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Erikson and maslow

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Daniela A Cruz Valle Professor Karen Casey DSSA 100X 21 November 2013 A wide variety of theories and methods attempt to explain early childhood learning and development. Erickson and Maslow both have theories that focus on social and personality development, as well as a person’s motivation to learn throughout their lives. Their theories are helpful in understanding Jeannette Walls’ development of self. Erickson and Maslow also help clarify why her mother, father, and living in New York City were such influential factors in the development of Jeanette’s sense of self. Erickson theorizes that a person experiences different stages, and the “Individual confronts a major challenge or ‘crisis” (Boles, Danner, Briggs & Johnson…show more content…
A short time later, Jeannette was back cooking on the stove using a chair to reach it, when her mom saw her she said “Good for you, you are back in the saddle.” According to Erickson’s second stage of Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, Jeannette was learning a sense of personal control as well as a sense of independence. According to Maslow’s level one on the pyramid, Physiological needs; these include the most basic needs that are vital to survival: such as the need of water, air, food, and sleep. Maslow believed that these needs are the most basic and instinctive needs in the hierarchy because all needs become secondary until these physiological needs are met. Jeannette’s second factor that influenced her on her sense of self was her father. One night, Rex comes home late and Jeannette gets up to see him. He has big gashes in his face and forearm. He was too drunk to take care of his wounds, he asks Jeannette to stitch up his arm. She is terrified to draw the threaded needle through her dad’s skin, but she manages a few stitches. The next evening, when Jeannette returns from school her father had left again. Jeannette finds it hard to continue having faith in him. According to Erickson’s fifth stage of Identity vs. Role Confusion Jeannette was learning how to develop a sense of self and personal identity. Success leads to an ability to stay true to you, while failure leads to role
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