Social Development Theories

Social Development Theories

  • Submitted By: kt3aa
  • Date Submitted: 04/13/2011 1:38 PM
  • Category: Psychology
  • Words: 933
  • Page: 4
  • Views: 1

Many psychologists have many different theories on social development, but Erik Homburger Erikson, a developmental psychologist, was most commonly known for his theory on social development on human beings.
In Erikson’s theory, there are 8 different stages: Hope: Trust vs. Mistrust, Will: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt, Purpose: Initiative vs. Guilt, Competence: Industry vs. Inferiority, Fidelity: Identity vs. Role Confusion, Love: Intimacy vs. Isolation, Care: Generativity vs. Stagnation, and Wisdom: Ego Integrity vs. Despair. Each stage is separated according to age and psychosocial crisis.
The first stage, Hope, is for infants (0 to 1 year). This theory centers around the infant’s basic needs being met by the parents. The infant depends on the parents, especially the mother, for food, sustenance, and comfort. The child’s understanding of the world comes directly from the mother and father and their interaction with the child. If the parents expose the child to warmth, love and affection, and regularity, the infant most likely, if not positively view the world one of trust. If parents fail to provide the child with such treatment and basic needs, a sense of mistrust will result. The second stage, Will, is for toddlers (2 to 4 years). The main question during this time is “Can I do things myself or must I always rely on others?” As the child begins to gain control over eliminative and motor abilities, they begin to explore their surroundings. The parents’ patience and encouragement will help foster autonomy in the child. Highly restrictive parents will more than likely instill the child with a sense of doubt and reluctance to take on new challenges. As children in this age group begin to gain mobility and muscular coordination, they become capable of satisfying some of their own needs i.e., feeding, washing, and dressing themselves. The third stage, which is Purpose, is for Preschoolers (4 to 6 years old). During this age the main question is “Am I good...

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