Analyzing Erikson's Theory Of Development

The first stage of Erikson’s Theory of Development encompasses the first year of life. It is during this phase that children work through fundamental questions regarding their safety within the world. Negative resolution of this stage results from inconsistent and unreliable caregiving. If there is not a nurturing relationship that the infant can draw a sense of trust from, this stage will result in the internalization of a sense of mistrust for the outside world (Engler, 2009). A successful resolution of this phase would include consistent and loving care from a caregiver the infant feels a level of attachment to. This attachment and trust would lead the infant to gain the virtue of hope. This hope fosters the belief that the individuals’

The more I pay attention to children under a year old, the more I doubt their capacity for manipulation of a parent. They cry when they have a need, and they stop crying when that need is met. It makes me realize that young children are learning to navigate their world, and if their needs are met, they will find it to be a world they can trust. At age 2, children move into the second stage of Erikson’s theory: autonomy vs. shame and doubt. It is in this stage that young toddlers begin to explore the potential of their own independence. If navigated correctly, caregivers guide children to make choices about their environment (Engler, 2009). In this stage, children begin potty training and completing other tasks that allow them to act as independent agents. When caregivers are not able to balance a sense of autonomy with guidance, children experience a negative resolution to this stage and internalize a sense of shame and self-doubt (Engler, 2009). Negative resolution can result from both overly permissive parenting or a harsh and demanding parenting style that restricts autonomous choice in behavior and holds to rigid