Overview
The lecture covers Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development, outlining eight stages individuals pass through from infancy to late adulthood, each with specific challenges and outcomes.
Erikson’s Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development
- Each stage involves a central conflict related to psychological and social growth.
- Success or failure at each stage affects a person’s future development.
Stage 1: Basic Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy, 1–2 years)
- Infants ask if the world is safe and develop trust with dependable caregivers, mainly their mother.
- Fear and inconsistency lead to mistrust.
Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt (Early Childhood, 2–4 years)
- Children explore independence and ask, "Is it okay to be me?"
- Supportive parenting builds self-confidence; criticism leads to shame and doubt.
Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool, 4–5 years)
- Children assert themselves and initiate activities, asking, "Is it okay to do what I do?"
- Encouragement fosters initiative; discouragement results in guilt.
Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age, 5–12 years)
- Children develop skills, comparing themselves to others and seek recognition.
- Success leads to industriousness; repeated failure causes feelings of inferiority.
Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence, 13–19 years)
- Adolescents explore various social roles and question, "Who am I?"
- Support leads to strong identity; pressure to conform causes role confusion.
Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation (Early Adulthood, 20–40 years)
- Young adults form close relationships, asking, "Can I love?"
- Success leads to intimacy; failure results in isolation.
Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation (Adulthood, 40–65 years)
- Adults look to contribute to society and support the next generation.
- Productivity leads to generativity; lack of involvement results in stagnation.
Stage 8: Ego Integrity vs. Despair (Maturity, 65+ years)
- Older adults reflect on life, asking, "How have I done?"
- Satisfaction brings integrity; regret brings despair.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Psychosocial Development — growth involving both psychological and social aspects across the lifespan.
- Identity Crisis — a period of uncertainty and confusion about a person’s role or identity.
- Generativity — concern for guiding the next generation.
- Industry — a sense of competence through achievement.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review each stage and be able to identify the key conflict and outcome.
- Prepare examples for each stage for potential exam questions.