Erik Erikson expanded on the theories of Sigmund Freud as he also explained that human development progressed through different stages. As Freud emphasized fixed stages that were influenced by adult and child relationships, Erikson used a model that focused on the crises of development and the influence each stage had on the stage that followed.

The stages in Erikson’s theory were based on conflicts and tasks that were to take place during the developmental stage. For example, in the newborn stage, the child faces the conflict of trust vs. mistrust. Building off of these results in the toddler stage, the child faces the conflict of autonomy vs. shame/doubt. This pattern continues through each of the eight stages of development.

Each of these stages offer insight as to how the child should be cared for. For example, understanding that the child faces the conflict of trust vs. mistrust in the infancy stage, the theory recommends that a newborn should have consistent care by a specific individual in order to learn that to trust the fact that the individual will always be there. The second stage focuses on autonomy and shame/doubt. This theory suggests that during this stage, the child should be able to learn independence in a safe environment while trusting that the adults will not shame them for attempting new things. This stage consists of things such as potty training and structured independent playtime.

Continuing into the third stage, the preschooler focuses on initiative and guilt. Followed by school aged children who face Industry (competence) vs., Inferiority. These stages are not directly fixed as those in Freud’s model but do have specific desired outcomes. These outcomes, in order from stage 1 to stage 4, include drive and hope, self control and willpower, direction and purpose, and method and competence. It is important for caregivers to recognize these developmental stages in order to foster an environment that promotes these desired outcomes.

The infancy stage, although obviously not memorable, had a lasting impact on my personal development. Fortunately, as a child, I was able to be cared for at home by my mother who was a stay-at-home mom. According to Erikson’s theory, this consistency in care that I received through my infancy aided in my ability to trust and laid the foundation for successful outcomes in later stages. I feel that I am a very driven individual with a positive outlook. Therefore, I find that this stage in development is critical to future stages.

I recently encountered a preschooler who was apparently overly coddled and not expected to act on his own in his home environment. When placed in an environment that fostered the child to make some choices for himself, he was unable to make acceptable choices that did not interrupt the other children. By gradually showing him the importance of playing within the guideline while still encouraging him to make some independent decisions, his actions during free play showed a greater sense of self control.