Erikson's Theory of Infant and Toddler Personality PDF

246 CHAPTER 7 Emclianal and Social Development in Infancy and Toddlerhaod 7.1 What personality changes take place during Erikson’s stages of basic trust versus mistrust and autonomy versus shame and doubl? Erikson's theory of Infant and Toddler Personality Our discussion of maj or theorie s in Chapt...

246 CHAPTER 7 Emclianal and Social Development in Infancy and Toddlerhaod 7.1 What personality changes take place during Erikson’s stages of basic trust versus mistrust and autonomy versus shame and doubl? Erikson's theory of Infant and Toddler Personality Our discussion of maj or theorie s in Chapter 1 revealed that psychoanalytic theory is no longer in the mainstream of child development research. But one of its lasting contributions is its ability to capture the essence of personality during each period of development. Recall that although Freud’s preoccupation with the channeling of biological drives and his neglect of important experiences beyond infancy and early childhood came to be heavily criticized* the basic outlines of his theory were accepted and elaborated in several subsequent theories. The most influential is Erik Erikson’s psyc/wso™/ r/jcorv* also introduced in Chapter 1. Basic Trust versus Mistrust Erikson accepted Freuds emphasis on the importance of the parent-infant relationship dur­ ing feeding, but he expanded and enriched Freuds view. A healthy outcome during infancy* Erikson believed, does not depend on the amouwt of food or oral stimulation offered but rather on the quality of caregiving: relieving discomfort promptly and sensitively* holding the infant gently, waiting patiently until the baby has had enough milk and weaning when the infant shows less interest in. breast or bottle. Erikson recognized that no parent can be perfectly in tune with the baby's needs. Many factors affect parental responsiveness—feelings of personal happiness, current life conditions (for example, additional, young children in the family), and culturally valued child-rearing practices. But when the Wawcr of care is sympathetic and loving, the psychological conflict of the first year—basic trust versus in is trust—is resolved on the positive side. The trusting infant expects the world to be good and gratifying. As a result* he feels confident about ventur­ ing out and exploring it, and he emerges from this stage well-prepared for the challenges of toddlerhood. The mistrustful baby cannot count on the kindne ss and compassion of others, so she protects herself by withdrawing from people and things around her. Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt On a visit la a science museum. a2-war-old explores a flight simulator. As lhe mother supports her toddler's desire to "do it myself/ she tasters a healthy sense oi autonomy With the transition to toddlerhood* Freud viewed the parents manner of toilet training as decisive for psychological health. In Eriksons view, toilet training is only one of many influential experiences. The familiar refrains of newly walking* talking toddlers—"No!” "Do it myself!”—reveal that they have entered a new period of budding selfhood. They want to decide for them­ selves, not just in toileting but also in other situations. The conflict of toddlerhood* autonomy versus shame and doubt* is resolved favorably when parents provide young children with suitable guidance and reasonable choices. A self-confident, secure 2-yearold has parents who do not criticize or attack him when he fails at new skills—using the toilet, eating with a spoon, or putting away toys. And they meet his assertions of independence with tolerance and understanding—for example, by giving him an. extra five minutes to finish his play before leaving for the grocery store. In contrast, when parents are over- or undercontrolling, the outcome is a child who feels forced and shamed and who doubts his ability to control his impulses and act competently on his own. In sum, basic trust and autonomy grow out of warm* sensitive parenting and reasonable expectations for impulse control start­ ing in the second year. If children emerge from the first few years without sufficient trust in caregivers and without a healthy sense CHAPTER 7 Emotional and Social development in Infancy and Toddlerhood 247 of individuality, the seeds are sown for adjustment problems. Adults who have difficulty estab­ lishing intimate ties, who are overly dependent on a loved one, or who continually doubt their own ability to meet new challenges may not have fully mastered the tasks of trust and auton­ omy during infancy and toddlerhood.