Classic Theories

Albert Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory

Behaviourism is based on the notion that development is learned and is strongly influenced by environmental factors. Many behaviourists stand by the fundamen...

B.F. Skinner's Behavioural Theory

Parents have long known that children respond to a system of rewards and punishments. While to say that this is a simplification of the theories of famed Ame...

Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development

Erik Erikson's theory about child development has similarities to several famous others but with distinct differences. Like Freud, he believed that developme...

Freud's Theory of Developmental Phases

Sigmund Freud believed that each stage of a child's development beginning at birth is directly related to specific needs and demands, each based on a particu...

Freud's Theory of Personality

Those vaguely familiar with Freud's theories would say that he believed all aspects of personality development are somehow related to sex. Those who are well...

John Bowlby's Attachment Theory

In the aftermath of World War II, British psychoanalyst John Bowlby was asked to present a paper to the World Health Organisation outlining what could be don...

Kohlberg's Moral Reasoning Stages

Most parents believe that one of their most important duties is to guide their children to be of sound moral character. Ideally as a child matures and moves...

Mahler's Theory of Development

Margaret Mahler's theories on child development focus largely on the mother/child relationship. Her study on separation-individuation is considered her most...

Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

Parents especially first-timers, often wonder what to expect in terms of their children's development. While it is always exciting to see children grow and l...

Vygotsky & Socio-Cultural Theory

Vygotsky's socio-cultural theory is widely cited by educators even today, as they formulate plans on how to get the most from students, challenging them to r...