Psychosocial Theory

Basic Characteristics Biopsychosocial premise Biopsychosocial premise Describes and explains the developmental process throughout the lifespan Describes and explains the developmental process throughout the lifespan The epigenetic principle The epigenetic principle Defines core concepts and leaves room for various psychological processes, e.g. learning, cognitive process, etc. Defines core concepts and leaves room for various psychological processes, e.g. learning, cognitive process, etc. Allows for cultural relevancy Allows for cultural relevancy

Stages of development A defined period of time characterized by a particular way of thinking or behavior. A defined period of time characterized by a particular way of thinking or behavior. Qualitative differences distinguish stages. Qualitative differences distinguish stages. 8 stages evolved into 11… 8 stages evolved into 11… What stage is Lady Ga GA in now? (24 y/o) What stage is Lady Ga GA in now? (24 y/o)

Developmental tasks Skills/competencies that should be gained during each stage. Skills/competencies that should be gained during each stage. A reflection of the physical capacity of the person. A reflection of the physical capacity of the person. A reflection of the societal expectations of the person. A reflection of the societal expectations of the person. Which of the tasks make sense for Lady Ga Ga? Which of the tasks make sense for Lady Ga Ga?

Psychosocial crisis The predictable challenge arising from the gap between an individual’s capacity and the demands of society. The predictable challenge arising from the gap between an individual’s capacity and the demands of society. Builds on previous resolution of crises. Builds on previous resolution of crises. Prepares for future development. Prepares for future development. What might be some challenges to her seeking identity or intimacy? What might be some challenges to her seeking identity or intimacy?

Central process The dominant context/mechanism for resolution of the crisis. The dominant context/mechanism for resolution of the crisis. What if Lady Ga Ga is so busy building her career she doesn’t have time for a relationship? For close friends, etc? What if Lady Ga Ga is so busy building her career she doesn’t have time for a relationship? For close friends, etc? For infants, what is this context? For infants, what is this context? Older adults? Older adults?

Radius of significant relationships Groups of important relationships influencing one’s development. Groups of important relationships influencing one’s development. As we grow up, these expand. The details differ for each of us. As we grow up, these expand. The details differ for each of us. How would you describe Lady Ga Ga’s radius of significant relationships? How would you describe Lady Ga Ga’s radius of significant relationships? Culture? Culture? U.S. Values? U.S. Values? Peer group? Peer group?

Coping behavior: Prime adaptive ego quality Core pathology Active efforts to respond to stress, both ordinary and extraordinary stressors. Active efforts to respond to stress, both ordinary and extraordinary stressors. Represents a state of mind. Represents a state of mind. Can support or interfere with further development, e.g. Can support or interfere with further development, e.g. Fidelity to others is a precondition for love. Fidelity to others is a precondition for love. For Lady Ga Ga we see examples of love and care, fidelity to values in her speaking up for equality. For Lady Ga Ga we see examples of love and care, fidelity to values in her speaking up for equality.