Welcome to the Best Life University podcast.
I'm Dr.
Lynn Brown,
A counselor and educator.
In this podcast,
I discuss a myriad of topics related to the five dimensions of personal growth,
Mental,
Social,
Spiritual,
Emotional,
And physical.
Thank you so much for listening.
Today's topic is the five dimensions of personal growth,
Mental part one.
This dimension of personal development has to do with ongoing intelligence growth.
This means enhancing perceiving,
Remembering,
Observing,
Thinking,
Imagining,
And solving problems.
Throughout life,
We encounter the opportunity for mental development.
Eric Erickson,
A psychologist,
Developed his eight stages of development to help explain how we mature.
His theory is just that,
A theory,
So it is not to be etched in stone.
However,
We can use his ideas as a liberal foundation for mental development throughout life.
He discusses eight conflicts each of us deals with that function as turning points or opportunities for mental development.
So becoming aware of them can be a guide as to any areas that might need attending to in order to be mentally well-rounded.
Today,
I will discuss the first two.
One,
Trust versus mistrust.
In infancy,
We are completely dependent on caregivers.
If our experience does not include these people responding to us in a consistent and caring manner,
We come to understand that the world is not a safe place and that people cannot be trusted.
For those whose caregivers were consistent and caring,
We have an inherent trust in the world and those around us.
Second,
Autonomy versus shame and doubt.
Gaining a sense of personal control during the toddler years is very important.
Learning to make choices and decisions provides a basis for our sense of competence.
If we are not encouraged to take advantage of this natural desire for independence,
We begin to doubt ourselves and leave this stage with a sense of incompetence.
If we are allowed to pursue independence,
We are able to recognize our autonomy and capability to function as an individual.
Copyright 2021,
Lynn Baranius Brown.
