Running Head: CONCEPT AND THEORIES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 1
Concept and Theories of Human Development
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CONCEPT AND THEORIES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 2
A number of concept and theories of child development have emerged in order to
understand human development and describe specific aspects of human growth. A framework
crafted by these development theories provides a base for thinking regarding human learning and
growth. Some changes in cognitive abilities, language, and physical development that arise
during childhood and adolescence are found in Toddlers and children as smaller versions of
adults (Kagitcibasi, 2017). The most critical age of brain development of a human is between 0-
5, our brains continue to grow throughout adolescence, producing gray matter until they hit their
maximum size, which for females is around 12 years of life and males around 14 years of life
(Kohlberg's Stages of Development. 2020).
Although the brain works to become more effective while at the same time maintaining
myelin which is fatty tissue which isolates neuroreceptors. Puberty starts within the
hypothalamus, in which a protein called kisspeptin is generated, causing the pituitary gland to
release testosterone, progesterone and estrogen hormones. Those stimulate the ovaries and testes
but also trigger you to look for interactions that are emotionally charged. The brain of
adolescents evolves employing several strategies like decision-making, social, emotional
responses and discovery of identity (Eleuteri, Saladino & Verrastro, 2017). Adolescence is a
phase of growth marked by actions that are suboptimal. The stages of cognitive development in
accordance with Piaget is that children grow and also their brain starts to develop. Johns et al,
(2019) believes that children go through four important stages. The stage of the sensorimotor
occurs from birth until age 2. The belief that children "speak" by controlling the world around
them. This takes place through the use of five senses such as seeing, hearing, feeling, degusting
as well as smell. The preoperative stage takes place between age 2 and age 7. During this point,
kids may use certain symbols to describe words, pictures, and concepts, and that is why children
get interested in pretend play at this level. The specific stage of activity occurs between ages 7
and 11. It's described by the belief that the thinking of children is centered and rational (Erik
Erikson’s Identity Crisis: Who am I? 2020).
The formal operational stage occurs between maturity and age 11. It's represented by the
notion that the reasoning of children becomes centered and logical. The formal operational stage
tends to occur between adulthood and age 11. The idea that children establish the capacity to
think abstractly is characteristic of this. John Bowlby’s and Mary Ainsworth Attachment theory
explains the long term relationship dynamics which are taking place amid humans. the
contribution of John Bowlby to relationship formation theory was strongly influenced by
ethology (the scientific study of humans including animal behavior), with a focus on
evolutionary origins and biological behavioral objectives (Why Are Teens So Moody? 2020).
According to Sigmund Feud’s theory, the parent plays a key role in controlling the sexual
and also aggressive drives of their children. On the other hand, Erikson focuses on the role of
ego which has a positive impact on the children’s development through mastering ideas, skills,
and attitudes at each developmental stage. Thus, the development of humans evolves various
stages which have been explained through different theories that help us to understand the way
children grow into successful as well as contributing members of society (Identity vs Role
Confusion. 2020).
CONCEPT AND THEORIES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 3
References
Eleuteri, S., Saladino, V., & Verrastro, V. (2017). Identity, Relationships, Sexuality, and Risky
Behaviors of Adolescents in the Context of Social Media. Sexual and Relationship
Therapy, 32(3-4), 354-365.
Erik Erikson’s Identity Crisis: Who am I? (2020). Retrieved 6 February 2020, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He7CrBLn-RE
Identity vs Role Confusion. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8pG-
ZBv8zA
Johns, M. M., Lowry, R., Andrzejewski, J., Barrios, L. C., Demissie, Z., McManus, T., ... &
Underwood, J. M. (2019). Transgender identity and experiences of violence
victimization, substance use, suicide risk, and sexual risk behaviors among high school
students—19 states and large urban school districts, 2017. Morbidity and Mortality
Weekly Report, 68(3), 67.
Kagitcibasi, C. (2017). Family, self, and human development across cultures: Theory and
applications. Routledge.
Kohlberg's Stages of Development. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=U-WbYOO8nUQ
Why Are Teens So Moody? (2020). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=du8siPJ1ZKo
