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perspective that the world is in an undependable, unpredictable, and possibly dangerous place.
Erikson believes that the chil d’s development of trust depends on mother
figure. It means that the mother plays an important role in this stage and it is not only by meeting the child’s basic comfort and nurturance needs, but by having
confidence in herself. Erikson believes that “an anxious mother transmitted this anxiety to the child, which he saw as unhealthy: a mother’s tension causes a
corresponding state of tension in her baby, resulting in a feeling of insecurity and lack of trust” Fleming, 2004: 8.
2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
The second stage of Eriksons theory of psychosocial development takes place during early childhood. This stage focuses on children developing a greater
sense of personal control. The child will start to explore his or her surrounding as he or she gains control over his or her own body and motor abilities. The parents
persistence and support will help foster autonomy in the child. The parents who are very restrictive will cause the child to have a sense of doubt and unwillingness
to try new challenges. At the same time as the child gains muscular coordination and mobility, toddlers become able of fulfilling some of their own needs. He or
she starts to feed himself or herself, wash and dress himself or herself, and use the bathroom. “If caregivers encourage self-sufficient behavior, toddler develops a
sense of autonomy- a sense of being able to handle many problems on their own. But if caregivers demand too much too soon, refuse to let children perform tasks
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of which they are capable, or ridicule early attempts at self-sufficiency; children may instead develop shame and doubt about their ability to handle pro
blems” Erikson, 2007: 6.
3. Initiative vs. Guilt
Around age three and continuing to age five, children initiate to declare their power and control over the world through directing play and other social
interaction. They start to arrange activities, make up games, and start activities with others. Thus, they can commence motor activities of various sorts on their
own and no longer merely responds to or copy the actions of other children. They learn that they can do many things. They also discover that, though they can do
things, it is not necessarily a good idea to do some things. Thus, they will feel a new emotion; guilt. They find out that some behaviors may make them feel less
than happy about themselves. 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. Industry vs. Inferiority
