Stages One and Two of the Ericson Theory

Janice M. Brown

Aspects of Psychology

Group Project

December 3, 2012

Stages one and two of the Erikson’s theory

The first state of the Erikson’s theory is trust versus mistrust. This stage occurs between birth and one year old. This is the fundamental stage of life and infants are dependant on the development of trust which is solely based on the child’s caregiver. The child giver quality and dependability will determine the development of trust. When a child develops trust they will feel secure and safe in the world providing they do not develop a fear or belief that the world is inconsistent and unpredictable. Caregivers who tend to be inconsistent, emotionally detached and rejecting will contribute to feelings of distrust in the child. [ (Cherry) ] I had to come up with a show I thought everyone was familiar with to demonstrate and analyze to represent this stage. The only thing I can come up with is the show Full House. This show had a set of twins who were infants when they became stars. They took turns playing the role of Michelle Tanner. While making the show the two children had to become comfortable with the cast that made the show. I feel the trust has to be established cause if not the show would not have last as long as it did which was 192 episodes and 8 seasons.

Autonomy versus shame and doubt is the second stage of the Erikson’s theory. This stage occurs in early childhood and focuses on the child developing a superior sense of personal control. According to the Erikson theory potty training a child leads to a feeling of control and independence because of the control they have of their own bodily functions. Not only that, in this stage letting a child chose what they wear and choosing the toys they play with and sometimes if the parent is willing they also can choose the food they eat. When this stage is mastered by the child it lets the child feel confident. When this is not accomplished the child may feel inadequate and have...