Match the developmental theorist to their developmental theory. 5 A child's mind is a tabula rasa or blank slate. Early childhood experiences shape our personality and behavior. Development occurs across the entire lifespan with each period of life having a unique challenge or crisis that must be resolved. Development occurs when genes are activated through a process known as maturation. Children develop according to a natural plan which unfolds at different stages. 1. John Locke 2. Jean-Jacques Rousseau 3. Sigmund Freud 4. Erik Erikson 5. Arnold Gesell