Premium Essay

Erikson’s First Four Stages of Personality Development

In: Social Issues

Submitted By jefforyb
Words 1437
Pages 6
Erikson’s First Four Stages of Personality Development
Jeff Brown
ECE 335: Children’s Literature
Instructor: Jamie Worthington
May 5 2011

Erikson’s Stages of Personality Development
This paper will discuss Erik Erikson’s first four stages of development of a young child, and four literacy literature that coincide with each of Erikson’s four stages of child development. One of Erikson’s most significant contributions to developmental theory is the emphasis he placed on the relationship of society and the interpersonal experience to the unfolding of personality. Erikson integrates these developmental ideas into his theory encompassing an overview of the human life cycle. Erikson’s first stage consists of trust versus mistrust. This stage begins from birth up to 18 months old. This is the stage when the child is at its most vulnerable. It’s also wholly depended on whoever it is that is to provide him with everything he requires to sustain himself through this first stage. This provider is also going to be who this child is going to adapt to as long as the provider provides for this child. When the provider stops providing the child’s needs, the child will begin to mistrust the provider, because the child can no longer trust the provider. The book that coincide with this stage would be The Happy Book: Touch & Feel Fun for Every Little One by Diane Muldrow is a book of rhyming text and colorful illustrations that includes pages with touch and feel textures, scratch-and-sniff scents, glow-in-the dark surprises, and lift-the-flap messages. It’s designed to lift up the child’s feelings (Blessed to be . . ., n. d.). Erikson’s second stage consists of autonomy versus shame and doubt. This stage is from the toddler’s age of 18 months to 3 years old. This is when the child starts demanding his independence. The child begins to do things the way he wants to do them.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Psychology

...PSYCOLOGY EXAM Differentiate between Freud and Erikson's approach to psychoanalytic theory in this lesson. You will examine and compare developmental stages side by side and have the opportunity to test your knowledge with a quiz at the end. Example for Comparison Mary has a 3-month-old daughter. Mary bottle feeds her child and follows a strict schedule for feeding times. The child is not allowed to have a pacifier. Mary is an affectionate parent, and all of her child's needs are met. How could the actions that occur in the child's life now affect her later development? Similarities of Freud and Erikson Sigmund Freud's psychosexual theory and Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory are two important psychoanalytic theories on human development that could be used to explain the developmental effects of this scenario. In this lesson, we will examine what these two theories have in common and how they differ. Erikson's theory followed Freud's and was based on many of Freud's ideas. Because of this, the two theories have similarities. Both theorists recognize the importance of the unconscious on development. They also both separate development into stages of a person's life and utilize similar age divisions for these developmental stages. Differences of Freud and Erikson However, there are several differences that exist between the names of the stages and the developmental issues that are encountered during each. Part of the reason for this is that each psychologist has his own unique...

Words: 2897 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

Erikson's View on the "Ego" Relative to Freud's Model of Personality

...the psychoanalytical theory and Erikson bringing about the stages of psychosocial developments, theorists would often elaborate on which theory would define one’s life best, and so therefore it remained a constant comparison made between Freud and Erikson. With the quote given as the assignment topic it clearly defines why Erikson had described himself as “a small man on the shoulders of a giant”, simply because he had big shoes to fill, and that being the work of Sigmund Freud, his teacher. 1. Four main ways Erikson extended Freud’s theory According to Engler, B. (2013) the first way in which Erikson extended Freud’s theory is whereby he had improved our understanding of the ego, showing that how the emergence out of the historical, genetic and cultural context of individuals helps the ego become a good problem solver as well. Secondly, he emphasised on Freud’s stages of development making strong social gestures towards it, however there was no clear statement of Erikson’s comments being made towards Freud’s work. Thirdly he extended our understanding of development by creating additional stages, making it the eight stages of psychosocial development placing prominence on stages from an individual’s infancy to old age. And lastly Erikson had discovered the influence of culture, society and history on the developing of personality and demonstrated this in psycho-historical studies of famous people. These four stages also strongly relates to how the broader and more social...

Words: 3315 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Personality and Psychological Disorder

...Personality & Psychological Disorder Kasia Nalbandian American Intercontinental University 3/15/2014 Abstract In this week individual project I’m going to describe Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, I’m going to describe Erikson’s theories, a description of each stage of development using a description of an analysis character that represents each stage of development with a character that can be from television show, a movie, or a literary character from a book. You can also use a person that you know in your life such as a friend or relative and also I’m going to explain how each character represents the stage, and how the character resolves crisis.   Personality and Psychological Disorder One of the most important things for a human is the personality and psychological disorder, personality is a pattern of human thoughts, feelings and behaviors which everyone will consider unique with. Personality will grow with humans and built from new born and up, personality has different theories that explains the aspects of our personality, the theories are the followings, trait theories, psychoanalytic theories, behavioral theories, humanist theories and personality disorder, the main theory that I’m going to concentrate on is personality disorder. (Boreree,2006 para 24,25,26,27,28 ) talked about the underlining mechanics of the theory the key of the concept is the epigenetic principle, that we develop true predetermine serious of the stages, and...

Words: 2524 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

The Meaning of Identity: a Brief History

...The Meaning of Identity: A Brief History The term identity as the dictionary defines it today is almost as new as the sciences devoted to studying it. The definition of the word identity has undergone several transformations since it was first used by European philosophers emerging from the Dark Ages. It wouldn’t be until 1950 that the word would undergo its final stage, the one seen used in psychology textbooks across the world. Erik Erikson’s eight stages of the life cycle gave us its modern meaning. The way the term identity has been used by philosophers in the past has given it definite significance and seriousness. Despite this, its use in relation to the individuality of a person was very casual and lacked depth. Only recently has the term identity come to represent an analytical psychological concept (Gleason, 1983). Before modern social sciences evolved, the term identity was associated with philosophical thought and the ever-present questions about the mind-body connection and the nature of self. The root of the word identity is Latin in origin. The word is “idem” and it means “the same.” The word identity has been found in philosophical texts going back to 1690 with John Locke’s “Essay Concerning Human Understanding” (Gleason, 1983). The term seemed to be used only to describe “self” as the philosophers viewed it. The definition of identity that we have today did not come about until much later and when it did it gave much insight into issues that...

Words: 1980 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Erik Erikson

...erik erikson's psychosocial crisis life cycle model - the eight stages of human development Erikson's model of psychosocial development is a very significant, highly regarded and meaningful concept. Life is a series of lessons and challenges which help us to grow. Erikson's wonderful theory helps to tell us why. The theory is helpful for child development, and adults too. For the 'lite' version, here's a quick diagram and summary. Extra details follow the initial overview. For more information than appears on this page, read Erikson's books; he was an award-winning writer and this review does not convey the richness of Erikson's own explanations. It's also interesting to see how his ideas develop over time, perhaps aided by his own journey through the 'psychosocial crisis' stages model that underpinned his work. Erik Erikson first published his eight stage theory of human development in his 1950 book Childhood and Society. The chapter featuring the model was titled 'The Eight Ages of Man'. He expanded and refined his theory in later books and revisions, notably: Identity and the Life Cycle (1959); Insight and Responsibility (1964); The Life Cycle Completed: A Review (1982, revised 1996 by Joan Erikson); and Vital Involvement in Old Age (1989). Erikson's biography lists more books. Various terms are used to describe Erikson's model, for example Erikson's biopsychosocial or bio-psycho-social theory (bio refers to biological, which in this context means life); Erikson's human...

Words: 10395 - Pages: 42

Premium Essay

Sensitive Mothering Is Essential to the Social and Emotional Development of the Child. Discuss This Statement in the Context of Relevant Developmental Theory.

...to the social and emotional development of the child. Discuss this statement in the context of relevant developmental theory. Explain what is meant by the term sensitive mothering. Explain why sensitive mothering is important in building a positive emotional base. (15) - Give a definition of sensitive mothering (also consider insensitive mothering). - Link this to a positive or non-positive emotional base. Link this explanation to Bowlby’s attachment theory and Ainsworth’s studies. You will need to show an understanding of the internal working model of attachment and how sensitive mothering impacts on the quality of attachment. (25) - Outline Bowlby’s theory of attachment, showing evidence of how the ethological studies of Harlow and Lorenz, and his own research with war orphans and evacuees and juvenile delinquents impacted his theory. - Determine the phases of attachment and the development of the internal working model of attachment. - Consider Ainsworth’s research and the types of secure and insecure attachments that resulted from the research. - This needs to be linked back to mothering style and the internal working model of attachment that each infant is developing. Links also need to be made to Erikson’s relevant psychological stages of personality development, emphasising the importance of a supportive social environment. (15) - Consider Erikson’s psychosocial theory of personality, especially the first stage, and link to mothering style...

Words: 2721 - Pages: 11

Free Essay

Development Theories

...Development Theories Sara Nackowicz Psy : 104 Child and Adolescent Development Karen Williams 9/17/12 Page One Development Theories In this paper I will talk about three of the development theories which are personality structure, psychosexual development and psychosocial development. All three of these developments are very important in a child’s life and helps them become who they are and I will explain how and why in this paper. According to Sigmund Freud in our text, there are three essential components: the id, the ego, and the superego. The id stage is more of a selfish state where everything is about you and only you. For an example when you are an infant everything is about you and only you. According to Simply Psychology, “The id consists of all the inherited (i.e. biological) components of personality, including the sex (life) instinct – Eros (which contains the libido), and aggressive (death) instinct – Thanatos.” In an infant, their personality is nothing but Id and then when they become older is when the other two stages fall into place. You cry for a reason and most of the time it is either because you are hungry, dirty, sleepy or even just need to be comforted. So there for you cry because you want your caregiver to feed you, clean you, or even snuggle with you so you can fall asleep. The ego state comes around the age of two or three when as Freud states, “the job of the ego to satisfy the demands of the id and to have realistic...

Words: 1589 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Comprehensive Analysis Case Study

...Comprehensive Analysis Case Study Cheryl M. Todd PSY7220 Capella University Abstract This comprehensive case analysis will follow Gwen Cohen-Green through the following three stages of development: early childhood, middle childhood, and early adolescence. Within each of the three stages I will identify Gwen’s social and emotional development, theories pertaining to her development, validation, and predominate factors. A complete analysis and synthesis will support the findings, and recommendations will be given to support her. Table of Contents Introduction Case Study: Early Childhood Case Study: Middle Childhood Cased Study: Early Adolescence Analysis and Synthesis Recommendations Conclusion References 1 1-5 5-10 10-15 15-16 16-17 17 18-20 Comprehensive Analysis Case Study Introduction This study will identify the child I have chosen for my case study project and follow her through each of the following stages: early childhood, middle childhood and early adolescence. Secondly, the study will include an analysis and synthesis of developmental domains and of environmental and influential factors and finally, the study will make recommendations for optimal development. Early Childhood: Case Study Gwen Cohen-Green is an only child that lives with both her mom and dad in a suburban setting. Mom and dad both work long hours with mom being the primary parent to attend conferences as well as being the disciplinarian. Gwen’s parents are...

Words: 5451 - Pages: 22

Premium Essay

Psychosocial Development

...Emerging Crisis: A Lecture about the Psychosocial Perspective of Personality I. Introduction Coon and Mitterer (2013) stated from their book that every life is marked by a number of developmental milestones. Those milestones are notable events, markers, or turning points that affect the development of a certain individual. Some examples of these include graduating from school, reaching your dreams, getting married, getting a job, becoming a parent, retirement, and one’s own death. One of the important things that a person needs to develop is his personality. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, personality is the set of qualities and behaviors that makes a person different from other people. From the definition, lots of questions arise. Some examples are “What makes them different from the other?”, “Why are they behaving like that?”, and “Who am I?” In order to answer those questions, Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development will help to understand the complexity of human personality. Erikson’s ‘psychosocial’ term is derived from two words – ‘psychological’ means mind and ‘social’ means external relationships (Chapman, 2013). According to Ramkumar (2002), Erik Erikson did most of his works during the 1930s to the 1950s as a psychologist. He was fascinated in child analysis. He was the student of Sigmund Freud and he was inspired by his works. From the article of Chapman (2013), Erikson’s psychosocial theory was drawn and was extended from the ideas of...

Words: 6736 - Pages: 27

Premium Essay

Personal Portrait

...human development. I will create a personal portrait and integrate developmental theory, moral development, and gender and cultural influences. Erikson Erikson’s developmental theory will be used to analyze my life stage by stage. I will compare Erikson’s theory of development to Lawrence Kohlberg’s model of moral development and analyze how these theories have affected my development from birth to adulthood. Last I will evaluate hoe factors can be explained within the context of gender differences and environmental, cultural, and ethnic influences. We all have different personality traits many are inborn temperament traits and others were learned based on our environment and the support we receive in growing up. Erikson became a leading figure in the psychosocial study of human growth and development, formulating nine stages, with a “conflict” or “crisis” to be resolved at each stage for healthy development to occur (Crandell, Crandell, Zanden, p. 39, 2009). Each stage builds on the preceding stages and the crisis in each stage should be resolved by the ego in that stage. As employed by Erikson (1968a, p. 286), a crisis is not “a threat of catastrophe but a turning point, a crucial period of increased vulnerability and heightened potential.” More importantly he said, “remember that conflict and tension are sources of growth, strength, and commitment” (Erikson & Erikson, 1997) (Crandell, Crandell, Zanden, p. 39, 2009). Erikson first stage of psychosocial development is...

Words: 3010 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Theories of Development

...Theories of Development Amanda M. Glover Walden University There are dozens of developmental theories. There are theories that believe developmental a child learn behavior and other theories believe children are subjects of their environment. There is an age-old debate, dating back to the earliest Greek philosophers, of whether knowledge is innate-that is we are born with it-or whether it is learned through experience (Cohen, 2011). There is no proven scientific way to determine if nature or nurture controls a child’s behavior and how they develop. The developmental theories that I lean toward the most are as a Piaget’s cognitive stages of development, Freud’s psychosexual development, and Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. Piaget’s cognitive stages of development suggest that at each stage of a person’s life they learn a new skill and as they process in age their skills progress. He has identified four major stages; sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. Sensorimotor occurs from birth to 2, at this stage the child is learning to use his or her hands, feet, and eyes. He or she learns to walk and crawl or use the bathroom. The next stage is preoperational occurs from 2-7, at this stage a child “engages in symbolic thought, but dominated by perception” (Perdue University , 2009). The third stage is concrete operational this occurs from ages 7 to 11. At this stage a child’s thoughts are more rational and logical. Children become...

Words: 1314 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Theories and Theorists

...Culture of Psychology. One of my goals is working with children in the future. Therefore, it is crucial to understand human development theories that I will be able to use in my work. Human development theories can help professionals examining how a person’s behavior and personality improves during the lifespan (Berk, 2010). For this assignment, I chose two key theories that address human development. I will introduce and analyze Piaget’s cognitive-developmental theory and Erikson’s psychosocial theory. I will identify similarities and differences. Finally, I will discuss how these theories relate to my goals in research. Piaget’s Cognitive-Developmental Theory Jean Piaget (1896-1980) was a Swiss theorist who conducted research studies on cognitive development. Although he observed his own children, his theory is one of the key theories of human development. Piaget published several books on childhood development, psychology, moral judgment, and intelligence (Berk, 2010). Few of his major works that I will use for this assignment are: The Moral Judgment of the Child (1948), The Early Growth of Logic in the Child (1964), Biology and Knowledge (1971). Piaget’s four stages address infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence (Mussen, 1983). Piaget believed that there is a significant connection between biological and cognitive development. Human beings physically, mentally, and emotionally adapt to their environment (Piaget, 1971). In early childhood, the child...

Words: 1137 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Merging Young Adult

...Human Development October 14, 2014 In order to gain more knowledge about young Psychosocial Development in Merging and adulthood, I interview a young lady in college who is approaching her 30th birthday in January. For the purpose of this interview I will called the young lady Paige, a factious name to protect her privacy. Paige is the only child for her parents. She grew up in an upper class neighborhood in Greenwich where money wasn’t an option for luxury. Both her parents are still alive and a fixture in the social life like Donald Trump. When I asked Paige about what influences her path and becoming an adult, she answered with angelic smile that life experience and her environment forces her to be an adult at an early age as 13. For example my mom had been sick at home with Osteoporosis (a joint disease) since I was 12 years of age. I had to make sure she was properly care for at night, by assisting with medication and her frequent bathroom visits. My parents had so much pride to have a living care giver. They don’t want the stigma of been sick and unable to be a nursing home picture to anyone in their social circle. I noticed at the end of her answer she got really joyfully like a child getting her first Barbie doll. In addition to that, Paige mention that she her parents thought her at early age that financial and educational success is not an option. She was helping her dad in his Law office every other weekend which earned her $20.00 “chuckle”. Moreover, Spanish...

Words: 905 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Theories and Interventions for the Young Ladies of First Step Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility

...for the Young Ladies of First Step Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility ShaWanda Geter Troy University Human Lifespan Development PSY 6668 Dr. John Alberty April 14, 2016 Physical, Cognitive, and Socioemotional Development The population is described as fifteen female adolescents ranging from ages 11 to 17 years old. Although this population of females come from a diverse cultural and ethnic background they are linked by similar physical and mental issues. The females of First Step Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility are categorized as clinically obese and 2 out of the 15 observed have asthma. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Bipolar, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, psychosis, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are just some of the diagnoses these young ladies are plagued by, with some of them having multiple diagnoses. The female adolescents are currently a part of a 24-hour psychiatric residential treatment program where they can be housed from a minimum of three months up to a maximum of two years. Summary of “Normal” Development Generally, puberty serves as a marker for the beginning of adolescence. In female adolescents the breasts make an appearance or become larger and pubic and underarm hair become visible. The average female adolescent will have a growth spurt at about nine years old and peak at 11 ½ years old, their hips widen, and they have their first menstruation (Santrock...

Words: 1375 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

A Difference in Childhood Development

...Running Head: A DIFFERENCE IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT PSY 104: Child and Adolescent Development September 14, 2012 A Difference in Child Development Throughout the years, there have been many great theorists to contribute to the world of psychology. Three of the most well-known of these theorists are Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, and Sigmund Freud. All three of these men have contributed to the world of psychology in ways that have proved to change history and how we study science and even more so the development of children. From the dynamics of the development of the child and adolescent mind to the underlying causes for most adult sexual disorders, the work that these men did throughout their lifetimes proved to produce amazing results for not only managing to turn their names into household names of their time but also going down in history for bringing to one’s attention that which no one had ever dared to touch before. Although the theories contributed by these men are each significant and all are in relation to childhood and adolescent development, they also each possess certain distinct qualities that allow them to stand out beside their creator. According to Jean Piaget, his observations allowed him to gather that children reason and understand differently depending upon age in a manner of progression through a series of cognitive stages and although the rate in which they progress may differ, eventually...

Words: 2153 - Pages: 9