Infancy: Basic Trust versus Basic Mistrust Early Childhood: Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt Play Age: Initiative versus Guilt

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1. Infancy: Basic Trust versus Basic Mistrust

The domain of this stage is infancy period from birth to 18 months. Erikson as cited in Feist p. 248 states that “infancy is a time of incorporation, with infants “taking in” not only through their mouth but through their various sense organs as well.” As they take in food and sensory information, infants learn to either trust or mistrust the outside world, a situation that gives them realistic of hope. Infants most significant interpersonal relations are with their primary caregiver, their mother. The inevitable clash between basic trust and basic mistrust result in people’s first psychosocial crisis. If a child successfully solves this crisis, he will acquire his first basic strength-hope. The child also will feel safe and secure in the world.

2. Early Childhood: Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt

The domain of this stage is between the ages of 2 to 3. According to Erikson as cited in Feist 2006, early childhood is a time of experiencing doubt and shame as children learn that many of their attempts at autonomy are unsuccessful p. 250. In this stage, children need to develop a sense of independence and a sense of personal control over physical skills. If a child is success in this stage, it leads to feelings of security and confidence while a child fails the results are feeling of shame and doubt. Autonomy grows out of basic trust and if basic trust has been established in infancy, then children learn to have faith in themselves and their world remains 23 intact while they experience a mild psychosocial crisis. If children do not develop basic trust during infancy, they will feel a strong sense of shame and doubt, setting up a serious psychosocial crisis.

3. Play Age: Initiative versus Guilt

This stage happens in play age period at the ages of 3 to 5. Erikson as cited in Feist 2006 explains that in addition to identifying with their parents, preschool-age children are developing locomotion, language skills, curiosity, imagination, and the ability to set goals. In this stage, children need to begin asserting control and power over the environment. Children who are successful at this stage feel capable and able to lead others. Those who fail to acquire these skills are left with a sense of guilt, self-doubt, and lack of initiative.

4. School Age: Industry versus Inferiority