Developmental Psychology

Achieve Test Prep: Developmental Psychology

of the subsystems is time, which is contained within the chronosystem. There is overlap between the different systems. Theories of Developmental Psychology: There are four theories, or ‘schools of thought’, found in all of psychology, even in developmental psychology. Each theorist views development through a different lens. Understanding the theories and how they differ is vital to building a foundation in Developmental Psychology. The ‘schools of thought’ are: Psychoanalytic Theory, Behavioral Theory, Cognitive Theory, and Humanistic Theory. 1. Psychoanalytic Theory: A significant name in psychoanalytic theory is Sigmund Freud, who was a medical doctor and the founder of psychoanalysis. He divided the mind into three levels: the conscious mind , the preconscious mind , and the unconscious mind. i. The Conscious Mind : a small part of the mind which includes active and easily- recalled experiences. ii. The Preconscious Mind: this part of the mind falls under the conscious mind and includes memories that can be recalled, despite not actively occurring in thought. iii. The Unconscious Mind: A ‘storage area’ for instinctual desires, needs, past thoughts, and memories. Even though they may not be actively recalled, they are a driving force of an individual’s behavior. Freud believed some of the items stored in the unconscious mind were inaccessible because they had been repressed . Repression is one of the many defense mechanisms which Freud proposed--ways the mind protected itself from unpleasant memories, ideas, or thoughts.

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