ISSN: 2578-5095
Authors: Cempron DNL*
The evolution of self-concept stems from the established idea that it silhouettes the perception of oneself. This inquiry, with 10 individuals constructed by the design of narrative research had explored and magnified the emergence and transcendence of mistrust through the lenses of childhood experiences. The in-depth interviews confirmed one of the main tenets of Erik Erikson that the epigenesis of mistrust is factored by the degree of relationship between the child and the mother or any of the parents. Furthermore, the results illuminated that the beginning of mistrust comes in a dichotomy being the offshoot of the unconscious feeling of betrayal that happened when the unconscious demand of the child was not gratified by the parents in the early years of life, and its constancy characterized by reoccurrence, painful recollection, and feeling unseen in the individual’s persona. The meanings constructed from the experiences elucidated that mistrust is not only seen through behavioral manifestations but is also felt by the individual. Hence the axiom that had been yielded is that the unconscious advent of mistrust, while can be repressed, can always be in transference to any form. Moving forward, as informants go through life’s seasons, a sequential inquiry is deemed recommended to see the extent of constancy or changes in their perspectives, vis-à-vis how it subsides or resurfaces over time. In hindsight, this inquiry not only echoes one to be critical but also teaches empathy, thereby grounded further the epigenesis of self-understanding.
Keywords: Childhood Experiences; Eriksonian Mistrust; Unconscious
