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In summary, in this lesson we discussed two types of developmental stage theories (i.e., Psychoanalytic and Cognitive theories). Psychoanalytic theories, including Freud's and Erikson's theories, focus on emotions and conflicts at different developmental stages, whereas Piaget's theory emphasizes developmental changes in the way we reason and process information. Although these theories emphasize different aspects of development, all stage theories refer to qualitative changes that are believed to occur in the same way and in the same order for all individuals.