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Erikson's Theory

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Erikson’s Theory

Micah Schenk

AIU Online

Abstract

Inside this essay the Erikson’s Theory on developmental psychology is described in full detail, the stages how everyone is affected throughout the stages with detail inside the examples. Using personal and televised characters to define how each character fits inside the specific stage. Detail on how the person had managed to progress or did not progress inside the stage and how to overcome the negative effects.

Erikson’s Theory

There are eight stages in Erikson’s theory. The first stage in Erikson’s theory is trust versus mistrust, and it lasts from birth through 18 months of age. During this stage, a child must successfully develop a relationship to a caregiver and become attached in order to establish trust and security. This is accomplished when the child’s basic needs are met by the caregiver. The child is likely to develop feelings of anxiety and insecurity if their needs are not met. For example, Adeline is only two weeks old at this current time. Adeline has a strong sense of trust to her mother proven by the fact that when her mother is not around Adeline gets scared and cries during this time Emily or I would have to pick her up to give her that comfort again of being held and fed and providing for her needs and therefore is resolving this stage.

The second stage, autonomy versus self-doubt, begins at approximately 18 months of age and lasts until the child is three years old. During this stage, children are constantly exploring their surroundings. They also build a need to control objects within their environment. Too many restrictions on a child during this stage tend to result in strong feelings of self-doubt because the child can’t experience accomplishments and failures as a person. If children are pushed into advanced activities

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