1. Trust v. Mistrust Children develop a sense of trust that the world is a good safe place when significant caregivers provide reliable care and consistently meet the child’s needs for food, warmth, comfort and affection. A lack of this type of care leads to the development of a sense of mistrust. [X|| Trust Mistrust This first stage of Eriksons theory of Development occurs between birth and one years of age and is the most fundamental stage in life.
I have put myself here because I saw how my parents reacted to the birth of my younger brother and believe they responded the same way with me and my other siblings both before and after birth. Seeing that first hand showed me how loving and devoted to being parents they both were. From birth to one years of age is when a child needs to be loved cherished and welcomed into the world if not he or she could later have feelings of mistrust towards their child. When a significant caregiver fails to develop trust it can result in fear and a belief that the world is inconsistent and unpredictable. Parents having little or no trust will not allow you to have a closer relationship with your child.
2. Autonomy v. Shame and Doubt Children develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and gain a sense of independence. Success leads to a feeling of autonomy. Punishment for perceived failures, even when the “failures” or “shortcomings” are age appropriate, leads to feelings of shame and doubt. [X|| Autonomy Shame and Doubt T have place myself in the same spot because growing up I was not a handful I was calm and relaxed. My parents didn’t punish me due to me being the baby, and by baby I mean youngest of three children. They believed I could do no wrong. My parent already had raised two children so they were aware of how dealing with a younger child was. I have drop things but they would just tell me not to do that or have me eat in the kitchen so the spill wouldn’t be as bad. If a child doesn’t stop doing those things you should try and find ways to avoid the failure or shortcomings even if age appropriate it can result in feelings of shame and doubt towards the child. Children who successfully complete the stage feel secure while the others who do not are left with a sense of inadequacy and doubt.
3. Initiative v. Guilt Children need to begin asserting control and power over the environment. They want to participate in real life activities and come up with ideas and actions on their own. Success in the stage leads to a sense of purpose. If the child’s attempts to take initiative or exert power are met with disapproval it can result in the development of a sense of guilt. [X| Initiative Guilt I took initiative in school when I was in preschool and kindergarten. Though I was scared to be alone I met some friends and realized it wasn’t so bad. Friends are key and socializing made it easier to the change of being with new people your child has never seen before. Social interaction is the main part in your child’s success in this step and isolation can result in loneliness. The child should want to participate in activities and come up with ideas on there own. Those who fail in this ent are left with a sens selfdoubt, and lack of initiative
4. Industry v. Inferiority Children need to cope with new social and academic demands on a daily basis. Success in school and school related activities leads to a sense of competence or industry, well failure results in the feeling of inferiority. X Industry Inferiority This stage covers the early school years from approximately ages five to eleven. In school I was average and never slacked due to my father always telling me to appreciate school because he never even graduation middle school. Making me humble and excited to go to school had a huge role in my academic achievements. When I accomplished things in school I was rewarded by my family and teachers and that drove me to succeed more. Children at this age take pride in their abilities and when receiving little or no recognition can make them doubt their abilities to be successful. And success is rewarded and noticed it encourages the child to keep doing more.
5. Identity v. Role Confusion Teens need to develop a sense of self and personal identity. This often means experimenting with roles and ideas. Success leads to a sense of identity, being grounded, and the ability to stay true to themselves. Failure leads to roll diffusion, a weak sence of self, and the feeling of being “lost”. X Identification Role Confusion In this stage Erikson believes teens are exploring their independence and developing a sense of self. I am at the end of the stage since I am nineteen years of age and believe I know who I truly am as a person and my role in life. Being true to yourself is key to the success of your life. With doubt and confusion you will constantly be worried and seeming and see if there’s something to hide. If confuse you do not have a sense of control in your life and belief. Those who remain unsure will feel insecure and confused about themselves and the future of their lives. A teen needs parental guidance and someone to understand how they are feeling if the child feels confused.
6. Intimacy v. Isolation Young adults need to form intimate, loving relationships with other people. Success leads to strong satisfying relationships while failures result in loneliness and isolation Intimacy Isolation Thave been in a few relationships so I kind of have an idea about how love and relationships can play a role in living a healthy adult life. This step is when the period of early adulthood when people are exploring physical relationships. Adults need relationships or can later become isolated and lonely people. Though I am not yet at this step I believe I will be successful because I am not a depressed person and when someone is it seems harder for them to go and try to start a personal relationship with anyone. Erikson also believe that it was vital for people to develop close committed relationships with others and studies have also shown those with the low sense of self have less committed relationships due to them not having enough self confidence to keep a real relationship healthy.
