Erikson developed an eight-stage theory of psychological development that occurs as people grow through the entire lifespan. Each stage contained within this theory of development consists of a crisis that must be confronted and overcome. These crises represent psychological turning points that are characterized by "increased vulnerability" and "enhance

The research conducted by Piaget and Erikson and the theories they devised have had several implications for instructional as well as applied settings. For instance, Piaget's techniques for investigation, observations, and his strong emphasis on the development of cognitive capacities form the bases for the study of child psychology today (Gale Research, 1998). An example of applied implication of theory is Piaget's study of how children understand and incorporate rules into their realities may aid social workers in the comprehension of why a child of a certain age has particular reactions to his or her environment (Schumaker, 1996). Piaget's stages of child development have also been widely used in the development of curriculum that is appropriate to the cognitive capabilities of children at certain ages. Erikson's theories have also had important implications for the understanding of the inner conflicts experienced by individuals at certain ages. This understanding may provide social workers with the basis for deciding what direction to take when implementing a treatment plan for individuals experiencing crises at different psychosocial stages of the lifespan.

The next stage in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development occurs between the ages of six to eleven years, and it is characterized by the struggle between industry vs. inferiority. At this stage there is a noticeable shift from play for the sake of playing to a genuine desire for completion and achievement. At this stage the child learns that tasks on which he embarks can have to possible results: praise and recognition for doing a good job, or failure.

Following the autonomy vs. shame stage of psychosocial development is the initiative vs. guilt stage, which occurs between the ages of three to five years during the preschool years. At this point in life, children begin to experience a broadening social world and face new and more demanding challenges. These new challenges require active and purposeful behavior coupled with responsibility, which results in increased initiative. If the child is overly anxious due to their own irresponsibility, uncomfortable feelings of guilt may arise. However, Erikson believed that the guilt experienced by some children at this stage could be remedied quickly through a sense of accomplishment (Essortment, 2002).

d potential" (Essortment, 2002). Healthy development results from the effective resolution of the crises within these psycho-social stages of development. The first stage of in Erikson's theory is the trust vs. mistrust., and this occurs in the first year of life. In order for an infant to feel trust in this stage, he must feel physical comfort and little fear about the future, and if the infant has a strong basic trust, he will maintain a hopeful attitude (Childstudy.net, 2005). If the infant does not have his basic needs satisfied at this stage in life, a sense of mistrust is developed, which, when severe, may result in the child being withdrawn with self-esteem issues (childstudy.net, 2005). Erikson believed that a basic sense of trust is critical for healthy personality development.

It is important to place these theories presented by Piaget and Erikson in the context of the greater community. Miller et al. (2001) examined the relationship of family and community using Erikson's concept of individual integrity. This researcher incorporated into this investigation the relevance that group membership and social identity has, as well as the importance of social cohesion and community efficacy (Miller et al., 2001).

Erikson's fifth developme

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