Analyzing Erikson's Eight Stages Of Personality Development

In chapter 6 we learned about the social and personality development in infants. Erik Erikson has 8 stages of psychosocial development. He sees these stages as vital for the development of the growing personality. Erikson’s first stage is the most sensitive, without successfully “passing” that stage, succeeding the next stages will be difficult, resulting to an unhealthy personality. In his Trust Verses Mistrust stage, he explains that babies learn through their caregivers that the world is generally a good place to live. Through the care given, the child gains a sense of hope. However, if the child is neglected, doesn’t receive the proper care, or abused, trusting, making connections, forming bonds (all which are normal to some) can be extremely difficult to accomplish.
As Beth grew older she became very violent deeming her actions as inappropriate for her age. She was unable to form a special bond with her brother or foster parents and showed no remorse for her actions or words. Beth’s biological mother died within the first year of her life and thus was left in the care of father who didn’t meet her needs for proper love, affection, care, and nutrition. The positive outcome of passing the trust Versus mistrust stage is knowing that when in severe trouble someone will always be there to lend a helping hand. The negative outcome of trust verses mistrust is if proper care isn’t given during the first year, that child learns that in their time of desperation there will be no one there to help and will develop fear and wont trust