Ella Carter

SOCW 3339

Theoretical Blog

Infancy

     Over the years there has been a change in how we view babies and their development.  Before the 20^th century infants were seen as “blobs” that couldn’t see, hear, think, or feel.  We know now that babies are highly sensitive.  The experiences they have during early infancy can shape personalities and other characteristics for the rest of their life (Ashford & Lecroy, p.245).

     Erick Erickson’s theory of Psychosocial Development states that we proceed in life through stages of development.  Once we accomplish one stage we progress to another each one building upon the other.  The infancy stage being birth to one year, referred to as trust vs mistrust, Erickson believed this was the most fundamental stage in life.  When infants are given consistent warm and nurturing care it allows them to form positive emotional bonds and social attachments to their care givers.  This attachment to care givers helps babies to develop a sense of self in order to achieve knowledge.  Infants that are not given this warm and nurturing environment, and are neglected develop mistrust.  This type of neglect can prevent or delay cognitive development and hinder movement into other stages (p. 246).

     Piaget’s cognitive theories of development were developed by first observing his own children.  From birth to 2 years of age he considered the sensorimotor stage.  This stage is divided into 6 substages, from the beginning mostly reflex actions to goal directed behavior.  Not only is the infant learning to achieve a desired result through a series of actions they are also growing physically stronger in these accomplishments (lifting of the head is an important milestone).

CA     Using these theories as a guide to direct social workers and educate parents can be useful in determining if an infant may be experiencing difficulties.  It is equally important to recognize that the ages are not set in stone, some babies’ progress at a faster rate than others.  Both of these theories are mutually consistent with each other.  When the environment is warm and nurturing and the infants needs are being met, ultimately this provides fertile ground for cognitive development.

References:

Ashford, J. B., & Lecroy, C. W. (2013).Human Behavior in the Social Environment; A

     Multidimensional Perspective (5^th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.