Ronald Reagan

Erikson’s Cognitive Development Stages
        Ronald Reagan

In the world of psychology there has always been one ultimate question; “How do humans develop?”   This one question has lead to many theories, but none as complex and detailed as Erik Erikson’s Development Stages.   During his lifetime, Erikson created a concept based on the experiences and stages a human went through to develop.   These were assessed though numerous studies of the Sioux Indians and modern people, to come to the conclusion that ego exist from birth.   Within these eight stages, the cognitive mind is examined through body interaction, mind, and cultural influences (Plotnik, Pg. 393) But will the concept of staging development against one of the most influential, intelligent, and powerful men of the 19th century; Ronald Reagan?
Stage one is titled: The Infancy Stage, and this goes from birth to about eighteen months.   During this stage it is said that the child develops trust or mistrust (Plotnik, Pg. 393).   Ronald Reagan was born in the small town of Tampico, Illinois, on February 6, 1911.   The delivery was extremely difficult, and even though his mother had been previously advised to not have any more children, she endured the labor of ten pound Ronald Reagan (Noonan, Pg. 18).   During his first few months, Ronald was very well taken care of by his mother, which is enhanced by visual contact and touch.   In the end he was able to survive this first stage and this allowed him to develop trust which lets him know that life is going to be generally safe, and he will be filled with confidence in the future.
Stage two is titled:   The Early Childhood Stage, and this goes from eighteen months to three years old.   During this stage we are faced with either autonomy or shame (Plotnik, Pg. 393). When Ronald was born he was ten pounds, and the first thing his father said to him was, “You look like a fat little Dutchman.”(Noonan Pg. 18).   From that point on, his nickname was “Dutch “, and... [continues]

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