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The Stages Of Erickson's Theory Of Erik Erikson

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In this paper I’m going to introduce you to the theory of an ego psychologist called Erik Erikson. Erikson emphasized the role of culture and society and the conflicts that can take place within the ego itself, (. Erik h. erikson). Erikson also believed that as the ego develops people can learn to fix more problems that occur in social relationships. Like Freud, Erikson maintained that personality develops in a predetermined order, and builds upon each previous stage. “However he did not focus on sexual maturation but rather on the social relationships between children and the child's sense of self Bee, H. L. (1992)”. Erickson can be considered to be one of the great psychologists of the 20th century and his popularity can be “derived …show more content…

The second of the eighth stage, “toddler or the early child years: comprised of the ages around 18 months to 3 years. “At this point, the child has an opportunity to build self-esteem and autonomy as he or she learns new skills and right from wrong. The well-cared for child is sure of himself, carrying himself or herself with pride rather than shame”. During this time of the “terrible twos", defiance, temper tantrums, and stubbornness can also appear. Children tend to be vulnerable during this stage, sometimes feeling shame and and low self-esteem during an inability to learn certain skills. Erikson's third stage is called, “Initiative vs. Guilt, this stage happens to preschool age children three to five years old. During this period they experience a desire to copy the adults around us and take initiative in creating play situations. Children make up stories with dolls, toy phones and miniature cars, playing out roles in a trial universe, experimenting with the blueprint for what they believe it means to be an adult. Children also begin to use the word why according to Gould, M. A. (2015) .” The fourth stage occurs during childhood between the ages of five and twelve and is called Industry vs. Inferiority . It is at this stage that the child’s peer group will gain greater significance and will become a major source of the child’s self-esteem. The child copes with new learning and social demands. At these ages success leads to a sense of

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