MOTHERING AND CAREGIVING
On Human Development “Development is about the unfolding of human potential, that is, becoming all that we can be in the sense of being fully human and humane, it is not just about change over time. Nor is it just about children.” wrote Dr Gordon Neufeld, author and pioneering clinical psychologist who has been a leading interpreter of the developmental paradigm.
Childhood development is something we all pass through, it is a commune human experience, yet remains outside of the social discourse. Our childhoods are profound in shaping our lives and our societies and thus understanding human development is how we may build a richer society, a richer culture and more meaningful lives.
Human development, occurs over years, not months and perhaps is never complete within our lifespan.
Erik Erikson an influential psychoanalyst known for his theory on psychosocial development of human beings, illuminated 8 cycles of development. Each stage he writes involves a conflict, an exploration of opposites.
In the formative months of our lives (0-18 months) our foundations of trust are built, we learn to tolerate separations and reunions with our caregivers.
At around 18 months-3 years he writes is where children explore autonomy in seeking independence, and in congruence with the contrasts implicit within each stage he acknowledges that without the attainment of autonomy and independance, then one may experience doubt and shame, with many nuances in between.
At around ages 3- 5, initiative and guilt are built and explored. In this stage, as interdependence builds, one garners confidence and an feeling of leadership and initiative. When discouraged, guilt may arise.
Between ages 6-11, Industry and its opposite inferiority come to the fore. Development of social skills and relationships with friends are deepened with an increase in social awareness a potential for comparison exists, which can cause a sense of inferiority at one end of the spectrum. Erikson describes and when the needs are met in this stage competence and industry can be gained.
12-18 Identity and Role Confusion. Begins an exploration of identity and morality, belonging, purpose, goals and values when these are affirmed and explored identity is formed.
18-40 Intimacy and Isolation. An increase in intimacy and social relationships, with peers, community and romantic relationships.
40-65 Generativity, is how Erikson explores how in this cycle of our lives there maybe “the concern in establishing and guiding the next generation,” to contribute positively to society and share ones knowledge and insights.
65- Death. Where one may make order, meaning and a sense of cohesion and thus integrity in one’s life.
“Life is experienced through the body” wrote Jonas Peterson, reminding us of our interconnectedness, that development, like life, occurs not in isolation. The psychological is woven with the physical, the emotional, cognitive, the social.
Development is neither linear, nor garenteed to lead to maturation, it is iterative and chaotic, but one that Dr Nufeld, through his approach to development reassures has order.
“At the core of developmentalist thinking is the assumption or belief that the unfolding of human potential is spontaneous if conditions are conducive. In other words, if the right conditions exist, a child will spontaneously come to walk, talk, think, care, consider, reflect, self-regulate, get along, heal, recover, even fit into society”
13.May.2026.
By H Coutts.
References and Further Reading.
Neufeld, G. and Maté, G. (2005) Hold on to your kids: why parents need to matter more than peers. New York: Ballantine Books.
Image. Kim Verdebo