Helping others grow and develop involves assumptions about the human person/personality.  Every theory is a lens, a view, and a way of understanding phenomena.  Theories magnify and overlook.  They can be evaluated based on what they offer.  Do they provide an understanding that is helpful and useful for interacting with the world and others?  Do they provide some level of prediction that is helpful?

We will consider the following theories in detail:

• Self-determination Theory
• Psychosocial Development
• Identity Statuses
• Emerging Adulthood
• Meaning-making Models