Can we leave the past behind 
FAYE WHEATON
Queen Mary’s University of London
LONDO3S(B)
Jane Anghelatos Words 2863
Can we ever leave the past behind?
Firstly I shall briefly discuss Erik Erikson’s life stage theory. Secondly this essay shall look at Object relation theory and discuss the work of Melanie Klein. Following on I shall discuss the power of the past and the effect it has on the presence. I shall conclude by deciding whether we can leave the past behind us or not.
Erik Erikson described development that occurs throughout the entire human life span. He described stages of psychosocial development. Erikson split a human life span into 8 different stages. From infancy to birth the basic conflict is between trust and mistrust. The important event at this stage is feeding. Children learn to trust their carer. If a lack of trust is felt then this obviously leads to mistrust. Between the ages of 2-3 autonomy and shame or doubt are in conflict. Toilet training is a very important time here and personal control and independence is developing. Success leads to feelings of independence and failure leads to feelings of shame and doubt.
Between the ages of 3 and 5 children begin to explore and discover. Children take control in their own environment finding their own sense of purpose. If they fail to do this they feel disapproval leading to guilt.
From the age of 6-11 school is an important factor in the child’s life. New social and academic demands are placed on the child. If successful they feel competent and if they do not feel that they have achieved at this then they feel inferior.
From the ages of 12-18 the child is creeping towards the most impressionable time in their life. Personal identity is being discovered here and social relationships are a dominating factor. A child can either stay true to oneself, be who they want to be or be intimidated leaving them feeling confused and of a weak character.
Relationships again are of great
Queen Mary’s University of London
LONDO3S(B)
Jane Anghelatos Words 2863
Can we ever leave the past behind?
Firstly I shall briefly discuss Erik Erikson’s life stage theory. Secondly this essay shall look at Object relation theory and discuss the work of Melanie Klein. Following on I shall discuss the power of the past and the effect it has on the presence. I shall conclude by deciding whether we can leave the past behind us or not.
Erik Erikson described development that occurs throughout the entire human life span. He described stages of psychosocial development. Erikson split a human life span into 8 different stages. From infancy to birth the basic conflict is between trust and mistrust. The important event at this stage is feeding. Children learn to trust their carer. If a lack of trust is felt then this obviously leads to mistrust. Between the ages of 2-3 autonomy and shame or doubt are in conflict. Toilet training is a very important time here and personal control and independence is developing. Success leads to feelings of independence and failure leads to feelings of shame and doubt.
Between the ages of 3 and 5 children begin to explore and discover. Children take control in their own environment finding their own sense of purpose. If they fail to do this they feel disapproval leading to guilt.
From the age of 6-11 school is an important factor in the child’s life. New social and academic demands are placed on the child. If successful they feel competent and if they do not feel that they have achieved at this then they feel inferior.
From the ages of 12-18 the child is creeping towards the most impressionable time in their life. Personal identity is being discovered here and social relationships are a dominating factor. A child can either stay true to oneself, be who they want to be or be intimidated leaving them feeling confused and of a weak character.
Relationships again are of great