Question

Discuss Piaget, Freud, and Erikson's theories on early childhood?

Why do psychologists characterize early childhood as "The play years? discuss the different types of play?

Answer 1

Early childhood is the stage of approximately 3 years to 7 years. During early childhood, Piaget explained cognitive development, Freud's theory was focused on the role of the libido, Erikson's theory was concerned with how children interact with parents and peers.

Jean Piaget- Piaget named this stage as the preoperational stage that starts at age 2 and ends at age 7. According to Piaget at this stage, children can use symbols and signs to express images, words, and ideas. Here because children use symbols they engage in pretend play such as a child with a stick might act as a brave knight with a sword. Language development starts during this stage of cognitive development. There is a lack of logical thinking that's why children cannot rationalize more complex ideas. Thinking of children is egocentric at this stage, It means they focus on themselves only.

Freud's Theory- Freuds' early childhood stage is present from 3 to 6 years. This is the third stage of psychosexual development. This stage is known as the phallic stage. Freud explained that during this period, the libido's energy is focused on the genitals. At this stage, children get to know about their anatomical gender differences which lead boys to experience the Oedipus complex while girls experience the Electra complex. At the end of this stage, children start to identify with their same-sex parent.

Erikson's Theory- Erikson's third stage of psychosocial development is compared with freud's third stage of psychosexual development stage- phallic stage. Erickson's third stage named as the initiative versus guilt stage. In this stage, children initiate to take more control over their environment. Children initiate to interact with other children of their peer or school and build their interpersonal skills. Those children successfully complete this stage develop a sense of purpose whereas those children who struggle and can not successfully complete this stage are left with feelings of guilt.