Developmental Phases

Infancy: Trust vs. mistrust

1950

Being loved will allow the infant to trust people later in life and believe that people are good. But with no love and not being properly cared for, the child will mistrust others and not believe in experiencing a successful life.

Toddlerhood: Autonomy vs. shame and doubt

1953

If a child is able to make their own choices, they become independent and learn self-control. If a child is constantly punished or held back from experiencing things, they doubt themselves and feel shamed

Early Childhood: Initiative vs. guilt

1958

When we encourage and support children who take initiative on planning activities, they are able to assess things independently. But if we put down their ideas and make them feel like their activity isn't worthy, then they feel a sense of guilt.