Research any two of these developmental theories; compare and contrast the theories by identifying the ways they are similar and different: • Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory • Bowlby’s Attachment Theory...

Running Head: ACADEMIC WRITING        
ACADEMIC WRITING        2
ACADEMIC WRITING
The following report discusses the two psychological theories of Erikson’s psychosocial development theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the similarities and contrast between the two theories.
Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory    
Erikson’s psychosocial development theory maintains personality development of a person is predetermined in an order of eight stages of psychosocial development starting from childhood to adulthood. The theory maintains that during the stages of life the various psychosocial crises experienced by the person have either a positive or an adverse effect on the development of personality of an individual.
One acquires basic virtue and a healthy personality upon successfully completing each of these eight stages. And ego can resolve any upcoming crises using basic attributes. If an individual fails to complete any stage successfully then the failure leads to the individual in reducing his ability in completing the further stages. For this unsuccessful attempt an unhealthy personality and sense of self is developed as a result.
The following are the stages according to the psychosocial theory of development-
1. Trust vs. Mistrust-This stage starts from the birth to around 18 month from birth of the child. This stage is characterized by uncertainty about the world in the infant and their looking up towards their primary caregiver for constant care and support. As opined by Dunkel and Harbke (2017), depending upon the care and support received by the infant they develop their virtues. Consistent, reliable and predictable care leads individuals to develop a sense of trust, which they can carry to the other relationships. Inconsistent, unreliable care leads of development of sense of mistrust, suspicion and anxiety and will result in the infant losing confidence in the world. Successful completion of this stage leads to the development of the virtue of hope.
2. Autonomy vs. Shame-It is the second stage of this theory, which happens between 18 months of birth to 3 years of age. Erikson maintains that this child is characterized by child’s focus on development of sense of personal physical control and independence. Successful completion of this stage leads to virtue of will. Children supported and encouraged in this stage find...