Development psychology

has undergone many

changes since the
beginning of the 20th
century.

Notable theorists whose impact

determined child psychology and
early childhood education are

JEAN--&-PIAGET
ERIK ERIKSON

Jean Piagets
COGNITIVE
DEVELOPMENT THEORY

an animal
that swims???

THEN,THATS
A FISH!!
oh ok mom thank u

no, sweeti
thats a duc

Sensorimotor stage
This represents the period from infancy and up to two years of age.

Preoperational period
It takes place between
two and seven years
where symbolic thoughts
develop.

Concrete stage

Children between the ages of seven to

eleven learn to reason and perform
mental problems on numbers.

Formal operation stage

It occurs from eleven years of age to adulthood.
Abstract thinking takes center stage.

ERIK

ERIKSONS

Psychosocial
Development
Theory

Trust vs. mistrust

Occurs in children
below the age of one
wherein trust should
be established.

Autonomy
vs.
Shame and
Doubt
Takes
place between
one and three years
of age.
The child develops
some sense of
independence
through learning

Initiative vs. Gu
Takes place between three
and six years of age;
children become aware of
the social environment.

Industry vs.
Inferiority
It covers the ages
of six to twelve;
Competition with
fellow children
brings out the
abilities and skills
of the children.

Identity vs. Confusion

The period coincides with
the onset of adolescence
up to young adulthood.
An individual forms an
identity, understands
his/her role in society
and experiences a sense
of direction in life.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Relationships are significant factors for the
success of individuals.

Generativ
ity vs.
stagnatio
In adulthood,
n people
are productive in
their lives through
family, work and
career.

Integrity vs. Despair

Deals with the
period of old age,
people look back
into their lives, and
accomplishments.

differences

Eriks theory focuses on the entire

development process in life in eight
stages.
He asserts that the environment
interacts with an individual to
influence the development.

Piagets theory of cognitive

development looks into thought
processes of a person.
His emphasis is mainly in the earlier
stages below the age of twelve.

Despite the use of stages, they both

differ on the timing aspect; Eriksons
theory holds that the first stage
ends at one year old while Piaget
postulates that the first stage ends
at two years of age.

Piaget views an adolescent as a

rational being with rational
thoughts. Erik posits that at this
stage, the teenager focuses on
independence in decision-making,
relationships and self-discovery.

Erikson
dwelled on
personality
development

Piaget focused
on cognitive
development
through mental
processes

Similarities

Both of these theories examine

the issue of developmental
psychology using phases to
explain the process.

The two theories build on the

idea that personality
development takes place across
a persons lifespan.

Early Childhood, Adolescence and Their

Significance
Cognitive development also takes place with language being
understood in the early years while abstract thinking occurs at
adolescence.
Social development and emotional expressions also accompany
people in development while security and safety at younger ages
leads to a better outlook on the surroundings.

References
MHK-RAD. Comparing and Contrasting Jean Piaget and
Erik Erikson Work on Child Psychology, 2012.
Rathus, Spencer. Childhood and Adolescence: Voyages in
Development. New York: Centage learning, 2010. Print
Smart, Julie. Disability across the Development Life Span.
New York: Springer Publishing Company, 2011. Print
Snowman, Jack et al. Psychology Applied to Teaching.
New York: Centage learning. 2011. Print