8. comparing approaches

• psychodynamic approach presents the most coherent theory of development - tying concepts and processes to specific (psychosexual) stages determined by age.

  • freud saw very little further development once the child enters the genital stage in teen years
• stage theories within cognitive approach have contributed to understanding of child development

  • example - part of their intellectual development, children form increasingly complex concepts (schemas) as they get older
• within the biological approach, maturation is an important principle - where genetically determined changes in Childs psychological status influence psychological and behavioural characteristics
• humanistic psychologists see the development of the self as ongoing throughout life, child's relationship with its parents is seen as a key determinant of psychological health
• the behaviourist approach and social learning theory do not offer coherent stage theories of development but instead see the progress that underpin learning as continuous, occurring at age