Erik Erikson
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Erik Erikson was a psychologist originally from Germany. He began his career in art. After attending school with Anna Freud, Erikson began to study psychoanalysis through because of her encouragement. He is now known for the production of the eight stages of development which is an expansion of Freuds five steps. Each stage is a momentous point in life. They involve certain criteria that have to be worked through so one can live a balanced and wholesome life. Those who do not master the task will have a hard time moving through life successfully. Our experiences and the way we individually work through them create a one-of -a-kind character.
The first stage is infancy; it lasts slightly longer than the first year of life. Babies count on their parents or primary caregivers for their survival. If the parent is loving, comforting and meets the infants needs and wants, he or she will gain a sense of predictability and trust for its environment. If the maintainer is neglectful and handles the infant badly he or she will mistrusts them and becomes fearful of its surroundings.
I was the first born so; my parents were able to give me the majority of their focus. My mom said that the day was usually relaxed and simple. It would mainly consist of them making things comforting for me. I would be bathed and rocked before each nap and would sit in the same rocking chair or the same spot in the kitchen for each feeding. On account of my mom spending the most time with me I was a “mommas girl”. I would settle down quickly and eat the best for her. I was a patient, easygoing and trusting infant.
Toddler hood is the second stage. This occurs from a half a year old to three years old. The young ones relationship with its parent is still very important at this stage. If a young child is surrounded by people that applaud independent and self-sustaining behaviors like walking, talking and using the potty they will have confidence in their new control and self-esteem. If a small childs caregivers limit autonomy the young child will feel suppressed and will doubt their abilities therefore becoming self-depriving and shameful. It is a battle of self-control, courage and will.
When I was a toddler my parents were excited by every little thing I did and fostered me and my “big” accomplishments. They sang and clapped when I gave up my bottle and used the toilet. My younger brother was born when I was two and I wanted to help with everything. I exerted my will constantly and shout “Lauren do”. My parents had a lot of patience and allowed me to messily feed him bottles. I was a proud big sister and all around happy and confident child.
The third stage out of Eriksons eight stages is early childhood. This happens from about three years of age until about six years of age. A child who is secure will take initiative a launch activities and feel socially accountability. They began to copy adults a role-play with dolls, talk on toy phones and play with cars using their imagination. Through their undertakings they will gain a stronger sense of confidence (Coles 132). The opposite of this would be a child whose parents are over barring and cause him or her to be confused about their purpose, lack free-spiritedness and are standoffish in social learning situations. These young children feel guilt and inadequacy because of inferiority and fear punishment.
My second brother was born when I was three. I loved my little brothers and was what my parents called “the little mother hen”. I was very independent and my parents felt I was ready for more interaction with kids my own age so, they stretched the truth and I started preschool early. I was enthusiastic each day I would go to school and see my friends, play and do new activities. I would come home and place my stuffed animals and try to rally my brothers to sit in front of me while I “taught them. I was successful as a young child because I had a large imagination and enjoyed taking charge.
The fourth stage is known as middle and late childhood. The age range is from six years old to twelve years old, just below being a teenager. Children now are beginning to thrive on their productive achievements and are developing a sense of industry rather than play (Douvan 19). They gain a feeling of worthiness through their competence amongst their family, peers and educators. If the child thinks as though they can not keep pace, especially with peers, they grow to feel inadequate. Their self-esteem lowers and they may seclude themselves and stop putting forth effort. The school and the neighborhood influence for the children is as strong and as important as the parents are, if not more.
I remember this stage being a very fun time in my life. My brothers were no longer babies so we could play “big kid” things together like board games and puzzles. I lived in the boundaries of a different school so; I had neighborhood friends and school friends and loved the variety. I went to the same elementary school my mom went to and was very proud about that. I was a ham and preformed songs I learned about memorizing the states for my entire family. I enjoyed getting my education and practicing my spelling and reading at home with my parents (not math) and getting praise from teachers for it. I was a social butterfly, excited to learn and confident and proud to show off my talents.
Eriksons fifth stage is known as Adolescences. It begins at the age of twelve and continues on until eighteen years of age. Development has shifted mainly to what we do not what is done. It is a time for defining what he or she is and what he wants to be (Nodby). One experiments with different roles which, allows the adolescent to evolve and gain a unique, integrated and sound identity in society. For some it is much more difficult and they will be found withdrawing from responsibilities which Erikson calls a moratorium. It will be likely that these individuals will experience role confusion. Pressures and demands from others may also leave them unsure. The deep questions about the philosophy of life and who they are will negatively overwhelm and suppress them.
I always had a difference of opinion and began to intensely display it. My interests were in my friends, music, partying and moratorium. I rebelled and did all of this to the extreme; going on tour with music groups and spending most of my time with friends. High school ended and I found my happy medium. I began to except the imperfections of life and people and gained a clear understanding of my morals. I figured out my role through different trials and became loyal to myself and what I believed in. I ended up pulling through