B. Failure is cumulative. Core of Personality I. Core Tendency. Similar to Freud, but with a definite emphasis on some proportion of functioning that is not determined by the attempt to avoid conflict between the individual and society. Similar to Freud, except that the ego is considered to be partially innate and there is less emphasis on all behavior being defensive. Erikson downplays biological sexuality in favor of the psychosocial features of the conflict between child and parents.
Development extends throughout the life-span and is divided into periods or stages.
The amount of conflict in each stage determines whether the positive or negative pole is learned. Crisis here does not mean overwhelming stress, but the medical usage meaning a turning point. Major problem is dependency. Trust gives capacity for faith. A basic confidence in the future.