Theories of Human Development: Erikson, Piaget, Kohlberg, Freud | Chapter 19 from Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN Examination (7th Edition)

Theories of Human Development: Erikson, Piaget, Kohlberg, Freud | Chapter 19 from Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN Examination (7th Edition)

Book cover

Welcome to Chapter 19 of the Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN Examination (7th Edition) by Linda Anne Silvestri and Angela E. Silvestri. This chapter presents the core psychological and developmental theories every nurse needs to understand the growth and care of clients across the lifespan. By mastering the stages and tasks described by Erikson, Piaget, Kohlberg, and Freud, you’ll be equipped to answer NCLEX-PN questions and provide holistic, age-appropriate nursing care.

Watch the full chapter video summary below, and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for in-depth NCLEX-PN breakdowns and theory explanations:

Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Stages

  • Eight Stages: Trust vs. Mistrust (infancy), Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt (toddler), Initiative vs. Guilt (preschool), Industry vs. Inferiority (school-age), Identity vs. Role Confusion (adolescence), Intimacy vs. Isolation (young adult), Generativity vs. Stagnation (middle adult), Integrity vs. Despair (older adult).
  • Nursing Application: Recognize age-appropriate crises, support trust-building in infants, autonomy in toddlers, and identity in teens.

Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development

  • Stages: Sensorimotor (birth–2 yrs), Preoperational (2–7 yrs), Concrete Operational (7–11 yrs), Formal Operational (12+ yrs).
  • Apply strategies that match developmental capacity (e.g., use play for preschoolers, logic for school-age children).

Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

  • Levels: Preconventional (obedience/punishment, individualism/exchange), Conventional (good boy/girl, law/order), Postconventional (social contract, universal ethics).
  • Anticipate moral reasoning level to shape client education and discipline approaches.

Freud’s Psychosexual Theory & Defense Mechanisms

  • Stages: Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, Genital.
  • Key Concepts: Id, ego, superego; unconscious drives and development.
  • Understand the role of defense mechanisms in coping with anxiety or conflict (e.g., denial, repression, regression).

Applying Developmental Theory in Nursing Care

  • Assess and address developmental milestones and normal/abnormal progress by age group.
  • Adapt teaching and discipline methods to stage of psychosocial, cognitive, and moral development.
  • Provide family education and intervention based on unique needs in infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and older age.
  • Incorporate cultural and social context into developmental assessment and care planning.

Want theory made simple? Watch the video above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for all NCLEX-PN chapter reviews, study tips, and more!

Conclusion: Bringing Theory to Bedside Nursing Care

Chapter 19 of Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN Examination (7th Edition) ensures you’re ready to recognize and support clients’ developmental needs at every life stage. By connecting theory with practical interventions, you’ll elevate your nursing care and succeed on NCLEX-PN questions involving growth and development.

If you found this breakdown helpful, subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more NCLEX-PN chapter guides and educational resources.

If you found this breakdown helpful, be sure to subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more chapter-by-chapter textbook summaries and academic study guides.

Explore the full YouTube playlist for Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN Examination (7th Edition) here: Complete Playlist

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Behavior Therapies & Evidence-Based Practice — Chapter 9 Summary from Systems of Psychotherapy

Image
Behavior Therapies & Evidence-Based Practice — Chapter 9 Summary from Systems of Psychotherapy Chapter 9 of Systems of Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical Analysis explores the robust field of behavior therapies, which focus on changing maladaptive behaviors through practical, empirical methods. These approaches, grounded in learning theory and continuous assessment, have become foundational in treating a range of psychological conditions. This expanded summary, based on our podcast-style breakdown of Chapter 9 , highlights the key techniques, theoretical foundations, and clinical applications of behavior therapy. Want a concise video guide? Watch the chapter summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more psychology study resources! The Foundations of Behavior Therapy Behavior therapy focuses on observable, measurable changes in behavior rather than probing unconscious processes. Using empirical methods, therapists continuously assess and adjust treatmen...
Read more

Cognitive & Rational-Emotive Therapies — Chapter 10 Summary from Systems of Psychotherapy

Image
Cognitive & Rational-Emotive Therapies — Chapter 10 Summary from Systems of Psychotherapy Chapter 10 of Systems of Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical Analysis explores the evolution and techniques of Cognitive Therapy (CT) and Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Developed by Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, these therapies target the root of emotional distress by challenging and changing maladaptive thought patterns. This in-depth summary, based on our podcast breakdown of Chapter 10 , explains the major concepts, therapeutic techniques, and clinical impact of these cognitive-based approaches. Watch the chapter summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for expert textbook guides and psychology study resources! The Foundations of Cognitive Therapy & REBT Cognitive therapies emerged in response to limitations of psychoanalysis and behaviorism, emphasizing the role of thoughts in shaping emotions and behaviors. Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Therapy and Albert E...
Read more

Materials Failure: Fracture, Fatigue, and Creep — Chapter 8 Summary from Callister’s Materials Science and Engineering

Image
Materials Failure: Fracture, Fatigue, and Creep — Chapter 8 Summary from Callister’s Materials Science and Engineering Chapter 8 of Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction by William D. Callister, Jr. and David G. Rethwisch explores the primary failure modes in engineering materials: fracture, fatigue, and creep. This chapter is essential for anyone interested in the reliability, durability, and safety of materials used in engineering structures and components. By understanding these mechanisms, engineers can design safer, longer-lasting products and infrastructure. Watch the full podcast-style summary below, and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more clear, chapter-by-chapter breakdowns of foundational STEM topics! Fracture: Ductile vs. Brittle Failure Ductile fracture involves significant plastic deformation and energy absorption prior to failure. It usually provides visual warning signs, making it the preferred mode in most engineering applications. I...
Read more