Page 530 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

CHAPTER 17

Theories of Growth and Development

http://evolve.elsevier.com/Silvestri/comprehensiveRN/

Priority Concepts
Development, Health Promotion

I. Psychosocial Development: Erik Erikson
A. The theory
1. Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development
describes the human life cycle as a series of 8
developmental stages from birth to death.
2. Each stage presents a psychosocial crisis in which the
goal is to integrate physical, maturation, and societal
demands.
3. The result of 1 stage may not be permanent, but can be
changed by experience(s) later in life.
4. The theory focuses on psychosocial tasks that

should be accomplished throughout the life cycle.
B. Psychosocial development: Occurs through a lifelong series of
crises affected by social and cultural factors

According to Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, each psychosocial

crisis must be resolved for the child or adult to progress emotionally. Unsuccessful
resolution can leave the person emotionally disabled.
C. Stages of psychosocial development (Table 17-1)

D. Interventions to assist the client in achieving Erikson’s

stages of development (Box 17-1)
II. Cognitive Development: Jean Piaget
A. The theory

1. Piaget’s theory of cognitive development

defines cognitive acts as ways in which the mind
organizes and adapts to its environment (i.e., “mental
mapping”).
2. Schema refers to an individual’s cognitive structure or

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