Vygotskian Psychology

Vygotskian Psychology, developed by Lev Vygotsky, emphasizes the importance of social and cultural influences on a person’s mental development. It suggests that cognitive skills are acquired through interaction with more knowledgeable others—like parents or teachers—and through language. Vygotsky introduced the idea of the “zone of proximal development,” which is the gap between what a person can do alone and what they can achieve with guidance. Essentially, our thinking and learning are shaped by social context and shared language, making social interaction fundamental to cognitive growth.