Priorituttavan

Priorituttavan is a hypothetical concept used in some theoretical discussions, particularly within early childhood education and developmental psychology, to describe a stage of development where a child is solely focused on and driven by immediate gratification and sensory input. The term itself is a portmanteau, combining "priority" with "tuttavan," a diminutive of the Finnish word "tutti" meaning pacifier, suggesting an infantile state of wanting.

In this theoretical framework, a child in the priorituttavan stage perceives the world through the lens of what feels good, is loud, bright, or immediately engaging. Their decision-making, or lack thereof, is entirely governed by what will satisfy their current desires or alleviate discomfort. There is little to no capacity for delayed gratification, understanding consequences beyond the immediate, or considering the needs or perspectives of others.

This stage is not a formally recognized developmental milestone in established psychological theories like Piaget's or Erikson's. Instead, it serves as a descriptive label for an extreme or prolonged manifestation of egocentricity and impulsivity in young children. The concept is often used to highlight the importance of caregiver intervention and structured environments that gradually help children move beyond this purely self-centered mode of operation towards more socially aware and cognitively complex behaviors. The transition away from priorituttavan is seen as a crucial step in the development of self-regulation, empathy, and executive functions.