The Development of a Toddler:
An Application of Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory
It is a privilege to observe the development of a human being, particularly during the stages of toddlerhood. In the words of Erik Erikson, a famous developmental psychologist, “There is in every child at every stage a new miracle of vigorous unfolding.” In 1940, Erikson put forth his theory of the psychosocial development of human beings, which describes eight phases that each person transitions through throughout life. Successful “completion” of a stage and progression into the next stage is indicative of a healthy personality. Let’s consider the development of two and a half year old Max. According to Erikson’s psychosocial theory, Max’s age places him in the pivotal second …show more content…
Consequently, he has not been around Max often enough to notice distinct behavioral differences between his son and other children. This does not mean that Tony is a negligent father, but it is crucial he increase his involvement in Max’s life. As specified by Berger (2014), “Fathers enhance their children’s social and emotional development in many ways. Close infant-father relationships can teach infants (especially boys) appropriate expressions of emotion, particularly anger” (p. 197). Tony’s increased involvement can assist Max in comprehending and managing the intense emotions of toddlerhood. Furthermore, “Close relationships with infants help the men, too, reducing a man’s risk of depression” (Berger, 2014, p. 198). Depression is a common adverse consequence of Erikson’s final developmental stage of adulthood, known as integrity versus despair, which Tony will soon be entering. If a more mutualistic relationship is not established between father and son, Tony might eventually experience despair in older adulthood when he realizes he failed to form a quality relationship with
An Application of Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory
It is a privilege to observe the development of a human being, particularly during the stages of toddlerhood. In the words of Erik Erikson, a famous developmental psychologist, “There is in every child at every stage a new miracle of vigorous unfolding.” In 1940, Erikson put forth his theory of the psychosocial development of human beings, which describes eight phases that each person transitions through throughout life. Successful “completion” of a stage and progression into the next stage is indicative of a healthy personality. Let’s consider the development of two and a half year old Max. According to Erikson’s psychosocial theory, Max’s age places him in the pivotal second …show more content…
Consequently, he has not been around Max often enough to notice distinct behavioral differences between his son and other children. This does not mean that Tony is a negligent father, but it is crucial he increase his involvement in Max’s life. As specified by Berger (2014), “Fathers enhance their children’s social and emotional development in many ways. Close infant-father relationships can teach infants (especially boys) appropriate expressions of emotion, particularly anger” (p. 197). Tony’s increased involvement can assist Max in comprehending and managing the intense emotions of toddlerhood. Furthermore, “Close relationships with infants help the men, too, reducing a man’s risk of depression” (Berger, 2014, p. 198). Depression is a common adverse consequence of Erikson’s final developmental stage of adulthood, known as integrity versus despair, which Tony will soon be entering. If a more mutualistic relationship is not established between father and son, Tony might eventually experience despair in older adulthood when he realizes he failed to form a quality relationship with