Theoretical Blog1
In contrast to Piaget Theory and
Erik Erikson’s Theory was based on the belief that personality develops in a
series of stages. Erikson’s Theory
described how social environment played a key role in children’s development or
lack thereof. According to Erikson, ego
identity is the conscious sense of self developed from social interaction. As we enter each stage there is a new
challenge that either helps or hinders development. The first stage, Trust v Mistrust, occurs
from birth to one year of age. If a
child successfully develops trust with parent or caregiver then he/she will
feel a sense of comfort and security in their world. On the other end of the spectrum, if a child
has an inconsistency from parent or caregiver, the child will feel they cannot
trust adults. In the second stage,
Autonomy v Shame and Doubt, which occurs in early adolescence a child, develops
a great sense of independence. A child
in this stage begins exploring their independence and if parents allow children
to exercise their decision making then a sense of autonomy is established. Stage 3 is the Initiative v Guilt which
occurs in preschool years. Children who
excel in this stage feel capable to lead others. Those who fail in this stage lack initiative
and have self doubt. Stage 4 is Industry
v Inferiority occurs from ages 5 to 11.
Through social interactions children will develop sense of pride and are
highly confident. Those who do not excel
in this stage feel a sense of discouragement and little belief in their skills
and abilities. Stage 5 is Identity v
Confusion is during adolescence.
Completing this stage successfully will lead to fidelity and the ability
to live up to society’s expectations. In
Stage 6, Intimacy v Isolation, which occurs in adulthood during exploration of
personal relationships. Those lacking in
this stage often experience emotional isolation and failed relationships. Stage 7 Generativity v Stagnation occurs
during adulthood where continuing to focus on career and family. Those failing in this stage will be
unproductive and feel unaccomplished in careers and family. Stage 8 Integrity v Despair occurs during old
age is a complete reflection back on life itself. Successfully completing this phase means as
one looks back on life there are few regrets and a feeling of satisfaction (Cherry,
K. A. (2005).
According to (Ashford, Lecroy,
2013, p.309) Piaget’s preoperational stage has laid out an important foundation
for understanding what children know (Piaget, 1967). Piaget labeled early childhood years ages 2
to about 7, the “preoperational stage” of cognitive development. Piaget says children in the preoperational
stage cannot perform certain mental tasks like older children. During the preschool years, mental reasoning,
stable concepts, egocentrism, and magical beliefs emerge in children thoughts
as they transition from a simple use of symbols to more complicated use. Piaget talks about two sub-stages of
preoperational thoughts which are symbolic function and intuitive
thoughts. Children between the ages of 2
to 4 show characteristics of the symbolic function sub-stage because they
represent object mentality that are not present in their immediate environment
(Ashford, Lecroy, 2013, p. 309). As
stated in (Marti, 203), at this stage children can draw scribbles that
represent an object or person and play pretend games along with other
children, they also have imaginary
friend that does not exist. In the
symbolic function stage children play “house” or “school”. They engage in recreation roles as the
father, mother, student and teacher because they can envision and share complex
thoughts and ideas while they play.
Piaget’s theory states egocentrism is another characteristic of symbolic
function sub-stage as egocentric children cannot distinguish between their own
perspective and another person’s (Ashford, Lecroy, 2013, p. 309). Piaget’s second sub-stage of the
preoperational stage, intuitive thought, develops between the ages of 4 and 7. Children in this sub-stage employ primordial
reasoning, but not formal logic. At this
stage children ask questions like “why” and “how about” everything (Ashford,
Lecroy, 2013, p. 309). Piaget’s
additional critiques focus on the applicability of his work to radical and
ethnic groups and low income children.
References:
Erikson's stages of psychosocial development.
Retrieved from
http://psychology.about.com/od/psychosocialtheories/a/psychosocial.htm of
identity).
Ashford, J., & LeCroy, C. (2013). Human
behavior in the social environment: A multidimensional perspective (5th
ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole/Thomson Learning
.
I totally agree that the care giver is the sole provider of the still developing personality. The earlier influences that I have experienced had define the way in which I deal with many of my pressing issues. Today, I still find it hard to trust others. I believe that this is the result of me not bonding with my mother, as a child. There are times that I find myself lost in my relationships. Communicating with others has been a great task for me as well. I whole heartedly feel that educating a caregiver in the primal stages is the avenue to healthy relationship building. (Word count 105)
ReplyDeleteThese stages are very important to who we become or do not become as adults. The parent’s job of leading the children in the transition from one stage to the other is very important. Not only leading but how they lead as well plays a huge part in how the children will develop on emotional and mental levels. What the caregiver can bring to the overall relationship with the children is of utmost importance. The job of raising socially functioning children that will integrate into society well is no small feat that begins the moment a child comes into the world and carries through many years and changes.
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