Essay Sample about Theories and Worldview

📌Category: Philosophy
📌Words: 646
📌Pages: 3
📌Published: 05 April 2022

It is crucial to understand one's worldview when discussing developmental theories. According to Cashion et al. (2019), a worldview provides the framework and guidance for moral principles, ethical decisions, and critical thinking skills. In keeping with its description, a knowledgeable and well-rounded worldview will also internally influence perspective and judgment and is externalized in personality and approaches to social interactions (Cashion et al., 2019). Often, a worldview reveals itself after asking a person to consider four basic questions: origin, identity, purpose, and destiny. After the worldview is identified, one then utilizes its core components as a framework when discussing developmental psychology. As stated by Cashion et al. (2019), developmental psychology is the study of theories (collections of organized data and principles used to predict phenomena) to describe and explain human growth and development. A theory is accepted after the testing of a plausible hypothesis and therefore must possess some remnant of truth. Hence, the application of a theory may remain compatible with one’s worldview, despite the influence of “presuppositions (core beliefs) …on perception and conclusions” (p. 10). To determine credibility, one simply compares a theory’s conclusions against their answers to the four worldview questions.  Through critical thinking and the comparison of answers, one ensures their worldview is not compromised while benefitting from the truths rooted in a theory.

Discussion of a Developmental Theory

Erik Erikson established the psychosocial theory: a developmental theory that emphasizes societal and familial relationships' impact on an individual's growth (Cashion et al., 2019, p. 13). This theory went further into the human lifespan than his predecessor, Freud, and claimed that an individual's personality depends on interactions with surrounding people. Erikson also proposed that human development occurs over eight distinct stages. Cashion et al. (2019) describe how each growth stage introduces a psychosocial "crisis" the person will have to overcome to further progress as a well-functioning individual (p.13). For example, as a person approaches young adulthood, they will enter stage five: intimacy versus isolation. During this stage, the young adult will connect a newly formed self-identity to previously fostered relationships. If they fail to overcome the challenge, they risk isolation and developmental delays. Erikson’s theory provides a well-rounded understanding of self and is recognized by psychologists as an influential human development theory. 

Compatibility of a Worldview and Theory

A biblical worldview focuses specifically on the impact of faith and a belief that the creation of all life points towards God, who is the ultimate moral compass. One's identity is through a relationship with Christ, and the destination is to spend eternity with Him. Erikson, who had exposure to Judeo-Christian ideology, reveals the influence of biblical principles throughout his theory as each stage of development illustrates a fundamental component of the Christian faith (Pendergraft, 2017). For example, the first stage in the psychosocial theory focuses on the crisis of trust versus mistrust (Cashion et al., 2019). If one overcomes this challenge, Cashion et al. (2019) describe that the child realizes the world contains nurturing and trustworthy adults. This discovery encourages them to demonstrate hope, a foundational virtue for developing faith. Trust is a notable asset in the Bible, as seen by multiple statements to place one's trust in God alone. For example, Isaiah 26:3-4 declares, "you keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock." (English Standard Version, 2016). In addition to Christian virtues, Erikson’s emphasis on establishing a self-identity through forming relationships supports the response to identity from a biblical worldview: finding oneself through a relationship with God.  

Reflection on Relationships Between Worldviews and Theories

In conclusion, the study of developmental theories will often directly relate to one's worldview. These two paradigms work in tandem to help understand how physical, societal, and spiritual factors influence self-identity and human growth. From a biblical perspective, the study of psychology is instrumental in recognizing God's influence on the growth and maturation of humans. Erikson's theory shows that the focus on overcoming developmental "crises" can lead to stronger roots in faith (Pendergraft, 2017, p. 289). For this reason, science, particularly the social sciences, can be utilized as a gift from God to grow deeper in understanding Him.

+
x
Remember! This is just a sample.

You can order a custom paper by our expert writers

Order now
By clicking “Receive Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails.