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by Tashanda Elliott - Monday, 16 September 2024, 2:11 PM
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Psychologist Erik Erikson developed his eight stages of development.

The stages clarify the developmental challenges faced at various points in life.

The 1st stage is Infancy: Trust vs. Mistrust. This is when an infant learns trust or mistrust. An example of learned trust is when a parent and or caregiver attends to a child when it cries. Using the same example when a parent and or caregiver does not attend to the child's cries then the infant may learn mistrust.

The next stage is number 2: Toddlerhood: Autonomy vs. Shame and Self-Doubt. This is when a toddler learns how to be independent or remains codependent on their parent and or caregiver. Example of have autonomy is when the child is encouraged to do things on their own appose to being shamed and developing self-doubt for being told they are unable to do it themselves.

Preschool Years: Initiative vs. Guilt is stage 3. This is when a child enters preschool and learns to take initiative to learn. If the child is in an environment that guilt is placed on them, they will lack growth and ambition. An example is when a parent or caregiver is nurturing and not controlling.

Next is Stage 4: Early School Years: Industry vs. Inferiority. This is a very important part of development as this will define the level of indolence a child will have as they continue to grow. The examples of confidence over inferiority pave the road of success.

Stage 6: Young Adulthood: Intimacy vs. Isolation is where you will see how each prior stage will have its lasting effect on a child's life. the example set in this stage is completed based on all the prior stages and is they were completed in a positive manner.

This next stage 7 Middle Adulthood: Generativity vs. Stagnation is where the continue development will be seen. Will the child have the ability to contribute to society or will they stay stagnant in their growth and have more childlike behavior.

and the final Stage 8: Late Adulthood: Ego Integrity vs. Despair. Have they developed enough autonomy they will be able to excel in life as an adult or will all the shame turn into complete doubt and their life does not progress in anyway.

Erikson’s eight stages of development is a popular theory. Yet it has also received a fair amount of criticism from the psychological community.

Erikson is often criticized for supporting a limited view of human development. Critics argue Erikson focused too much on childhood, neglecting the development that occurs in adulthood. He admitted a person’s identity could change in adulthood after the adolescent stage. Yet he did not offer any speculation on how or why such a change would happen.

*I believe Erikson's 8 stages of development are on track even though he is criticized. These are the most important stages of developing into a person you hope to be a successful person in society. Following his basic stages and understanding the greater long-term effects one will have is spot on.

Answer 1

Hi Tashanda,

Thank you for your insightful overview of Erik Erikson's eight stages of development. I appreciate how you clearly outlined each stage and its significance in shaping a person’s identity and behavior throughout life.

It's true that the foundations laid in early childhood have lasting effects on our ability to navigate relationships and society as adults. Your examples illustrate how positive reinforcement can foster autonomy and initiative, while negative experiences may lead to shame and doubt.

I also find it interesting that you highlighted the criticism Erikson's theory has received, particularly regarding its focus on childhood at the expense of understanding adult development. This raises important questions about the complexities of identity and growth beyond adolescence, which can indeed fluctuate due to various life experiences.

Overall, I agree that Erikson’s stages provide a valuable framework for understanding personal development. It’s essential to consider these stages as part of a broader, ongoing journey that encompasses both childhood and adulthood. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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