Erick Erickson
...Most famous for his work in refining and expanding Freud's theory of stages.
Stated that development functions through the "epigenetic principle."
EPIGENETIC PRINCIPLE- This principle states that we develop through a series of eight stages, and our progress in each stage is predetermined by our success in the previous stage.
**Stage 1: Oral-Sensory**
Age: Infancy -- Birth to 1 year
Conflict: Trust vs. Mistrust
Important Event: Feeding
Description:
The important event in this stage is feeding. According to Erikson, theinfant will develop a sense of trust only if the parent or caregiver isresponsive and consistent with the basic needs being meet. The need for careand food must be met with comforting regularity. The infant must first form atrusting relationship with the parent or caregiver, otherwise a sense ofmistrust will develop.
Pro's:
The infant's need for care, familiarity, comfort and nourishment are met. Parental consistency and responsiveness is essential for the sense of trust todevelop.
Con's:
Babies who are not securely attached to their mothers are less cooperativeand more aggressive in their interactions with their mothers. As they growolder, they become less competent and sympathetic with peers. They also exploretheir environment with less enthusiasm and persistence.
Example:
Babies will begin to understand that objects and people exist even when theycannot see them. This is where trust becomes important.
Stage 2: Muscular-Anal
Age:Toddler period -- 1 to 2 years
Conflict: Autonomy vs. Doubt
Important Event: Toilet Training
Description:
According to Erikson, self control and self confidence begin to develop atthis stage. Children can do more on their own. Toilet training is the mostimportant event at this stage. They also begin to feed and dress themselves.This is how the toddler strives for autonomy. It is...
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