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by Ivan Oliva (Developmental Theories)
By Ivan Oliva (Developmental Theories)The developmental theory that I chose for this discussion is Erik Erikson’s psychosocial developmental theory. This biological, developmental theory centers on psychosocial development rather than psychosexual. Various stages that makeup Erikson’s developmental theory are as follows.
The first stage is trust vs. mistrust. After a child is born, this takes place between birth to one year. During this stage, the child is dependent primarily on the adult for survival, including getting food, warmth, safety, and nurturing (Maree, 2021). Children who are granted safety and security by their caregivers thrive. Whereas those rejected by their parents/caregivers develop trust issues and fear of the world.
The second stage is autonomy vs. shame. This stage occurs when a child is in their early childhood (2 to 3 years) (Erskine, 2019). At this stage, children start gaining independence. Those that their parents support end up becoming confident in themselves. In contrast, those shamed for their accidents are left without a sense of self-control.
The third stage is initiative vs. guilt. This stage occurs during the pre-school years (3 to 5 years). At this stage, children start to gain power over the world via directing plays and other social interactions (Erskine, 2019). Children who are successful in this stage develop a sense of purpose, whereas those who experience disapproval create a sense of guilt.
by Ivan Oliva (Developmental Theories) click here
The fourth stage is industry versus inferiority. This stage occurs when a child is between 5 to 11 years. During this period, children develop a sense of pride in everything they do. Children commended by their parents/caregivers develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities (Maree, 2021). Those that receive minimal motivation from their teachers, parents, caregivers, or peers start to doubt their abilities.
The fifth stage is identity vs. confusion. This stage occurs when a child is between 12 years to 18 years. It is a crucial stage because it determines the future of an individual. Teens who can explore their identity develop a strong sense of self and independence during this stage. Those who cannot define their identity become insecure and confused for themselves and the future.
The sixth stage is intimacy versus isolation. This stage occurs during young adulthood (19 to 40 years). Individuals at this stage try to create intimate and loving relationships with other people (Maree, 2021). Those that can build intimacy develop close and committed relationships with other people. Those who cannot create these relationships end up in loneliness and isolation.
The seventh stage is generative vs. stagnation. This stage occurs during middle adulthood when between 40 to 65 years. Individuals need to create things that will outlast them for the rest of the years. During this stage, individuals build their lives and focus on their careers and family. Those that accomplish this stage feel productive in their home and community. Whereas those that are unable to complete it successfully feel unproductive and uninvolved.
The eighth stage is integrity vs. despair. This is the last stage of the Erikson developmental theory, and it takes place when an individual is between 65 years to death. During this stage, successful individuals feel satisfied with their lives and are ready to face their death. Those who look backs and see that they have not achieved their wishes regret the things they have not accomplished.
Interruptions in the achievement of developmental stages can affect individuals by altering their perception of themselves and influencing their lifelong health and learning. To have good health and develop full potential, individuals must feel safe, secure and have access to medical care, good relationships with other people, responsive parenting, and high-quality opportunities both at home and school (Knight, 2017). Interruptions in any developmental stage can affect their learning and mental health; if a child is not complemented during the initiative vs. guilt stage, they are likely to feel guilty in everything they do, thus losing a sense of pride. Such children may also develop other mental issues such as depression and anxiety.
by Ivan Oliva (Developmental Theories)
Finally, according to my theory (Erik Erikson psychosocial developmental theory), various developmental vulnerabilities that could precipitate mental health symptoms are lack of support and poor decision making. When children lack support from their parents/caregivers, teachers, or even peers, they might develop various vulnerabilities that could lead to mental issues. For example, children that may be shamed for their accidents during the autonomy vs. shame stage may be left without a sense of self-control, which may later cause distress and anxiety in their lives. Besides, poor decision-making when a child is developing could lead to mental health symptoms. For example, a teen that may make wrong decisions during the identity vs. confusion stage can produce a false sense of identity, eventually feeling insecure and confused about themselves and the future (Knight, 2017). This, as a result, could precipitate mental symptoms including hopelessness, confusion, fears or worries, extreme mood changes, and withdrawal from friends, among many more. Click here