Episode 31: ROOT Causes: How Childhood Shapes Who We Are Today

Send us Fan MailEpisode 31: ROOT Causes: How Childhood Shapes Who We Are TodayWhy do we keep struggling with the same patterns — anxiety, procrastination, self-doubt, or fear of failure — even when we know they’re holding us back? In this episode, Professor Jeff Hastings introduces the ROOT Framework (Resolving Origins of Ongoing Triggers), a simple but powerful tool designed to help you trace your current struggles back to their origins in childhood.Drawing on Erik Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development, Jeff explains how unmet needs or unresolved conflicts at different points in life can echo forward into adulthood — shaping how you see yourself, your relationships, and your future. You’ll learn how to recognize your symptoms, connect them to earlier stages, and begin reframing the beliefs that may be keeping you stuck.This episode isn’t just about theory — it’s about giving you a practical method for self-reflection and growth. Be sure to download the free ROOT Framework PDF, which includes the full framework, a guided worksheet, and a daily journal page to help you put these insights into practice.If you’ve ever wondered, “Why am I like this?” — this episode will help you begin finding the answer.Download FrameworkPsychology for Students — understanding your mind, your world, and your future — one episode at a time.