Erik Erikson is a Freudian ego-psychologist with a psychosocial theory. Erikson took Freud's theory of development and added a sociological aspect, plus three adult stages. Erikson's work is based on five separate ideas: People have the same basic needs; The development of the ego of self occurs in response to these needs; Development proceeds in stages; Each stage is characterized by a psychosocial challenge that presents opportunities for development; Different stages reflect differences in the motivation of the individual. (Eggen & Kauchak, 1999)
             Each one of his stages has an optimal time, as well as certain tasks that need to be done in order to develop one's fullest. If the crisis is resolved in a healthy fashion the person will be stronger socially and psychologically. This will in turn help the person in the next stage. For example, if the crisis of trust vs. mistrust is not resolved in stage one then the child may carry an unhealthy amount of trust or mistrust in the next stage and beyond. This over trust or over mistrust can be resolved after stage one but the child will be behind in their development in the next stage and will be trying to catch up socially or psychologically. (Eggen, Kauchak, 1999)
             Each stage has a psychological as well as social aspect. In stage four the social aspect of development revolves around the neighborhood and school. Erikson fells that the school and neighborhood have the most effect socially, on a child this age. This stage is important because it is the first stage in which the family is not the main social influence on a child. (www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/erikson.html)
             The psychological aspect of Erikson's chart is where it shows similarities to Freud's theory. In stage four the children will be entering the public school system. The psychological development is based on the feeling of competence. This involves doing things on their own, mak
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