How Do Theories Inform Our Thinking about Human Development?

There are many theories that have been developed over the years in order to help us understand how and why we develop as we do. While some aspects may appear odd and limited by today's standards there are undeniably at least some parts of these theories which still hold significant relevance. Whether we agree with all that is put forth by these various theorists or not they still remain influential in the way in which we make sense of the way we develop.
This essay will critique the various theories put forth by some of Psychology's most renown psychologists it will also discuss how these various developmental theories influence the way that we think about human development while questioning their adequacy in describing how and why we develop in the way that we do.
The value of human development theories goes undisputed, they offer a systematic means to understand the processes that define our existence. They provide a way to catagorize data, compare behaviour and identify specific patterns. These theories enable us to make generalisations about what it is that we understand.…