At the same time, ‘development’ is a very wideranging
concept, permitting multiple theoretical
interpretations, with each theory suggesting
different ways to understand personal transitions.
We begin by briefly summarising some features
of Jean Piaget’s ‘constructivist theory’, which has
been most influential through the elaboration of
stages of human development. Other notable
stage theorists include Lawrence Kohlberg (1981)
on moral development and Erik Erikson (1950)
on personal and social development.