be limited to development through about age twelve. The purpose of the paper is not to provide theory as fact, but to provide theory as a starting point from which a Christian understanding can be formulated consistent with God's Word.
Steuer (1994) describes seven major theories of development which are widely held today. They include Freud's psychoanalytic theory (and Erikson's elaboration), traditional learning theory, social learning theory, Piaget's theory of cognitive development, the information processing approach, the ethological theory, and the ecological theory. The author cautions her readers
not to fall into the trap of thinking . . . that one of these theories is right and the others are therefore wrong. (E)ach theory has strengths and limitations. . . . (A)ll tend to undergo change as new information comes to light (p. 55).
Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory views personality as a "closed energy system" in which psychic energy changes ultimately affect one's behavior. When there is an energy imbalance,
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