Theories of middle childhood phase by psychologist

1. Theoretical aspect of middle childhood
Name of the pioneer Summary viewpoints of the theory
Sigmund Freud Psychoanalytic psychotherapy and concepts of
unconscious processes, defence mechanisms, id, ego,
superego, resistance, free association, transference,
psychosexual development
Anna Freud Sought an affectionate attachment with the child.
Interpreted child‘s nondirected free play after an
affectionate attachment with the child had been
established.
Melanie Klein Started to interpret the child‘s behavior early in the
therapeutic relationship. Interpreted child‘s non-
directive free play
Carl Jung Introduced ideas about the symbolic representation of
a collective unconscious.
Margaret Lowenfeld Used symbols in a sand tray as a substitute for verbal
communication.
Alfred Adler Introduced the need to take account of social context.

2. Theories of child development (1920-1975)
Name of the pioneer Contribution of child theory
Abraham Maslow Introduced the idea of a hierarchy of needs
Erik Erikson Postulated eight stages of development. Believed
that ego-strength was gained through successful
resolution of developmental crises. Ability to solve
own problems.
Jean Piaget Conceptualize that children obtain particular skills
and behaviours at particular developmental stages
and recognized stages of cognitive development.
Lawrence Kohlberg Looked at the relationship between Piaget‘s
concepts and the acquisition of moral concepts
John Bowlby Introduced theory of attachment whereby a child‘s
emotional and behavioural development was seen
to be related to the way in which a child was able to
attach to its mother.

3. Charlesworth, Wood and Viggiani (2011:181) echo these opinions and
explore advancing in middle childhood within several different dimensions of
a child‘s development. They also point out that although developmental areas
are considered separately for analytical purposes, the changes in the
developing child reflect a dynamic interaction, constantly occurring across
these dimensions. These authors further identify a significant increase in the
following areas:
• vocabulary;
• imagination;
• creativity and self-care skills;
• motor skill development;
• ability to cooperate;
• ability to play fairly;
• ability to follow social rules;
• and moral thinking and humor.