Discuss the first the stages of Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory of development. Make sure to include the age range, crisis, and the strength that develops in each stage

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The first stage of Erikson's theory occurs during the first year of life (infancy) and involves the crisis of basic trust vs. mistrust. In this stage if parents are responsive and present in the baby's life, the baby will learn a sense of security in the world. When responsiveness is less than immediate or is inconsistent, children will learn mistrust. Erikson believed that a healthy balance of trust and mistrust moments leads to hope.
The second stage is from ages one to three years, and is autonomy vs. shame and doubt. During this stage children become more independent of others, realizing that they can do things on their own. When they master these challenges they become more autonomous. This is tempered by worries that they cannot handle these challenges, and failures can result in shame and doubt. A blend of autonomy and shame/doubt leads to what Erikson called will.
The third stage is initiative vs. guilt, and occurs from ages three to five years. During this stage preschoolers begin exploring their environment, ask questions, and seek out information and knowledge. This leads to initiative. When their impulses and desires are in conflict with their surroundings, this leads to guilt. Erikson felt that a healthy blend of these two outcomes leads to purpose.