Layla Tamaddon
CAS 340
Professor Richards
12 February 2014 Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory Erik Erikson proposed the theory of Psychosocial Development. He believed that the development occurs throughout the total lifetime. His theory provided new insights into the formation of a healthy personality of a child. Children’s personality develops in response to their social environment. The same is true of their skills for being able to interact with others. Erikson has stages that show these issues. At each stage, a social conflict occurs. These conflicts require solutions that are satisfying both personally and socially. He believed that each stage must be solved before children can go into the next stage. Maturity helps the resolution of the conflict. Teachers and parents of the child play a powerful role in recognizing each stage. By providing social support to the child, teachers and parents can help children overcome the crisis. The first four stages of Eriksons theory occur in the early childhood years. The first stage is the stage of Trust Vs. Mistrust. During the first 18 months of the child’s life, children learn to trust or mistrust their environment. To develop trust, they need to have warm, consistent, predictable and attentive care. Children need caregivers who accurately read and respond to their signals. When infants are distressed, they need to be comforted. They also need loving physical contact, nourishment, cleanliness and warmth. They then will develop a sense of confidence and trust that the world is safe and dependable. Mistrust will occur if an infant experiences and unpredictable world and is handled harshly. The next stage is called the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt. This stage occurs between 18 months and 3 years of age. During this stage, toddlers use their new mental skills. They want to be independent and do things for themselves. They