Erikson's Stages Of Child Development

Child development is the study of a child’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth; as a study it assists people who are willing to learn about what may hinder as well as assist in a child growing up healthy and strong in today’s society from a physical and mental aspect. From startling cases of abuse of a child pertaining to physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse or emotional maltreatment to the joys of how simply allowing a child to freely explore and play to assist in development physical as well as mental development. Theorists such as Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, Urie Bronfrenbrenner and Lev Vygotsky have shared their theories and methods as well as research in the study of child development. In this essay, I plan to explain the

Role Confusion ranges from ages 12 - 18 years of age; Erikson saw this stage was the most vital to how a child develops personality and character because at this stage is where children develop independence, and begin to think of their futures pertaining to careers, relationships across the spectrum, and expenses. The child will struggle and swap out different identities in an attempt to see where he/she fits in. Success in this stage leads to fidelity, meaning they will be able to remain committed to not only themselves, but others. Failure in this stage leads to role confusion, meaning the child will be very unsure of him/herself. In the sixth stage, Intimacy vs. Isolation which ranges from the age of 18 - 40 years, as adults, the individual at this stage will be more comfortable with themselves. These individuals will explore relationships romantically and with family members. Success in this stage leads to a feeling of love or intimacy. Failure in this stage leads to a sense of Isolation. In the seventh stage Generativity vs. Stagnation, the stage that ranges from the age of 40 - 65 years, is where adults find secure jobs and begin to settle in their own skins as a part of society, and settle deeper into relationships with a romantic interest, begin families and become part of the “bigger picture” for lack of a better term. Success leads to care, and generativity. Failure in this stage leads to the feeling of being unproductive or sluggish. In Erikson’s final stage, Ego Integrity vs. Despair, which ranges to 65 and above, production is slowed, and as elderly persons, we explore the world, and our own pasts for what we have accomplished throughout a long and prosperous life, integrity and wisdom is developed here. Failure in all the stages above the eighth stage will lead to feelings of guilt of what opportunities were missed and dissatisfaction is