Eight Schools of Psychology

Environmental vs. Epigenetic Theories: Within the field of psychology, theorists have proposed both environmental and epigenetic theories of development, both normal and abnormal, emphasizing the differing effects of nature versus nurture (Baron & Kalsher, 2008). Environmental theories tend to focus on the influence exerted by variables in the physical, material, and experiential settings in which the individual lives and develops. Epigenetic systems theory, in contrast, emphasizes inherited forces that affect everyone within each particular context. Rather than being strictly "genetic" in the sense of having been inherited, epigenetic systems assume that individuals regardless of their fundamental differences develop within a social environment that presents specific challenges at various stages. As noted by Berger (2004), these stage theories emphasize as does Erik Erikson the conflicts that occur within the developmental trajectory.

Psychoanalytic Theory: Freud's psychoanalytic theory is also a stage theory of development which focuses upon psychosexual changes, irrational or unconscious drives and motives that originate in childhood, and the notion that development can be arrested at any particular stage (Baron & Kalsher, 2008). Freud proposed the oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital stages in which sexual interest and pleasure centers on a specific part of the body. He also proposed three systems of personality, the ego, id, and superego. Freudian th

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Category: Psychology - E