Empirically-Based Theories

Reply to the following thread (below) by offering 1 new piece of information to add to their discussion of the different theories. Please include one other reference in addition to the one provided by Love & Talbot, 2009. Empirically-based theories are derived from valid and reliable data drawn from evidence obtained from empirical research (data), observation, and their modes of collection. The one empirical-based theorist that particularly interests me is Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory. This theory proposes eight stages of human growth and development that much of our learning experiences are through psychosocial tunnels. These stages are as follows: (a) Trust vs Mistrust; (b) Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt; (c) Initiative vs. Guilt; (d) Industry vs. Inferiority; (e) Identity vs. Identity Confusion; (f) Intimacy vs. Isolation; (g) Generativity vs. Stagnation and Integrity vs. despair (Wong et al. 2015). As children, we are initially taught through our environment by those we admire, respect and sometimes even fear. Parents/ family members, caretakers, peers, church members, and cultural norms act as our first contact of human growth and development. As we socialize and interact throughout our environment, we begin the process of development (i.e., cognitively, socially, emotionally and psychologically). Lev Vygotsky’s theory of sociocultural development explains human growth and development throughout our social interactions in early childhood, but not throughout the lifespan (i.e., infancy, adolescence and adulthood). Children peak learning development period begins in the zone of proximal development, in which autonomy and/or independence can be established throughout this growth and development period and that child’s play was the most important interaction that stimulated human growth and development (Wong et al; Schunk, 2015; 2012). Again, Vygotsky only speaks of development from childhood, which initiates and continues through the lifespan. “Walk in wisdom towards outsiders, making the best use of time, let your speech be always graceful and seasoned with salt, so you may know how you ought to answer,” Colossians 4: 5-6 (King James). This verse states to me that we must continuously educate and we must use our time wisely. Cultural norms (e.g., festivals, ritual, and language) all have a great impact on the way an individual progresses through development through his or her lifespan (Wong et al. 2015). Erick Erikson’s structural stages of development recognize the social, emotional and cognitive implications of an individual’s actions or thought process at a specific time and/or practice in his or her life. For example, as counselors, we must understand and appreciate how cultural diversity, family structure, and social interactions or the lack thereof affects human growth and development.