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gamijanet69
gamijanet69
Student
Vocational

According to Erick Erickson, what does the oral-sensory stage mean?

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Posted by gamijanet69 on Sunday March 29, 2009 at 12:34 PM and tagged with erik erickson, oral sensory stage, psychology, social sciences.

Answers:

  1. jennifer-taubenheim
    jennifer-taubenheim Teacher
    Middle School

    eNotes Editor

    The Oral Sensory Stage takes place during infancy, which is birth through 18 months. During this time babies explore the world around them by putting everything in their mouth. During this time they are developing their sense of trust vs. mistrust. If the baby experiences positive love and care during this time (especially from the mother), they will learn to trust that life is basically ok and that they will be cared for. If they fail to have their needs met during this time, they may end up with feelings of worthlessness and a sense of mistrust towards others.

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    Posted by jennifer-taubenheim on Sunday March 29, 2009 at 1:13 PM

  2. biancaxox
    biancaxox Student
    High School - 12th Grade

    The first stage Trust vs. Mistrust applies to infants from birth to 12 months. In this stage, the newborn must develop trust so it can see the world as a safe place. The infant must obtain physical comfort and no fear of the future. The child obtains this belief through the comfort and care it receives by his parents. If the child is not held enough, fed enough, cleaned enough etc. then the kid will develop mistrust and see the world as an unsafe environment.  It is however important to remember that a child can develop mistrust as they grow older.

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    Posted by biancaxox on Monday April 13, 2009 at 6:58 PM