Minds on.

When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.

Viktor E. Frankl
Action.

Theories and Individual Development

You have probably experienced many changes throughout your life already. Some of the changes may have been by choice, and others may have just happened naturally or occurred by circumstance. Change is inevitable. Social scientists like to examine these changes - changes in society, changes in behaviour and changes in social groups.

In this activity, the focus will be on changes in behaviour. For social scientists, theories can offer a framework for understanding these changes, so in this next section of the course, you will examine developmental theories. There are many developmental theories that can explain how individuals change, grow and develop over time.

In order to understand how children grow into adults, you will complete a focused examination of developmental theories. This is not an exhaustive study of developmental theories, but rather a chosen selection that are applicable to the content in this course.

As you learned in Unit 1, theories offer unique perspectives on human behaviour. You are reminded that theories are the best working explanation we have to date. Through the scientific process, theories change and develop over time. There can also be more than one theory or perspective used to explain the same situation. And as you will discover, theories change and evolve over time.

As you read about each of the theories, think about “trying them on” like you would an article of clothing or like you would an accessory, like sunglasses. See which one works the best for you. Consider which theory makes the most sense to you or resonates with you most.

This photograph shows two young men in a store standing side by side, with arms crossed. They are both wearing sunglasses.

Which works best?
Peter Vine
CC BY-NC 2.0

Developmental Theories: The Facts

This is the ePortfolio icon. Developmental Theories

The theories discussed below all offer a unique perspective on how individuals develop. Each theory will outline unique stages and areas of development that will be used to explain various stages of life. As you read, pay particular attention to how the theory explains emerging adulthood, and adulthood in later life. You will need to use this information later in the activity. Complete this Developmental Theories Template to organize your information:

If you're working on a tablet, click here to open the following interactive in its own window instead of using the embedded version below.

Long Description

This is the enrichment icon. Additional Developmental Theories

Using search engines and databases, research the developmental theories associated with each of the theorists below. You may wish to add to your Developmental Theory Template to help you organize your information.

  • Loevinger
  • Riegel
  • Pearlin

This is the discussion icon. Which Theory Do You Like Best?

Using the information you included in the Developmental Theory Template, search engines, and/or the links in the learning object, discuss the question below:

  • Which theory offers the most useful explanation of development? Explain why, being mindful of the critiques of each theoretical perspective.
Consolidation

Using Theories to Explain Individual Development

You have just reviewed a number of different theories that explain how individuals develop. Take a look at the video below. As you watch, try to think about how each of the theories listed above might explain the development of this character.

“The Pursuit of Happyness”

The following video clip is the trailer for the movie, “The Pursuit of Happyness”. This movie follows Chris Gardner’s year of homelessness and quest for financial security, and reveals his motivations for change and the steps he takes to become successful in life.

Applying Theories: Examples

In U1A3 you learned how to apply social science theories to explain situations. The following are exemplars of theory application using the same format (key point, example, explanation). Click on each theory to see an exemplar for the developmental theory and how it might explain Chris Gardner’s experiences. As you read, try to notice the key point, example and explanation in each exemplar.

Psychosocial Theory

According to this theory, individuals pass through the identity vs. role confusion stage. Chris Gardner recognized that fathers have the role of providing for their children. Since he was homeless and jobless, he was unable to provide a good life and be a good father for his son, thus showing evidence of role-confusion. He experienced an identity conflict when he was to became an intern in a stockbroking company and had to learn the new roles of a businessman. He eventually solved this crisis effectively when he was offered a job and could be the father and role model he desired to be for his son.

Seasons of Life

According to this theory, adults form a dream and re-evaluate their life to determine whether they are living out their dream. This theory also claims that people focus on their work life to attain their dream. When Chris was unable to provide for his son, he wasn’t living his dream of being a good dad. Chris then focussed on developing his career. He became an intern and worked hard so that he could eventually realize his dream in terms of having a career and being a good parent.

Hierarchy of Needs

According to this theory, physiological needs are at the foundation of the theory and must be satisfied before an individual can move up the pyramid. There are times when Chris Gardner can barely survive and he has to move to a shelter to provide for his son. This is an extreme hardship, but eventually when those needs are met, Chris is able to focus on other areas of his life and eventually work his way up to self- actualization.

Psychosexual Theory

According to this theory, early experiences in life shape one’s personality. So, although Chris’ actions are not governed by fulfilling his sexual urges as the theory suggests, there is evidence that Chris’s ideas about parenting were shaped by his early experiences. Chris’s father was never around; therefore when he became a parent, he vowed to be a good father. This suggests that his experiences as a child shaped his actions as an adult.

Symbolic Interactionism

According to this theory, people base their actions on meanings they associate with events and others. In this movie, Chris Gardner associated hard work with success. He did not let anything else get in his way or stop him from achieving success. Because of his belief about hard work and perseverance, he was able to experience success.

test text.