Developmental Psychology

Dr. Zacchilli challenges her developmental psychology studies to be “Theorists for a Day”

Erik Erikson developed psychosocial theory of development that identifies conflicts experienced at each stage of development.  Specifically, Erikson identified conflicts that occur during eight stages of development.  These stages include: infancy, toddlerhood, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood.   Recently, developmental psychologists have realized that the early adulthood stage which typically ranges from 18-40 may be too broad.  Thus, a new stage, emerging adulthood, has been examined (Berk, 2011).  This new stage occurs approximately between the ages of 18 and 25.

On October 24^th, Dr. Tammy Zacchilli challenged her students to develop a revised psychosocial theory of development that captured the new stage.  Students were told that they could add a new “conflict” for the emerging adulthood stage or that they could revise the current adolescent and early adulthood stage.  The students developed some excellent ideas that can be viewed below!

Jocelyn Harrist and Jerrel Harris

                Adolescence:  Identity vs. Role Confusion

                Emerging Adulthood:  Intimacy vs. Isolation

                Early Adulthood:  Career vs. Social

Alicia Scheuring and Tania Gomez

                Adolescence:  Identity vs. Role Confusion

                Emerging Adulthood:  Independence vs. Dependence

                Early Adulthood:  Intimacy vs. Isolation

Tierra Willis, Noelle Young, and Marquessa Hodge

                Adolescence:  Identity vs. Role Confusion

                Emerging Adulthood:  Independent vs. Dependent

                Early Adulthood:  Intimacy vs. Isolation

Jessyca Daniel and Alanna Marrero

                Adolescence:  Identity vs. Role Confusion

                Emerging Adulthood:  Intimacy vs. Isolation

                Early Adulthood:  Occupation vs. Safe Zone/Occupation vs. Education

Fernando Morales, Amanda McBride, Stephanie Gilbert

                Adolescence:  Identity vs. Role Confusion

                Emerging Adulthood:  Accepting Reality vs. Denial

                Early Adulthood:  Intimacy vs. Isolation

Lyndsey Burns and Finola Mathieu

                Adolescence:  Self-esteem vs. withdrawn

                Emerging Adulthood:  Identity vs. Role Confusion

                Early Adulthood:  Intimacy vs. Isolation

Kory Wan and Lindsey MacGregor

                Adolescence:  Identity vs. Role Confusion

                Emerging Adulthood:  Focus vs. Distraction

                Early Adulthood:  Intimacy vs. Isolation

Rebecah Farish and Nick Davis

                Adolescence:  Identity vs. Role Confusion

                Emerging Adulthood:  Responsibility vs. Immaturity

                Early Adulthood:  Intimacy vs. Isolation

Keri Tucker, Rachel Manyo, and Chelsey Sancho

                Adolescence:  Identity vs. Role Confusion

                Emerging Adulthood:  Identity vs. Intimacy

                Early Adulthood:  Intimacy vs. Isolation

 Picture: Erik