In the field of nursing, there are many theories that have been developed over the years for the purpose of providing a foundation for the field. Some of the nursing theories address how nurses will approach cultural differences, while others involve the way a plan for patient or patient families should be developed. There are still other theories that are primarily focused on self care of the patient both in and out of the medical setting. Nursing theories are as numbered and varied as any other field's theories including the development of personality theories throughout history.
             There are significant numbers of theories that are not based in the field of nursing but are used to strengthen the nurse's understanding of patient behavior and development.
             One such theory is the personality theory, developed by famed theorist Erik Erickson. One of his more popular theories is called the locomotor theory and it deals with small children and their need to gain some control over their environment and body functions. As this stage begins to develop, the way it is handled can be the difference between a confident and curious child moving to the next stage or an insecure or anxiety filled child clinging to the old stages, unwilling to move forward. In the field of nursing many nurses have the occasion to work with small children and understanding the importance of autonomy and control on this particular age group can help provide the child with confidence.
             Before one can begin to apply a theory to the nursing practice it is important to understand the basic foundation of the theory in question.
             Erik Erickson developed the theory of locomotor as part of his eight part series of personality development theory.
             According to the theory that Erik Erickson developed, the locomotor stage of human personality development occurs between the ages of two and six years old. He believed at each stage of personali
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