Can the Environment Shape a Child’s Development?
Updated: Jun 23
Have you ever wondered why some children struggle to learn in school, despite their best efforts?
According to Erik Erikson's theory, children develop a sense of identity and self-esteem through a series of stages influenced by their interactions with the people and world around them.
In other words, a child's environment plays a crucial role in shaping their personality, values and beliefs.
In this article, we will explore Erikson's theory and examine the impact of the environment on children’s development.
Who is Erik Erikson?
Erik Erikson, born in Germany in 1902, was a prominent psychologist who believed that human development was influenced by genetics, social and environmental factors.
Erikson's theory states that individuals go through eight stages of psychosocial development. These stages span from infancy to late adulthood, and successful resolution of each stage contributes to a sense of well-being and fulfillment.
He believed that a person's success in resolving each stage would significantly impact their identity, personality, and overall well-being.
Erikson's theory emphasizes the importance of social and environmental factors in shaping human development, how they impact child development, psychoanalysis and cultural anthropology.
The Importance of the Environment
Our surroundings can shape our personality, identity and overall well-being, and this is especially true for young children, who are still forming their sense of self.
The environment can impact a child’s
Cognitive Development: includes their ability to think, reason, solve problems and learn.
Social and Emotional Development: includes their ability to form relationships, regulate emotions and develop a sense of self.
Physical Health and Well-being: includes their risk for chronic diseases, exposure to toxins and access to healthy food and safe spaces.
Behaviour: including their ability to self-regulate, follow the rules and interact appropriately with others.
Academic Achievement: including their ability to learn, concentrate and succeed in school. A supportive environment can promote academic success, while a negative environment can hinder it.
Creating a positive and supportive environment is crucial for healthy growth and development in children, enabling them to reach their full potential.
How we help!
Mentalmatics offers a safe and stimulating environment that support holistic development in children.
By providing structured learning and social interaction, Mentalmatics can help foster cognitive, social and emotional development which is important to help students excel both academically and emotionally.
To find out more, make a reservation to talk to us from the link below!