Assignment
Background Information
As infants, we depend on our caregivers to provide for our basic needs and develop trust when these needs are met. Otherwise, we may grow up to be suspicious and mistrustful.
Trust is base for human development. Trust is gained in the self and others around you. It has a sense of warmth and security, especially by one's mother. When a baby cries and a caregiver picks up that child, trust is built. When a baby cries because they have pooped and wants to be changed and a mommy changes his or her diaper, trust is built. If the care the infant receives is warm, consistent, predictable, and reliable, they will over time develop a sense of trust which will carry with them to other relationships, and they will be able to feel secure even when threatened.
Likewise with mistrust for a baby... If the care has been inconsistent, unpredictable, unreliable, cold, and/or rejecting, then the infant may develop a sense of mistrust, suspicion, and anxiety. In this situation, the infant will not have confidence in the world around them or in their abilities to influence events.
Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of hope. By developing a sense of trust, the infant can have hope that as new crises arise, there is a real possibility that other people will be there as a source of support. Failing to acquire the virtue of hope will lead to the development of fear and despair.
This infant will carry the basic sense of mistrust with them to other relationships. It may result in anxiety, heightened insecurities, and an over feeling of mistrust in future relationships.
Reference:
Robert V Kail & John C Cavanaugh (2016). Human development: A life-Span View 7th edition
Instructions
In this short essay reflection you will review and describe Erik Erikson's psychosocial stages of development.
You will want to be sure you have read our Module reading under Learning Goal #1 about psychoanalytic theories.
Objectives:
1. Describe Erikson's theory of psychosocial development.
2. Explain the crisis of trust versus mistrust
3. List the milestones of emotional expression and social interaction in infancy and early childhood.
Expectation:
1. Make a 1.5-page reflection paper. Citations from this canvas course should be like the following example, (Gayle, 2020, 3.1.3). Meaning, you found your information on my canvas page, in module 3, Learning Goal #1 Reading, in Section 3). Again, this is an example. You may reference whatever module and section relevant to this assignment. You may reference articles
2. Provide an overview of Erikson's psychosocial theory. In infancy, Erikson describes the crisis of trust versus mistrust. Describe the elements of trust and the elements of mistrust. What is the impact if a person does not resolve this crisis? What are the possible implications for relationships in adulthood? Think of someone you know who you think did not resolve the trust vs. mistrust crisis.
3. For infants, trust is an emotion. Describe the milestones of emotional expression.
Describe your thoughts on how emotional development and expression support Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. How does emotion support the growth of attachment?
4. Be sure to address each of the following your reflection:
Sample of Assignment:
Independent Activity- Digging Deeper into Emotions and Attachment.doc
A. Describe the elements of trust.
B. Describe the elements of mistrust.
C. Describe the milestones of emotional expression (from the article provided).
D. Provide your thoughts on how emotion development and expression support Erikson's stages of psychosocial development
E. What are the implications if a person does not resolve this crisis? (you may use a real-life example).
F. What are the possible effects that could emerge in adulthood?
G. How might environmental factors such as poverty, single parenting, premature delivery, and/or a number of siblings influence an infant's attachment and emotional expressions? You may provide an example of a child you know that illustrates your position.