Here we can see the importance of the caregiver on development. The infant is helpless, relying completely on a guardian and therefore need a steady, constant, and familiar figure who fulfills their needs. This goes on for the first few years of life until the child begins to walk and talk, wanting to gain independence and accomplish things on their own. In Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, three different crisis during the first five years of life: trust v. mistrust, autonomy v. shame, and initiative v. guilt. These stages are all focused on creating a safe environment for the child to grow into being secure doing things on their own.
|
Children in school ages are focused on creating a sense of confidence that is reinforced by adult recognition. It is important to make friends at this age to compete and compare themselves to in order to grow and learn. The ability to master new skills leads them to complete Erikson's stage industry v. inferiority.
|
Adolescence can be a difficult time for both parents and their children. In Erikson's theory, adolescence falls into the identity v. role confusion stage. During this time, teenagers struggle to define who they are as a person and what kind of person they portray themselves as to others. This age also fits in with James Marcia's theory of identity statuses. At this time, teenagers can wither have a high sense of exploration and commitment to their values and beliefs or are content with what they were taught by their parents. Adolescence is a time where teenagers are highly motivated by their parents, whether it's motivation to rebel and be different or follow in their footsteps.
|