Learning Objective
Describe and compare the major cognitive development theories of Erikson, Freud, and Piaget across developmental age groups, and apply this knowledge to clinical scenarios involving normal and abnormal child development.
Cognitive Development Theories — Milestone Table
| Age | Erikson | Freud | Piaget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth–2 years | Trust vs. Mistrust • Develop trust that needs will be met • Inconsistent parenting → mistrust |
Oral Stage • Gratification via mouth (sucking, biting, chewing) |
Sensorimotor • Learn through sensory exploration • Motor control & manipulation • Object permanence develops |
| 2–4 years | Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt • Mastery over self/drives • Developing independence • Harsh control → doubt |
Anal Stage • Gratification via anal functions (toilet training) • Harsh training → anal fixation |
Preoperational (early) • Symbolic thinking • Egocentrism, animism • Irreversible thinking • Death = reversible • No conservation |
| 4–6 years | Initiative vs. Guilt • Initiate activities • Sexual curiosity • Guilt over rivalry/failure |
Phallic Stage • Genital focus • Oedipal complex, penis envy |
Preoperational (later) • Continued symbolic/egocentric thinking |
| 6–12 years | Industry vs. Inferiority • Learning, mastery of tasks |
Latency Stage • Sexual impulses repressed • Superego strengthening |
Concrete Operational • Perspective taking • Conservation achieved • Death = irreversible (~10 yrs) |
| Teenage years | Identity vs. Role Confusion • Identity formation • Appearance focus • Morality, ethics |
Genital Stage • Mature sexual intimacy |
Formal Operational • Abstract reasoning |
| Early adulthood | Intimacy vs. Isolation | — | — |
| Middle adulthood | Generativity vs. Stagnation | — | — |
| Late adulthood | Integrity vs. Despair | — | — |
