Psychosocial Development in 2- to 6-Year-Olds

Erik Erikson was an influential psychologist who was born in Germany in 1902. His famous theory of psychosocial development posited that humans go through eight stages which occur in specific chronology. Each of these stages has two possible outcomes -- a positive outcome that results in well-adjusted traits or a negative outcome that will create difficulty throughout the individual's life. Children between the ages of 2 and 6 years of age must face the first four stages, which primarily deal with figuring out the world. (See Reference 3.)

  1. Basic Trust Versus Mistrust

    • Although this stage occurs primarily between birth and 1 year of age, its results could possibly reverse in the case of a severe trauma or rupture in caregiving. This stage depends on the caregiver's consistent nurturing of the child's needs. If needs are adequately met in a predictable manner, the child will grow to trust the world. If not, he may become anxious, withdrawn or even paranoid. A child who is trusting at the age of 1 could possibly lose this quality if, for example, his father were to suddenly disappear from his life at age 2.

    Autonomy Versus Shame and Doubt

    • Between the ages of 1 and 3, children start searching for the beginnings of independence. This may manifest as the first steps taken away from the mother and the child's formation of personal tastes in food or toys. If these assertions of the child's self are accepted and encouraged, the child will learn to embrace his own autonomy. However, if these attempts are discouraged, rejected or corrected, the child may internalize a sense of shame and doubt. This child may develop into an individual who obsessively tries to do everything "correctly" or who avoids closeness with others to avoid future rejection.

    Initiative Versus Guilt

    • Starting around the age of 3 through the age of 5 or 6, the child begins asserting himself and models his actions after the adults in his life. This stage is marked by a period of experimentation in which the child creates games and initiates activities with others. If the parents nurture and support these explorations, the child will gain a sense of purpose and an ability to make decisions and lead others. However, if these efforts are controlled or criticized, he may experience a sense of guilt. This could result in a child who is plagued by excessive inhibitions.

    Industry Versus Inferiority

    • Around the age of 6, a child must use his initiative to please adults by completing projects and engaging in more demanding activities at school. If he is actively encouraged and praised for his efforts, he will develop a sense of competency and industriousness. If he is not recognized or is constricted by teachers or caregivers, this could result in an inferiority complex and feelings of helplessness. A child who internalizes this sense of inferiority may continue to be an underachiever throughout life.

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