Researchers who study lifespan development approach the field from several
perspectives. Each general perspective encompasses one or more theories –
broad, organized explanations and predictions concerning phenomena of
interest. Developmental theories provide a framework for understanding the
relationships among a seemingly unorganized set of fact or principles.!!
Detail one human growth and development theory and discuss its empirical
support.!Then read Defining Spiritual Development: A Missing Consideration
for Student Affairs (Love & Talbot, 2009), and discuss research on spiritual
development and how it could be connected to the other areas of
development (physical, emotional, and social).!
Lifespan human development is basically how people grow and change throughout their
lifetime. It is important to keep in mind that development is multidimensional, multidirectional,
and plastic (Kuther, 2019). There are many human growth and development theories. The
human growth and development theory that I was drawn to the most was Erikson’s Psychosocial
theory. The Psychosocial theory places an emphasis in the way that society and culture shapes
individual’s development. Kuther talks about Erikson’s Psychosocial theory and says, “Erikson
posed a lifespan theory of development in which individuals progress through eight stages of
psychosocial development that includes changes in how they understand and interact with others,
as well as changes in how they understand themselves and their roles as members of society”
(2019, pg. 14). According to Kuther, each stage has a developmental task known as a crisis that
must be resolved (2019). Whether or not the crisis is resolved, the individual moves to the next
developmental stage motivated by what is expected from society and biological maturation
(Kuther, 2019). Erikson’s Psychosocial theory has an overall positive view of development,
although the theory is difficult to test.
I thought the article Defining Spiritual Development: A Missing Consideration for
Student Affairs was informative and went into detail about spiritual development. Spiritual
development can be connected to other areas of development including physical, emotional, and
social. I have always believed that when we keep God first and our spirituality strong then
everything else in life will fall into place. According to Love and Talbot, spiritual development
is often left out from student development theories (2009). This is because spirituality is often
associated with religion and bringing up this topic can be a taboo topic for many (Love & Talbot,
2009). Spiritual development can involve praying and meditating, and involves having a strong
connection with God or one’s Higher Power.
I believe that physical development can occur in spiritual development because
individuals start to value life more. This, in turn, can influence how individuals take care of and
carry themselves. Through Love and Talbot’s research, they concluded that individuals who
want to grow in spirituality are usually connected to their self and look inward. They usually
seek genuineness, authenticity, and wholeness within themselves (Love & Talbot, 2009). This
translates into emotional development and being more aware and in control emotionally. Love
and Talbot also talk about how spiritual development involves “being open to and embracing
community” (2009, pg. 620). When individuals are involved in spirituality, they tend to
gravitate towards people who are also on their spiritual journey. This gives them more pathways
in meeting new individuals and being connected to community.
References
Kuther, T. L. (2019).8Lifespan development in context: a topical approach. SAGE.8
Love, P., & Talbot, D. (2009). Defining Spiritual Development: A Missing Consideration for
Student Affairs.8NASPA Journal,846(4), 614–628. https://doi.org/10.2202/1949-6605.50358
Erikson's psychosocial developmental theory considers the idea that humans pass through eight
developmental stages, each of which producing a different task or challenge for the individual to
overcome, those stages including: trust vs mistrust (infant), autonomy vs shame and doubt
(toddler), initiative vs guilt (preschool), industry vs inferiority (school age), identity vs role
confusion (adolescent), intimacy vs isolation (young adult 19-40), gerativity vs stagnation
(adulthood), integrity vs despair (mature adult) (Wong, Hall, Justice, & Hernandez, 2015). Each
of these crises are based on interactions that are combined with the demands placed on the
individual in this stage of life (Wong, Hall, Justice, & Hernandez, 2015). "The resolution of each
stage should be viewed as a continuum... when a favorable ratio between each pole has been
reached" (Dunkel & Harbke, 2017). It is necessary for each individual to navigate each phase in
order to gain the strength that is derived from each level in order: hope, will, purpose,
competence, fidelity, love, care, and wisdom (Dunkel & Harbke, 2017). While many studies
have been conducted about the different stages, most tools used to record data surrounding
transitioning to the next stage involves self-reporting, and self-reporting can be unreliable.8
Spiritual development is something often ignored when discussing development. So much
emphasis is placed on psychosocial development, that often times, the development of things
such the relationship with God and the impact that that has on the person throughout
development. Spirituality is a cornerstone of the family dynamic and identity. The dynamic of
the household plays a significant role in how a person develops, so to avoid the spiritual aspect
of development when discussing development is a disservice to the education and training of the
counselor (Holmsburg, Jensen, & Vetere, 2020). However, it is also necessary to acknowledge
that spirituality does not always mean Christianity, and to assume that is the case is to ignore the
cultural background that makes each family and client unique.
1 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV) discusses the how as children, we focus on childish things, but as we
develop into adults we shed our childish ways. Development is much the same. We take the
lessons and the skills learned in each stage of development and leave behind the things that no
longer serve us as we move on to the next stage.8
Dunkel, C. S., & Harbke, C. (2017). A Review of Measures of Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial
Development: Evidence for a General Factor. Journal of Adult Development, 24(1), 58-76.
http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1007/s10804-016-9247-4
Holmberg, Å., Jensen, P. and Vetere, A. (2021), Spirituality – a forgotten dimension?
Developing spiritual literacy in family therapy practice. Journal of Family Therapy, 43: 78-
95. https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1111/1467-6427.12298
Love, P., & Talbot, D. (2009). Defining Spiritual Development: A Missing Consideration for
Student Affairs. 8 NASPA Journal (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators,
Inc.) , 8 46 (4), 614–628.
Wong, D. W., Hall, K. R., Justice, C. A. Hernandez, L. W. (2015). 8 Counseling Individuals
Through the Lifespan . Sage Publications: Thousand Oaks, CA
Reply to Megan:
Hey Megan,
Thank you so much for your post this week. I found your post to be insightful and informative.
I did my post this week on Erikson's psychosocial developmental theory, too.
I like your explanation of 1 Corinthians 13:11 from the Bible.
I also mentioned in my post this week about how spirituality is often left out of conversations
when discussing development. I agree with you in that so much emphasis is placed on
psychosocial development, although I believe that spirituality has the biggest impact on
individuals regarding their development. It is vital to keep in mind that spirituality does not
always mean Christianity. I have been sober for over two years and am in recovery. I attend AA
meetings and have learned that spirituality can mean believing in a power great than oneself. I
never really understood that concept until I entered recovery, although it seems to work for some
people. I am a huge believer that when we put God first, then everything else in our lives seems
to fall into place including socially, emotionally, and physically. Love and Talbot talk about
spiritual development and say, “Spiritual development involves an internal process of seeking
personal authenticity, genuineness, and wholeness as an aspect of identity development” (2009,
pg. 617). I love how spirituality really makes individuals take an honest look at themselves to
become better people. In the Bible, verse 2 Peter 3:18 says, “But grow in the grace and
knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of
eternity. Amen” (Open Bible, 2021). The Bible emphasizes the importance of developing
spiritually and having a close connection with God in order to have eternal life.
Thanks again and hope you have a great weekend!
References
100 Bible Verses about Spiritual Growth. What Does the Bible Say About Spiritual Growth?
(n.d.). https://www.openbible.info/topics/spiritual_growth.8
Love, P., & Talbot, D. (2009). Defining Spiritual Development: A Missing Consideration for
Student Affairs.8NASPA Journal,846(4), 614–628.
Jenna
Jean Piaget’s developmental theory focuses on the cognitive aspect of development. Specifically,
Piaget classified cognitive development into four categories. The first stage, sensorimotor occurs
from birth to approximately 2 years (Wong et al., 2015, p. 30); during this stage, infants use their
senses along with motor actions to development an understanding of the world. This explains
why young children are so intent on putting things in their mouth, grasping things, and so on;
this is how they learn about the world. The second stage of Piaget’s theory is the preoperational
stage, which occurs approximately ages 2 to 7 years. During this stage, children learn to develop
symbols with meaning behind them (Wong et al., 2015, p. 30). Another key aspect of this stage
is egocentrism, meaning children this age do not grasp the concept that everyone views the world
differently (Wong et al., 2015, p. 30). Rather, they believe everyone sees things the same way
they do. This is not to say they are selfish, however; they simply to not have the cognitive
development to consider the views of others. Concrete operational is the third stage, and occurs
approximately from ages 7 to 11. During this stage, children understand the concept of
conservation (Wong et al., 2015, p. 30). A common example of conservation is pouring water
from a short, wide glass to a tall, narrow glass and understanding that the amount of water does
not change. Also during this stage, children begin to understand concepts such as mathematics,
but are unable to grasp more abstract concepts, such as algebra (Wong et al., 2015, p. 30). The
last stage of Piaget’s developmental theory is the formal operational stage, which begins around
age 11 and continues throughout the lifespan. When children enter the formal operational stage,
they learn to use logic and can understand abstract concepts (Wong et al., p. 30).
A study by Hinde and Perry (2007) demonstrated the importance of Piaget’s theory among
elementary students. In this study, elementary school teachers frequently reported use concepts
from Piaget’s theory to teach subjects such as social studies. Piaget’s theory is of great use to
school teachers because understanding his theory can help teachers gear their lessons so their
students can better understand.
As people grow socially, physically, and mentally, they can also grow spiritually.
Understandably, young children are not able to grasp concepts from the Bible that adults may
easily understand. Take for example the concept of agape, or unconditional love. The idea that
God loves us all equally is a relatively easy idea for an adult to understand. However, a child
may have a hard time wrapping their head around the idea that God loves a criminal, a “bad
person,” as much as he loves a pastor, a “good person.” Children can still understand Biblical
concepts, but on a smaller level. As they grow and mature mentally, they can grow in their faith
because they can better understand complex ideas such as agape.
References
Hinde, E. R., & Perry, N. (2007). Elementary teachers’ application of Jean Piaget’s theories of
cognitive development during social studies curriculum debates in Arizona.8The Elementary
School Journal,8108(1), 63–79.8https://doi.org/10.1086/522386
Wong, D. W., Hall, K. R., Justice, C. H., & Hernandez, W. N. (2015).8Counseling individuals
throughout the lifespan. Sage Publications
Hey Jenna,
I appreciate your post this week and thought you did an awesome job!
I thought you did a great job in explaining and going into detail about Piaget’s four categories pf
classified cognitive development. According to Genovese, Piaget was committed to an
evolutionary view of cognitive development (2003). Some parts of Piaget’s model are so
universal that it extends beyond human species and into mammalian species (Genovese, 2003
I believe that as we grow spiritually we also become stronger physically, mentally, and
emotionally. I agree with you that as we grow mentally, we are able to understand concepts of
the Bible more clearly. I went to 5pm church yesterday and thought it was so cute how many
young children were in the pews holding up the music books and singing along. I could not help
but think about how many of the children understood the concepts in the sermons and the music
they were singing. I agree with you that younger children probably understand Biblical concepts
on a smaller level than adults. I believe that spiritual growth is vital and should be included in
student development theories. In the Bible, Colossians 1:9-10 says, “And so, from the day we
heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of
his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,
fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God”
(Open Bible, 2021). This verse stresses the importance of spiritual development and having a
connection with God.
Hope you’re having a great 4th of July weekend and look forward to reading more of your posts
in this course.
References
100 Bible Verses about Spiritual Growth. What Does the Bible Say About Spiritual Growth?
(n.d.). https://www.openbible.info/topics/spiritual_growth.8
Genovese, J. E. (2003). Piaget, Pedagogy, and Evolutionary Psychology.8Evolutionary
Psychology,81(1), 147470490300100. https://doi.org/10.1177/1474704903001001098
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