Blog 1- Infancy

This blog will look at the differences in two different theories. The two theories the learner will learn about is Erik Erikson theory of infancy and  Piaget’s theories of cognitive development .

Erik Eriksons theory of infancy says " infancy is the stage of trust vs. mistrust" (Ashford, J.B., Lecroy, C.W., 2013). Infants have to depend on their caregivers solely on their survival and needs. This will give the infants a sense of security. "Infnats whose needs are met consistently in a warm and nurturing manner learn that the world is a safe place and that people are dependable" (Ashford, J.B., Lecroy, C.W., 2013). Infants who get this care learns to trust and gives the infants positive emotional bonds. "Babies who are neglected, rejected, and inconsistently cared for learn to be suspicious and fearful of the world around them" (Ashford, J.B., Lecroy, C.W., 2013). When infnats go thru that, develop mistrust. this can "prevent or delay cognitive development and hinder movement into other stages" (Ashford, J.B., Lecroy, C.W., 2013).

Piagets theory says the stage of infants for the age 0-2 years is called sensorimotor stage. He says this stage infants learn by trial and error. His theory is divided into six different stages, Reflex activity, Primary circular reactions, Secondary circular reactions, Coordination of secondary schemes, Tertiary circular reactions and beginning of representational thought. "During this stage, the infant goes from having mostly random reflex actions to displaying goal-directed behavior" (Ashford, J.B., Lecroy, C.W., 2013). "Goal-directed behavior, then, means putting together a series of actions to achieve a desired result"   (Ashford, J.B., Lecroy, C.W., 2013).

Social workers can use both theories when assesing infants, both have very different looks at the infant stage and how they learn.


References:
Ashford, J.B., LeCroy, C.W., (2013) Human Behavior in the Social Environment: A Multidimensional Perspective, 5th ed.