Erikson Study

Trust vs Mistrust
The way humans develop their thoughts of the world begins within the first crucial stage
of Erick Ericksons Psychosocial Developmental Theory, ranging from birth and extending
through the first year of life. He believed this was vital to the growth and development of an
infant. Learning to trust or either mistrust their environment, infants gain a sense of importance
of their surroundings. Where there is trust, an infant develops an understanding of their
environment. If an infant bonds to their mother and father as well as their loved ones, there is
then comfort, nurture, and provided fulfillment to their every need. A sense of trust is formed
where the infant feels safe within their environment and can thus move onto the next stage within
Eriksons Psychosocial Developmental Theory. (Berk, 2012, p. 16)
Just as an infant can quickly develop trust with their immediate surroundings, they have
the ability to grow mistrust just as fast. Where there is a lack of nurture, comfort, and fulfillment
of necessary needs, an infant cultivates fear in which drives them away from their natural
development. They realize their world is not a safe place and thus grow into an individual who is
unable to cope with mature life situations. (Berk, 2012, p. 16)
Upon a deep discussion with my mother about my infanthood, she told me I was a baby
with great trust rather than mistrust. She explained to me how I was an excellent baby because I
rarely cried or fussed. My mother told me of how I loved being held and walked around, and
most of the time my mother would hold me. This connects to Eriksons theory as again, gaining
trust means all needs were met as far as nurturing and comforting. My mother also mentioned
how she let my older siblings hold me as well as they liked to help out with their new baby sister.
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My mother explained how I was due to be born around Thanksgiving time; however, I
was born December 18. She said I was a very stubborn baby, although I turned out to be a great
infant. While she told me about my infanthood, she laughed and mentioned how I loved to
breastfeed. From reading through textbooks and learning about bonding as an infant, I would say
I did not have a hard time trusting the world. I would suggest from being a child who did not cry
or cause trouble, I did not have a hard time transitioning to the new world I was placed into.
My mother also mentioned how I loved to rocking in my little swing. She said it would
put me straight to sleep when she needed a little time to herself. She discussed with me one time
when my siblings and I were a little too much for my mother at the time. She set me down into
my swing while she took care of the other children. My mother turned on my swing and took off
to take care of my siblings. When she finished, she came back to find me sleeping heavily with
my head to the side, snoozing away while rocking in my little swinging chair. I would say I am
pretty proud of my infant self because my mother did not find me a troubling infant.
Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt
Eriksons second stage of Autonomy Versus Shame and Doubt ranges between the ages
of one to three years. Infants and toddlers at this age begin to develop a sense of independence. A
child, for example, would want to clothe themself for the first time. A child so young is
developing their independence because after practicing numerous times with their parents to
dress every day, they take it upon themselves to maneuver the task. In this case the child ends up
putting their shirt and pants on backwards. Parents who yell at their child for the poor job they
have done are harming their child. They will slowly produce an understanding in which they
cannot perform specific tasks on their own. A child becomes reliant on others and has the
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inability to master crucial skills within their growth and development of later stages. This in turn
causes the child to develop shame and doubt. (Berk, 2012, p. 16)
Parents who instead encourage the fact their child attempted to clothe themself on their
own rather than demean them helps the child know it is accepted to try performing new tasks.
Showing how it is acceptable to make mistakes will help the child understand to problem solve
by finding ways to correct their failures. With a little failure, there is always room for
improvement and a child who understands this statement will find autonomy and master later
skills within their growth and development. (Berk, 2012, p. 16)
Upon a second discussion with my mother she informed me how I was definitely a child
of autonomy; I had no problem exploring the world around me. She started off explaining the
time I first walked. My mother told me how excited she was as she was sitting on the floor with
me playing and all of a sudden I just pushed myself up with the aid of the coffee table next to
me. I pushed myself up and walked over to a little doll close to me because I wanted to play with
it and show it off to my mother.
Another point in time my mother was proud of after I started walking was when I was
able to climb stairs. At the time, my family was moving often because my father was in the
military. We lived in an apartment that was four flights of stairs up and on days she had to carry
lots of groceries, I would climb the stairs along with my older siblings, just to make it a little
easier on my mom. It helped her because she did not have to worry so much about carrying
groceries and also carrying me up the stairs. I proved my independence.
My mother and I also discussed how as a toddler I loved to dress up and watch little kid
shows, specifically Barney. As a toddler I loved being dressed up by my three older siblings.
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They would put feather hats on my head and dress me in scarves and whatever clothing was
lying around. There was a picture she showed me where I had a beaded necklace around my neck
wearing my fathers house slippers and no diaper on. I was dancing around the house wearing
just that and was having a great time because I had a huge laughing smile on my face. My
mother seemed to have no problem with it as instead of punishing my nudity, she welcomed it by
taking pictures. This proves my sense of autonomy as I was not shy in any way to explore the
world around me and the ways it worked toward my advantage.
Initiative vs Guilt
Initiative versus guilt spans between the ages of three and six. During this time, children
begin to develop their own imagination. They begin make-believe play and explore their
environment. Parents who trust their children to play outside or in another room help them learn
it is okay to self-express themselves. Parents can also encourage their childs play and
imagination, making the child again feel their expression is positive. By joining in with the child
when playing House initiates imaginative play, thus aiding the child in developing real-life
scenarios in their mind. Children take the initiative as mom or dad or even baby when they
are introduced to playing imaginatively. Through this type of play they have the ability to master
specific adult situations and have an easier time solving adult-like problems in their future.
(Berk, 2012, p. 16)
Guilt arises when parents discourage their children and demean their imaginative play.
For example, instead of joining in playing House parents will tell their children they are stupid
for pretending to play with imaginary friends or pretending to think they will be rich some day.
Through imaginative play, children learn to understand real-life situations. By problem solving
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through play with situations such as who will take care of the baby, children are truly
understanding how to handle similar situations in their future. A child who is held back from
playing in such ways will grow into an individual who cannot master adult situations and thus
struggles to gain success. (Berk, 20120, p. 16)
I have a hard time recalling much of my childhood so my mother helped tremendously in
providing me with stories of my past. As a child, from the information my mother gave me, I
was a child with initiative rather than one with guilt. I was a very imaginative child, my mother
says. I loved to play with my kitchen set, fake food, and kitchen supplies. It makes me think that
is why I have such a passion for cooking today. She says I loved to concoct different cuisines
and make sure everyone tried it and told me what they thought of my discovered food.
Another imaginative form of play was pretending to be a mermaid. I used to love
watching Disneys The Little Mermaid and during the summer I would pretend to be one while
playing in our little pool. I remember I would lie down in the pool water and put my legs and feet
together. I would use only my legs and nothing else, moving them up and down like a mermaid
would, swimming around in circles. Not only did I do this as a child but also in my later
childhood. It was so fun to do and it was always fun having a little imagination. Little did I
realize while playing imaginatively how this resulted in gaining the initiative rather than forming
guilt while growing up.
Industry vs Inferiority
Eriksons next stage involved industry versus inferiority. This falls under the ages of six
to eleven. This is the time when children develop their social ties with others. Children also
begin their schooling, making new friends and also learning new, developmentally appropriate
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material. If, when in school, a child is performing well in learning to read, the teacher will
congratulate them and encourage more reading with books, newspapers, and more. The student
will be excited because they are succeeding in class and will, as the teacher recommended,
continue to read more. (Berk, 2012, p. 16)
A child develops inferiority if the teacher constantly critiques the student and tells them
they are horrible in the subject. The student will lose motivation in striving to perform to the best
of their ability. When there is no positive feedback or aid in mastering new words, the student
lacks motivation to succeed. Lacking the will to succeed leads to adult laziness in wanting to
contribute to society. Feeling inferior to the world places the child in the category of
unsuccessful measures. (Berk, 2012, p. 16)
I remember in the sixth grade I created a presentation on a research project of a country
of my choice. I made a poster board illustrating certain aspects of the country including their
flag, buildings and important people. I remember I did my project on the country of Bhutan. I
wanted to research an incredibly unfamiliar country, just to be different from everyone else. I put
so much time into the project, making sure my poster board looked phenomenal. At the end of
the assignment, I remember my teacher was so proud of me for a job well done on my board. He
was impressed with not only my artwork, but my research and presentation. I felt extremely
proud of myself because all of the hard work I put into the project. I was quite industrial because
of this project. I have always been an individual to prepare my work to the best of my ability
because I know in the end it will pay off with words of encouragement and positive feedback
from my instructors.
Identity vs Role Confusion
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Children reaching adolescence begin developing their own identity. They begin
discovering who they are and what they want to be when they grow up. Kids at this age, in
school, normally form cliques such as the preps, goths and athletes. Someone who is facing role
confusion would be someone who is bullied or made fun of for liking something out of the
ordinary. This person could also come from a difficult home life involving parents who talk
down to them or also make fun of them for being different. Contrarily, a child who knows their
identity receives positive encouragement from their family and peers to be their unique self.
(Berk, 2012, p. 16)
All through high school I had my little group of three to four close friends. I never placed
myself in one of those stereotypical groups; I was content with who I was. I believe under this
stage I consider myself to know my identity. I knew I was not the smartest or the most popular
person in my class; however, I knew I wanted to be successful in life. I knew I wanted to
graduate and continue my schooling and better myself. I wanted a career to be as successful as
possible throughout my life. Although at the time I was not certain of a career, I knew the path I
wanted to take.
Senior year our academic advisor in my high school pressed us to have a college as well
as potential degree in mind for when we graduated. I however, was really fuzzy on what major I
wanted to go into when I graduated. All through school I enjoyed learning anything and
everything. I had an interest in just about everything. I did feel a little pressured by my family,
though, in making a decision. I was told I needed to have a major in mind so I could get the ball
rolling when I entered into college. I asked around to people who were in college and they told
me many people in their first year throughout half of college change their major multiple times.
Hearing this news put me at ease because I knew it was okay not to have a definite major in
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mind. Through understanding my life situations, although unsure at the time, I know I had an
identity. I knew exactly what I wanted out of life and knew what I needed to do in order to be the
successful individual.
Intimacy vs Isolation
The next stage of Eriksons Theory of Psychosocial development involves intimacy and
isolation. Individuals begin to form intimate relationships with others, forming close bonds with
one another. A person who attracts a mate successfully is on the track toward a successful
adulthood. Someone who has had multiple relationships and has been cheated on, for example,
will have a harder time forming a bond with someone new. This could be the cause not only
from previous intimate relationships but also from relationships of the past including family and
friends. (Berk, 2012, p. 16)
I have been one to struggle with relationships. When I was four, my mother and father
divorced. I have one crystal clear memory of the two of them fighting in front of us kids. There
was a lot of yelling and I remember my mother walking out for the night. I remember the next
morning my mother picked us kids up but I cannot remember where we went or what happened
afterward. All throughout my childhood my father was never there. I saw him maybe a couple
days every other month, if that. Most of the time he was off somewhere else. I grew up full of
anger toward everything that happened.
I have been told, I cannot remember by whom, how a woman finds a man who resembles
their father. I feel I have struggled with relationships throughout my life as well as the intimate
ones because of the relationship I have had with my father. I have come across men who in the
beginning have seemed to be the greatest people in the world, only to transform into who they
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truly were. For example, I have been in a relationship with someone and for the longest time we
were getting along fantastically. We seemed to be the best of friends as well as boyfriend and
girlfriend. After the first couple months, we started to slowly go downhill as I discovered him
cheating on me. I remember confronting him about it only to have an escalated argument. I knew
it was a horrible situation to be in and absolutely no one deserves that kind of treatment, so I
decided I needed to be strong and get myself out of the situation before it grew into something
worse.
Based upon my previous situations in dealing with relationships, I have found I struggle
between intimacy and isolation. Individuals who undergo life situations such as the ones I have
gone through understand how difficult it is to trust and find love. Though not impossible, it is a
difficult situation for an individual to find their mate and carry on onto the next stage of
Eriksons theory.
Generativity vs Stagnation
Generativity and stagnation take place during middle adulthood. This is when adults
begin forming families of their own, passing on their knowledge from their own childhood.
Parents are able to pass on information of their experiences to their children so they can learn
how to take on the world when it is their time to be independent. When parents are able to
nurture their family, it gives them a sense of accomplishment; however, when they are unable to
do so, they feel disappointment as they are unable to contribute like most other people do. (Berk,
2012, p. 16)
I have not experienced this stage yet, but I am absolutely set on being a mother. I feel like
it was what I was born to do. I absolutely adore children and their company. I want to create a
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part of me and my future love-of-my-life and teach them all I know about the world. I have had I
do not know how many dreams that seem so realistic on having children.
Ever since my niece and nephews were brought into my life, my outlook on being a
mother has drastically changed. My sister joined the army and while she was away for training,
her husband at the time had me babysit. I absolutely loved it! It was as though I was playing
mother for them while their mother was away. I would spend the entire day with them just
playing, making sure they were fed and had taken their naps on time. I remember while I was
still in high school I would go see them every day after school and go home after they were put
to bed. I loved spending all of my time with them. They are the light of my day. Every time I see
the kids now it is like they have grown a foot!
As a future mother, I would want to have generativity. I would love to have at least three
children. I grew up from a family of five. Although irritating, I love each and every one of them.
They have helped me while growing up and I greatly appreciate it. For my future children, I want
to make sure they have someone to look up to. I want to provide my children with the best
possible environment. I want to make sure they can talk to me about anything and everything. I
do not want to make my children go through everything I had to, meaning specifically a divorce,
because from experience, it can really screw up a childs emotions.
Integrity vs Despair
This stage in Eriksons Psychosocial Theory of Development takes place in late
adulthood. During this time, older adults who have integrity feel their lives were well lived.
These people do not fear death and take it on as a welcomed passing. Those who are filled with
despair fear death and feel unsuccessful in contributing to the next generation. Many people
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associate those who are older as being very wise, as they have experienced every aspect of the
world and know how to advise the younger generations and help them to take on the world after
they pass. (Berk, 2012, p. 16)
When I grow old, I would expect to be an elder with integrity. I want to view my life with
happiness. I want to be someone who feels fulfilled with what I have done with my life. I want to
know that I have done anything and everything I could for the next generation. I would definitely
not want to be one in despair. Why would I want to be someone who is depressed with how my
life took place? I will live my life to the fullest and be happy with everything I have done
because I believe everything happens for a reason. We cannot go back and change the past
because it would only alter everything in the present. I will live with the choices I make and will
be happy with the outcomes.
When I grow older, I want all of my children to provide me with a ton of grandbabies. I
loved spending the time raising my own children and watching them grow, but having more
babies around the house would be fantastic. Also, grandparents love to spoil, and I would love to
spoil my grandbabies. I see my own parents with their grandkids and how they like to spoil them.
Not necessarily giving the kids candy and letting them rule the house, rather they let them be a
little more imaginative and let them use up more energy. That way, when they send the
grandkids home, they go straight to bed, which in turn helps out the parents.



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Reference
Berk, L. E. (2012). Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Seventh Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson
Education, Inc.