Comparing Erikson's Autonomy And Doubt Stage Of Development

When taking the class Foundations of Human Behavior I did not realize how much this class would become an integral part of the skills I am learning. In my key experience I was able to watch human behavior on many different levels. I was able to get an intimate look at how behaviors affect the client's and relationships with those around her. I believe that this client is resting in Erikson's Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage of development. She has struggled with feeling of inadequacy as well as low self esteem. She has clearly exhibited and identified experiencing shame and guilt. This in turn causes her to doubt her ability to live on her own.

This client, I feel, has also at times sabotaged herself when she begins succeeding. She is an individual who needs continuous praise when she does something well. When she is not receiving attention for things she is doing well, I believe, she does something, which elicits negative attention. As with some small children attention is what they are seeking and it does not matter if it is positive or negative attention.

The activities that the client has engaged in have allowed her to explore herself and work toward making changes. These changes are building her self …show more content…
These feelings of success and learned independence are propelling her forward into Erikson's next stage Initiative vs. Guilt. She is taking the first steps needed to begin asserting control and power over herself and her environment. She is starting to see that she is capable of taking care of herself and is beginning to explore the world around her looking for her purpose in life. She has obtained a job, which is giving her confidence and is opening up her eyes to identifying things that she can do, rather than looking at and concentrating on the things she can not