Erik Erickson Psychosocial Analysis

Erik Erikson believed that all individuals had to overcome certain psychosocial conflicts to adapt properly to the environment around them. His theory focuses on eight stages that each result in a new personality characteristic. The environment at the time and the individual’s response to it determine whether the quality of the personality will be healthy or unhealthy. A healthy outcome leads to an easier time of accomplishing more positive results. An unhealthy outcome has potential to cause further damage to their psychosocial development. The first stage of this theory is the crisis of trust versus mistrust. It occurs during an individual’s first year of life where they’re entirely dependent on their caretaker. The world can be a scary and overwhelming place, especially for an infant. Their sense of fear and mistrust can turn into a sense of security if they are properly taken care of. Being able to establish trust will eventually promote attachment. The second stage focuses on the development of autonomy versus shame and doubt. This takes place during the ages of one to three. Individuals begin to utilize their independence. When those in the environment belittle their efforts …show more content…
Through the program, I work at the Gateway Family YMCA in Elizabeth. During the week I observe children of a variety of ages. The classrooms are divided by age groups. I have recognized the first stages of Erikson’s theory from my work. Infants completely rely on the protective caregivers from the “caterpillar” room. Toddlers explore the world around them as they learn about all the possibilities in the “chipmunk” room. Children of the preschool years take a step further and discover the right and wrongs of their environment in the “ladybug” room. Personally, I deal with children learning to overcome stages two and three. I try my best to be encouraging and not overprotective in order to ease their transition to the next