in childdevelopment? Are some toys better than others for childdevelopment? What role does the mother play in play and childdevelopment? The paper shows that these are questions that Doris Pierce focuses on in the article, "Maternal Management of the Home as a Developmental Play Space for Infants and Toddlers". The paper shows that play is an important part in childdevelopment and mothers play a vital role in play and childdevelopment including choosing what toys and creating space for play.
Abstract This paper discusses important issues of childdevelopment with regard to health, nutrition, parenting/caretaking, education, resilience, gender, culture/ethnic identities in a comparison and contrast format discussing current research and controversies in addition to historical developments in the field. It looks at how many theorists fall into several categories, some dependent upon the nomenclature that was utilized by the particular theorist to develop his or her theories and also the areas of interest he or she utilizes to seek answers to different developmental concerns. For this reason some theories and theorists are mentioned in several of the basic developmental groupings and their theories are compared to others, both new and old throughout the paper.
Outline:
Introduction
History of ChildDevelopment Theory
Stage Theory
Social Development Theories
Infancy and Early Childhood
Brain and Neurological Development Maturation Theory
Cultural/Moral Development Educational Theories
Moral Development
From the Paper "Freud as the first stage theorist proposed that children developed through a series of five 'psychosexual stages, defined as oral, anal, phallic, latency and genital, each determining the development of the next stage or leaving the individual still working out, subconsciously some aspect of one or more stage that was underdeveloped at the crucial time in their life. Any development past the last stage, according the Freud was simply an internal return to whatever stage the individual did not complete as a child. (Mitchell & Black, 1995, p. 13) Erik Erikson, another stage theorist, in contrast sought to develop a theory of encompassing stages that included all the years of one's life, demonstrating that development does not and should not end at adulthood but continues through the lifespan. Nonetheless Erikson is also thought of as one of the first child psychologists and his stages are weighed more heavily toward the ages of childhood as he acknowledged that the younger one is the more developmental stages he or she must go through to achieve healthy development. "
Abstract This paper explains that, possibly the most important factor in childdevelopment, as the child progresses from infant to toddler, is stimuli because, without stimuli at this critical stage, a child will fail to develop healthy behavior and various organ functions such as eyes and brain. The author reviews the theories of Jean Piaget, who termed this age period as the "Sensori-motor Stage"; Erick Erikson, who asserted that during infancy the issue is trust vs. mistrust, and Sigmund Freud, who called this period the oral stage. The paper relates that children in this stage depend largely on expressive language, bridging the gap for children struggling with oral communication by using gestures such as pointing.
Table of Content
Piaget
Erikson
Freud
Language Development Neglect and Abuse
From the Paper "The environment of the child is what shapes these early years. Environment in this case includes all of the external factors and influences upon that child. There are several environments, including prenatal, social, physical, learning and emotional, that if missing or negative, can have substantial impacts on the development of a child. The early years are when the roadmap of the child's mind comes to fruition, and is the time when the child's surroundings are the most important factor in developing a balanced, healthy child, physically, emotionally and intellectually."
Abstract This paper examines the differences in child rearing techniques from the beginning and mid-nineteenth century and today. It briefly looks at some popular sitcoms which depict both of these eras to explain the role that the media has had in forming different patterns of child rearing and childdevelopment.
From the Paper "Television commercials constitute a large segment of the media's representation of children. These children are usually the product of suburban households, and show popular trends in their speech and dress. They have a personality that shows an early development of cynicism and too much emphasis on the latest trends. However, they are educated, technologically aware and interested in competitive sports. Very little attention is given in television commercials to the children who may not be interested in these mainstream pursuits. The child who loves books, or plays the piano or enjoys solitary pursuits is usually not represented in this part of the media. However, it must be remembered that commercials are marketing devices, and does not have child development as a part of the agenda. In general, the depiction of childhood in the media is healthy and reflective of the influences of today's society and the advances made in the field of child development."
Abstract This paper discusses Sophie's memory, motor, emotional, physical, acceptance of routines, relationships with others, language, cognitive and art skills. In the area of cognitive development it relates the child to theorists in the area of childdevelopment.
From the Paper "Sophie is a petite African American girl who has been enrolled in a day care program with children her age. She consistently comes to the center with her hair carefully attended to, with bows and barrettes, and wears color-coordinated outfits and shoes. She has a beautiful smile, and very big, expressive eyes. Sophie is an adorable child, and her appearance seems to add an air of confidence about her that is absent in some of the other children. Emotional Development In essence, Sophie is a happy child. She is generally loving toward the other children, and staff, and has expressed genuine concern for others with hugs, kisses, and special attention. Sophie has no difficulty expressing what she wants, and is generally cooperative with others. "
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the theories of childdevelopment by Sigmund Freud, Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson. It shows how Freud's theory was based in the psychoanalytic perspective, Erikson's theory is from the psychosocial perspective and Piaget used a cognitive approach. The paper looks at their approaches regarding sensorimotor development, cognitive development and the different stages of childdevelopment.
From the Paper "Piaget's stages are different to Freud's and Erikson's since Piaget only focused on the child to a point in adolescence. Also, Piaget is not concerned with psychosocial development except in terms of moral development. Piaget is somewhat similar to Freud in that during the sensorimotor stage the child learns about the environment through sensation and movement. Unlike either Freud or Erikson, Piaget concentrated on external influences such as the parents through which the child learns to shape behavior. During the preoperational stage, the child uses cognitive development and especially language to relate to what is in the environment (Issacs, 1972). In contrast to the bodily sensations that Freud described, Piaget maintained that the child gained pleasure from thoughts and fantasies. The stage of concrete operations is one of learning abstract thinking and rational judgments. The child's interaction with the world is completely on the cognitive level. The stage of formal operations provides a guide for the teenage years and for life because of fully developed reasoning powers (Issacs, 1972)."
Abstract This paper discusses the theorized ways to define human developmental stages, looking specifically at the 19th century psychologists, Jean Piaget, who analyzed cognitive development, Mary Rothbart, who studied temperament, and John Bowlby, who researched attachment. Although all three studied the manner by which individuals develop from an embryo into a full grown adult, primarily focusing on the factors that establish intelligence, personality, morality, and lifestyle, this papers aims to describe how each has proceeded down different avenues of study. Specifically, this paper demonstrates their differences in approach by seeing how they viewed an 18-month-old child's level of development. Through this example, the paper briefly summarizes the major findings of each developmental psychologist. The paper concludes that the parents of an 18-month-old recognizes that there is a combination of nurture and nature that influences their child.
From the Paper "Children differ from one other from early in life, which have important implications for parent/child interaction. An irritable infant, for instance, is predisposed to insecure attachment, which is likely due in part to the mother's increased ignoring. Psychologists as Rothbart (Kohnstamm & Martin, 1994) are just beginning to look at how the ratings on such questionnaires in early life correspond to later behavior and personality. For example, the approach-related dimensions of infant and child temperament seem to relate to the Big Five personality dimension of Extraversion/Surgency. However, the temperamental dimension of effortful control may also impact the expression of approach-related tendencies. Similarly, anxiety-related dimensions of infant and child temperament seem to relate to Neuroticism/Negative Emotionality.
"From birth, Jeffrey was a 'very temperamental baby.' He was difficult getting to sleep, he cried easily and for long periods of time, he was very fussy. When tested on the IBQ at the age of 12 months, there was a greater tendency for becoming distressed, taking longer to reduce this distress and a longer time being soothed. This behavior is noticeable at 18 months of age as well. Where many children go through the 'terrible twos,' Jeffrey seems to continually go through this stage. His parents are trying not to respond too negatively to this behavior for fear that it causes further aggravation. The hope is to help Jeffrey as he gets older learn how to better handle his temperament"
Tags: jean piaget, mary rothbart, john bowlby, cognitive development, temperament attachment
