Developmental Development Erik Erikson ( 1902-1994 )

There are five stages of the developmental lifespan, within each stage there are five different areas of development. Erik Erikson (1902-1994) believed that psychological development continues throughout a person’s life, he went on to develop his eight stages of psychosocial development. Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) on the other hand believed that childhood experiences affect adult personality and by the time a person reaches adolescence their psychological development is set, his five stages of psychosexual personality development was established. The lifespan begins in infancy (0-2years). Physical changes are experienced by the child during this stage. They begin to sit without any assistance, move around and also grasp on to objects†¦show more content†¦The second conflict occurs between 1 and 2 years of age; autonomy v shame and doubt. A child will begin to emphasise their independence, the caregiver should be supportive and encouraging in this stage to aid with the child’s growing confidence. Freud’s theory of psychosexual personality development states that different areas of the body called ‘erogenous zones’ take on specific importance at each of the five stages. The first year of life is known as the ‘Oral stage’. At this stage infants get pleasure from putting things in their mouth and sucking. If a child gets fixated at this stage Freud believed that later in life they would be dominated by feelings of helplessness and be incapable of personal love for other people. The second stage in Freud’s theory is the ‘Anal stage’. Toilet training occurs during this stage and Freud emphasised the process and control of defecation as the source of pleasure. The next lifespan stage is childhood (2-12years). A child’s emotional development is continuing as the child will be developing a sense of self awareness as well as establishing their personality and gender. Social skills will develop greatly as friendships will be formed and a child will take on a certain role within the new group setting. A continuation of primary socialisation occurs during this period of time in a child’s life. Cultural development also occurs at this stage as children will be deciding whether or not to take part in