Human Development

Students should respond to at least one original post by supplying a different (3rd) theory on the fact (observable behavior in the original post). You don’t have to think the theory is right. You are only showing how different theories can apply to the same behavior. Do not respond to another student by saying that you agree or disagree with the theories already described. Do not respond by talking about the observable behavior in other people. You are showing me that you have read and understand what you are learning from the reading.

ANSWER

Response

Hello, according to Lally & Valentine-French (2019), children start developing a sense of self by the time they are two years old. Self-awareness is the knowledge that one is separate from others. Understanding a sense of self leads to understanding social emotions such as shame, guilt or embarrassment. According to Erickson’s theory of development, it is essential that children develop a sense of trust during infancy. This is because by gaining trust, they are able to develop healthy emotions as they grow. This can be facilitated by having a consistent caregiver for the child and one who responds positively to their needs.

The example you have given of your four-year-old daughter is an example of a child who has developed a healthy sense of trust and autonomy. It shows that you gave her the proper attention and positive reactions to her needs which led to her developing a healthy sense of autonomy and also trust. She trusts that she can go to play and come back and still find you waiting for her. Therefore, she does not need to feel threatened or scared that you will go if she goes to play with others.

References

Lally, M and Valentine-French, S. Lifespan Development: A Psychological Perspective Second Edition, OER. 2019. http://dept.clcillinois.edu/psy/LifespanDevelopment.pdf