Western Theories and Theorists - Introduction

Welcome to Week 10 of Introduction to Human Development. In this module, we consider the question: What is a 'theory'? We also look at the important role that scientific theories play in how we think about human development.  

We then look at three key Western theories of human development:

• Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development
• Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development
• Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development

As you learn about these theories, consider how this kind of knowledge might be applied to counselling practice.