White Oleander Connects With Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development

Originally a novel written by Janet Fitch, and later developed into a wonderful Hollywood film, White Oleander, is an exceptional film not only for those psychologists and psychiatrists throughout the world to refer to, but those individuals who need to relate similar behaviors and issues to their own motivations and emotions. Astrid, a 15 year old girl, living in California with her mother, Ingrid, is a beautiful young girl with a high spirit. The life of both Ingrid and Astrid was very satisfying until one day, a man named Barry comes into their lives, and Ingrid falls in love with him, going against all of her morals and original beliefs that no man should interfere with her life. For the revenge of her broken heart, Ingrid murders Barry with the deadly poison of The White Oleander. She is sent to prison for life, leaving Astrid alone for the most important years of her life; adolesence. The area in life when every human being needs a role model- their mother. Astrid travels through foster homes searching for a new life. Through her journey she learns and experiences new lessons and takes in new beliefs that she’ll keep for the rest of her life- meanwhile Astrid experiences loss, distrust, and a broken heart.
The journey of Astrid’s life in White Oleander, can be primarily related to Erik Erikson's theory of Psychosocial Development. Known as one of the best theories of personality, Erikson believed that personality develops in a series of stages; and from here he developed eight specific stages. In each particular stage, Erikson believed people experience a conflict serving as a turning point in development. In Erikson’s view, these conflicts are centered on either developing a psychological quality or failing to develop that quality. During these times, the potential for personal growth is high, but so is the potential for failure.

Pay Close attention to the Following 8 Stages-Then refer to the link to a video clip from White Oleander to make connections.

Both Stage 1 & 2 relate to this particular video clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0W-KfKjyN0&feature=PlayList&p=676ADC30097B6E6C&index=10

Stage 1-Infancy: This psychosocial development occurs between birth and one year of age. The development of trust is based on the dependability and quality of the child’s caregivers. Caregivers, who are unavailable, contribute the feelings of mistrust in the children they care for. Failure to develop trust will result in fear and a belief that the world is inconsistent and unpredictable.

Stage 2 -Early Childhood: This stage of development takes place during early childhood and is focused on children developing a greater sense of personal control. Children who successfully complete this stage feel secure and confident, while those who do not are left with a sense of self-doubt.

Here we see Astrid's mother have a greater interest in her boyfriend rather than her own daughter; and we see the result of this turn ugly-for, Astrid's mother is arested. Therefore leaving her alone to survive by herself with a family she doesn't know and end up hurting Astrid mentally and physcially. Although Astrid is much older in the film, then what these stages refer to, we can still relate the main concept of these stages from Erikson's theory to the behaviors between Astrid and her mother Ingrid.

Both Stages 3 & 4 relate to this particular video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Cx4a4hiUo&feature=related

Stage 3-Play Age: During the preschool years, children begin to assert their power and control over the world through social interaction. Children who are successful at this stage feel capable to lead others. Those who fail these skills are left with a sense of guilt.

Stage 4-School Age: This stage covers the early school years from approximately age 5 to 11. Children who are encouraged by parents and teachers develop a feeling of belief in their skills. Those who receive no encouragement from their guardians will doubt their ability to be successful.

In this particular clip we see that Astrid has finally found christ to believe in. She believes that he will guide her through life and help her survive her difficulties-but unfortunately, thinking that her mother will support her, she ends up shutting her down mentally, and forcing her to rethink her beliefs. Throughout the movie Astrid's mother forces her to "not forget who she is"- but brainwashes her into becoming unhappy instead of confident and positive with her life. Because hermother is suffering in jail, it can be assumed that Ingrid wants her daughter to sufer just as she is. With a lack of encouragment, we can assume that in the future, Astrid will fail to develop any confidence of her own unless she can escape her controlling mother.

Both stages 5 & 6 realte to this particular video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u9bubIxxy8&feature=related

Stage 5-Adolescence: During adolescence, children are exploring their independence and developing a sense of self. Those who receive proper encouragement will emerge from this stage with a feeling of independence. Those who remain unsure of their beliefs will become insecure about themselves.

Stage 6-Young Adulthood: This stage covers the period of early adulthood when people are exploring personal relationships. Those who are successful at this will develop relationships that are committed.

Here we see that Astrid has found a new foster home-a home that is much different-culturally. Astrid reveals the truth about her mothers actions and we see a large change that Astrid's personality has developed. One must understand her actions of change for she has been through so much-mentally and physically. She has developed very different relationships in the past months that she has traveled from foster home to foster home-but this one is the relationship that has changed her significantly to defend herself and take control of her own life.

Although we do not see Astrid in Middle and Late Adulthood, we can assume that unlike most individuals who are fortunate enough to grow up with a mother to care for them-and not a mother is prison, although there are plenty of children out there in Astri'd position- Astrid most likely grew up with a lack of trust in other individuals she meets in her life journey. We can also assume that because Astrid has been through so much difficulties, that she has developed self-doubt, and has lacked a feeling of satisfaction. Although, her art work seems to be a crucial factor in her life that will enable her to release any emotions into a realistic image.

Stage 7-Middle Adulthood: Those who are successful during this phase will feel that they are contributing to the world by being active in their home and community. Those who fail this skill will feel unproductive.

Stage 8-Late Adulthood: Those who are unsuccessful during this phase will feel that their life has been wasted and will experience regrets. Successfully completing this phase means looking back with a feeling of satisfaction.


Continuously throughout the movie, Astrid looses the trust of her mother, along with her parents within the foster homes she attends. Throughout her journey she begins to feel incapable of the successes she potentially has, such as her wonderful art work. Her mother leaves her feeling guilty about any success she may begin to develop by encouraging her not to follow those inspirations. Ingrid, Astrid's own mother, does everything she possibly can to keep her daughter all to herself, even though she is clearly not a good influence for her daughter. One can see throughout the movie that Astrid's personality changes significantly after particular experiences that hurt her emotionally and psychically. Sadly, Astrid will always be alone-with no inspiration except her creative mind in her artistic work. It seemed that she cold never find the happiness she was looking for. Although there is always a chance that the strength of the human spirit can be reignited, the audience of White Oleander is given the impression that Astrid has changed so much, that she will never be her old self again.