LSC 300 L
Literature for Children
Department of Library Science and Instructional Technology
Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven CT

CONTENTS:
Child Development Home

Erikson's PSYCHOSOCIAL CRISIS THEORY

A neo-Freudian theory which moved away from Freudšs biological approach and considered the vast influence of society on development

Infancy (0-1-1/2) -- Trust vs. Mistrust

• If the balance is weighted toward trust (of others and self), the child will have a better chance of weathering later crises, otherwise the child may be frustrated, withdrawn, suspicious, and lacking in self-confidence.
• Some distrust is necessary to detect impending danger or discomfort and to discriminate between honest and dishonest people.

Early Childhood (1-1/2-3) -- Autonomy vs. Doubt

• Children are involved in a struggle to be an independent self and yet not to cut this self off from others, especially parents, whose support they still need.
• Play is important and it allows them a means for developing autonomy within their own set of rules.
• Children become more aware of older children and adults other than their parents.
• Parent are the most important "other" and law and order is dominant in terms of social order that prevails.

Middle Childhood (3-6) -- Initiative vs. Guilt

• Children are increasingly expected to be responsible for themselves and for their toys and other possessions.
• The child develops a realization that onešs behavior may be in opposition to the behavior of others.
• Children learn to understand through questioning.
• Children play in solitary daydreaming and play act life crises with other children.

Late Childhood (7-11) -- Industry vs. Inferiority

• Children are determined to master tasks that are set for them; they learn to work together with other children toward a common goal; they are almost constantly engaged in activities that allow them to practice skills the culture requires of them.
• Inferiority comes when the child cannot show that he or she is competent; the child is constantly measuring themselves against their peers.

Adolescence (11 & up) -- Identity vs. Role Diffusion

• The focus of this age is a search for identity (personal and cultural); the development of identity is linked with skill mastery. Inner demands often run counter to outer demands, leading to diffusion and some instability.
• This age child is close with parents but friction over parent-control vs. independence. This group joins gangs and in-groups.