The document discusses several theories of child development, beginning with an overview that such theories were not prominent until the early 20th century. It then outlines some of the major child development theories, including psychoanalytic theories proposed by Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson. Freud's controversial psychoanalytic theory focused on childhood experiences and proposed stages of development centered around oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital stages. Each stage involves libidinal desires that can influence adult personality if not successfully completed.