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Links:      •  Self Test                 •  Print Ready Version                  •  Chapter Index		The First Two Years: Psychosocial Development - The Origins of Personality -

   Ψ  It is traditional to assume that personality is molded through the actions of parents (especially the mother); by establishing patterns of reinforcement (behaviorism-Learning Theory) or by establishing particular modes of sensual satisfaction (Psychoanalytic - Freud).

   Ψ  For Erikson, the first years of life present two psychosocial crises for the child to resolve:

• Trust vs. Mistrust - Hope is the virtue that develops upon successful resolution of this stage.
 
• Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt - Will (Determination) is the virtue that develops upon successful resolution of this stage.

•  How this is handled will leave a legacy that will influence later development.
 
Link to All of Erikson's stages

   Ψ  Research has shown that the parents' overall pattern of warmth and sensitivity is more important to the child's psychosocial development than the particulars of feeding, weaning and toilet training.

   Ψ  These traditional psychological theories maintain that personality is shaped by early nurture.