Erik Erikson conceptualized the life span as a series of crises with which individuals must cope. Briefly describe the various stages in his approach, and then focus on the psychological bonding that occurs during an infant's development of attachment

How is attachment studied and what have developmental psychologists learned about the various types of attachment and its consequences? Briefly relate the ideas of attachment theory to Erikson's thoughts about development of trust, will, competence, and purpose.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: List and briefly describe the eight stages of Erikson's theory. Focus on the first three stages to link the development of trust, autonomy, and initiative to attachment theory. Define attachment and discuss secure and insecure attachment as they relate to the adequate or inadequate resolution of each of the three earliest stages of Erikson's theory.