Developmental Theories

& Context

Jennifer Curry, Ph.D.

Human Development

Field of study concerning constancy and change over the lifespan. It is developed through interdisciplinary sharing of information from biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, family studies, education, medicine, public health, and social services.

Historical Foundations of Developmental Theory

Preformationism—the idea in medieval times that children were simply small adults, already formed

Original Sin—Puritan notion that children were afflicted by evil and needed the devil beat out of them

John Locke—TABULA ROSA-children are blank slates that the world and experiences write on to shape their character

Jean Jacques Rousseau-NOBLE SAVAGES-Children are endowed with a sense of right and wrong and a positive plan for growth

Maturation-Given a healthy environment, growth will unfold in a genetically determined, positive manner

Some Important Points Theories of Development-describe,

explain, and predict behavior. They are supported by scientific verification and provide a future research framework.

Continuous Vs. Discontinous-gradual or through spurts definable by stages

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Contexts-personal and environmental

circumstances impacting development

Urie Bronfenbrenner--Ecosystems

Macro-System

Exo-System

Meso-System

Micro-System

Chrono-System

Bronfenbrenner—Ecological Systems Theory

Microsystem-interactions within the immediate surroundings

Mesosystem-connections between microsystems

Exosystem-social settings that support the person more globally

Maccrosystem-cultural values, laws, customs, and resources

Chronosystem-time dimensions and how they affect the individual