Erikson’s Eight Stages of Life

Erikson’s Eight Stages of Life

  • Submitted By: momobdd
  • Date Submitted: 06/16/2011 9:31 AM
  • Category: Psychology
  • Words: 871
  • Page: 4
  • Views: 1

With an influence from Freud, Erikson believed that the ego exists from birth and that human behaviour is not totally defensive. He believed that the course of human development is determined by the interaction of the body, mind, and cultural influences. Even though many developmental theories cover only childhood, he extended his study and organized human development into eight stages that covered birth to death.
First is the Infancy stage which corresponds to the Oral Sensory Stage in Freud’s theory. According to Erikson, while a baby is focused on oral senses, visual contact and touching can also be ways of dealing with the world. Erikson emphasized the loving care that is given to a child up to 18 months. When babies learn that they can trust the caregiver for their needs and comfort, they build a sense of trust that helps develop positive confidence toward the future. However, when these needs are not met in a trustworthy manner, babies develop a sense of mistrust toward the caregivers and the world in general. Erikson recognizes the importance of the early years in developing the basic human attitude of hope that the world is trustworthy.
The second stage is the early childhood stage where children begin to strengthen a sense of self-control and will. During this stage, 18-month to 3-year old children learn to master necessary skills for themselves, including toilet training. Here they have the opportunity to bring stronger understanding of self and will, resulting in building autonomy as they gain more control over their bodies. However, when children are shamed in the process of toilet training or in learning other important skills, they may feel shame for their capabilities and suffer low self-esteem. Therefore, a balanced development of self-control and autonomy is desired in harmony with appropriate social expectations.
The third stage seems to be inspired by Freud’s Oedipal Stage, where children focus on the...

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