Erikson and Kohlberg Life Stages
Introduction
Erikson’s Developmental Stages and My Life
Erikson’s first stage of development is that of infancy which focuses on the child’s first 18 months of life. During this time a child is supposed to develop optimism, trust, confidence, and security. These key elements are developed through the love and care of a parent or primary care giver. If these elements are not nurtured then a child is more likely to develop mistrust, insecurities, and the feeling of worthlessness (Erikson 1968). During this stage of my own life, I can say that I received a great deal of love and nurturing from both of my parents. Of course I do not remember this stage in my life, but I have often heard stories about my early years. I was told that I was the apple of my father’s eye. There was nothing that I wanted or needed that he did not try to supply. I was told how he wanted another child even when my mother was adamant that she was done. They already had two children, a girl and a boy, and she did not want any more. The way the story is told, my father used a little persistence and a little alcohol on their anniversary and he got his way. Nine months later I was born and he could not have been happier.
Erickson’s second stage of development is the toddler/early childhood years ages 18 months to 3 years. This stage looks at autonomy vs. shame-will. During this stage a child learns the differences between right and wrong (1968). Children at this stage test all boundaries and begin show acts of defiance. Erickson also point out that it is during this time that a child can be subjected to the feelings of shame or low self-esteem. At this stage of my life I was told that I was a very amicable child. There was little reason for me to act out or throw temper tantrums because I pretty much had everything that I wanted. I had two siblings who were five and six years older and they catered to me. I was told that my older sister treated me like her own little baby
Erikson’s Developmental Stages and My Life
Erikson’s first stage of development is that of infancy which focuses on the child’s first 18 months of life. During this time a child is supposed to develop optimism, trust, confidence, and security. These key elements are developed through the love and care of a parent or primary care giver. If these elements are not nurtured then a child is more likely to develop mistrust, insecurities, and the feeling of worthlessness (Erikson 1968). During this stage of my own life, I can say that I received a great deal of love and nurturing from both of my parents. Of course I do not remember this stage in my life, but I have often heard stories about my early years. I was told that I was the apple of my father’s eye. There was nothing that I wanted or needed that he did not try to supply. I was told how he wanted another child even when my mother was adamant that she was done. They already had two children, a girl and a boy, and she did not want any more. The way the story is told, my father used a little persistence and a little alcohol on their anniversary and he got his way. Nine months later I was born and he could not have been happier.
Erickson’s second stage of development is the toddler/early childhood years ages 18 months to 3 years. This stage looks at autonomy vs. shame-will. During this stage a child learns the differences between right and wrong (1968). Children at this stage test all boundaries and begin show acts of defiance. Erickson also point out that it is during this time that a child can be subjected to the feelings of shame or low self-esteem. At this stage of my life I was told that I was a very amicable child. There was little reason for me to act out or throw temper tantrums because I pretty much had everything that I wanted. I had two siblings who were five and six years older and they catered to me. I was told that my older sister treated me like her own little baby