Eric Erickson Theory on the Stages of Life

Eric Erickson theory on the stages of life

Lashaunda Monroe

AIU

ABSTRACT

The theory of Eric Erickson psychosocial developmental stages of life will be known as one of the greatest theories in development of personality for people. Eric Erikson held true people's personality will mature in stages threw out the spam of their life. His philosophy explains the impressions of all the experiences someone will face in society thru their entire life span.

Erik Erikson had faith in the vitality of early childhood, however on the contrary Erik Erikson trusted that the development of personality takes place thru out any individual's life span. During the first part of the 1960's Erick Erikson projected the assumption that outlines 8 stages of development. With every stage all individuals will experience different and new trials; each stage will result on how these people confront these challenges. All of these stages are named for the resulting outcomes.

Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust

During the first birthing year infants has a total dependency on their parent's for all needs from basic to emotional comfort. When the needs of the infant are meet it allows for the baby to bond and develop a strong sense of security, but however when these needs are neglected the infant develops insecurity and mistrust. An example of this would be my sister adopted a three month old baby that was neglected for the first month of her life. Due to the fact that her needs were not meet since birth it took my sister and her husband had to work very hard to get here to bond.

Stage 2: Shame and Doubt vs. Autonomy

Thru the ages of one to three years pre-toddlers and toddlers begin to increase in their freedom and gain basic skills like feeding themselves, dressing and undressing, and toilet training. When these needs are met properly they will gain a sense of autonomy but however when the needs are not met they develop a sense of self- doubt. An example of this would be that I worked for a child care center in the toddler room for three years, and it was rewarding to be able to train them in potty training, and feeding themselves. When they accomplished that task they showed such joy and a sense of accomplishment.

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt

Between the ages of three thru six children should be allowed to maintain their self-control and act in a responsible manner. When this is accomplished successfully the children learn to become confident, however if this is not successfully accomplished children create the feeling of guilt. An example of this would be a child of five years is allowed to help her mother bake a cake, at this third stage the child is allowed to see her mother and other adults as heroes.

Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority

The age ranges from six thru twelve children begin to contend with other children their ages and begin to play into the role of adults. If this stage is completed successfully they develop a sense of competence, however if this role is not completed successfully inferiority is developed instead. As an example of this would be that