Analyzing Erikson's Eight Stages Of Psychosocial

653 Words2 Pages

Erik Erikson had developed a series of eight stages in which he believed each child progressed through, as they got older. The first five stages represent the journey that each child takes upon entering adolescence. Failure to complete a certain stage could result in various challenges/struggles that the child will face throughout their lives. The first of the eight stages is known as Trust vs. Mistrust, that ranges from birth until one and a half years of age. During this stage the baby is unsure of the world around them. They are not able to take care of themselves, and as a result, they look to their parents to care for them. When the parents provide infants with warm, consistent care, then the child will develop a sense of trust. However, if the child’s needs are not met and they are neglected, then they will develop a sense of mistrust in the world and not feel confident or secure in the world around them. …show more content…

Shame and Doubt, centers around children between the ages of one and a half to three years of age. During this stage, children are beginning to assert their independence as they start to develop physically. Examples of this stage are walking away from their mother, picking which toy to play with, and making decisions on what to wear or eat. Erikson believes that parents should allow their children to do things on their own. When the child is encouraged and supported to be independent, they will develop self-confidence and feel secure in their ability to survive in the world. On the contrary, if the parents are too controlling the child won’t feel secure in their ability to survive. As a result, the child will feel a sense of shame or doubt in their

Open Document