Chapter 2 How and Why People Develop and Learn 23
and observations. Most importantly, understanding developmental theories can
make you a more empathetic person. Empathetic means to be understanding or
sensitive to the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of others.
Checkpoint
1. How do researchers and scientists explore the ways in which humans grow
and develop?
2. What are developmental theories?
3. Why should you learn about developmental theories?
4. What does empathetic mean?
How Early Life Experiences Affect
People Over Time
Many theorists have held different ideas about how and why humans develop
and change the way they do. Some theorists believe that much development hap-
pens at an unconscious level and is buried in emotions. These ideas are called
psychoanalytic theories. Psychoanalytic theorists analyze the symbolic meaning
behind behaviors. They often believe that early life experiences are important in
development.
Freud’s Theory
Sigmund Freud was a pioneer in applying psychoanalytic theory. With the goal
of restoring psychological health, he helped his patients talk through their issues. As
he talked with more and more patients, he began to create a developmental theory
that focused on early life experiences. He believed that what happens early in life
affects a person for years to come. Although his theory is not considered scientifically
sound today, he opened the door to a new way of understanding development.
Changing historical views of health combined
with recent developments in health and psychology
influence modern theories on human development.
As more information becomes available and
understood, scientists and researchers are able to
expand on preexisting information and develop new
research and theories. Each theorist partially relies
on information available during the time, including
society views and norms, psychological studies, and
knowledge from the medical field. Thus, historical
information can influence modern theories. For
example, Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory developed
at a specific era in history. Erikson, a student of Freud,
studied the principles of Freud’s psychoanalytic
development. Erikson was determined to branch from
Freud’s school of thought and incorporate his own
ideas. Through additional observation and research
conducted in various countries, Erikson developed and
expanded his own theory.
Speaking Activity
Isaac Newton once wrote to a colleague, “If
I have seen a little further, it is by standing on the
shoulders of giants.” What did Newton intend when
he wrote this phrase? Working with a partner,
discuss your thoughts.
Cultural Connections
Shoulders of Giants Shoulders of Giants
Changin Ch Ch Ch an gi n
C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C