Erikson's Psychosocial Stage Influences The Internal Crisis

The outcome of the first psychosocial stage significantly influences the internal crisis of the second stage. This second stage is more socially referred to as the child's "independence stage" or "terrible two's." According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, this second stage begins at 18 months and persists until the third year of child development. During this development stage, the child struggles with another internal crisis, in which Erikson identified as "autonomy versus shame and doubt." Building off the foundation developed in the first stage, a child begins to analyze their surroundings. If those surroundings are ideal for a healthy development, a child will learn independence. In which they will initially start actively venturing out

and exploring new learning opportunities. They will attempt to become self-sufficient and control inappropriate impulses. eventually, their autonomy will evolve into a virtue of "will." Sadly, the influence of complex trauma not only builds off the already developed insecure attachments and mistrust but also their low self-esteem. The child is put at a disadvantage because of their insecure attachments are poor role models or lack thereof. In which they have no one to teach them how to be self-sufficient and learn impulse control. Additionally, children that have witnessed their caregiver aggressive outburst only results in them questioning their own ability to self-control. Furthermore, a child's low-self esteem usually decreases their motivation to explore and learn now things such as walking or dressing. Their attention never shifts from survival instincts which are to avoid danger and pain. Eventually, over time the child will develop an internal conflict between wanting intimacy and being angry. This internal conflict will lead to shame and self-blaming thoughts. That shame will later create a sense of guilt. Once guilt has set in cognitive distortion and black and white thinking will soon follow. Shortly after guilt comes cognitive distortion and "black and white" thinking.