Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development

Overview

• Influence: Based on Freud's theory but emphasizes culture and society.
• Lifespan Development: Personality development spans an entire life, not just childhood.
• Crisis and Virtues: Each stage involves a specific crisis resulting in potential virtues or negative outcomes.

Stages of Development

Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust (0-1 year)

• Crisis: Trust vs. Mistrust
• Age: First year of life
• Development: Babies seek consistent care and stability from caregivers.
• Virtue: Hope - belief that support will be available in crises.
• Negative Outcome: Fear and suspicion.

Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt (1-3 years)

• Crisis: Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt
• Age: Second year of life
• Development: Children assert independence (choosing toys, clothes, etc.).
• Virtue: Independence and personal will.
• Negative Outcome: Feelings of inadequacy, shame, and doubt in abilities.

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (3-5 years)

• Crisis: Initiative vs. Guilt
• Age: 3 to 5 years
• Development: Children interact with peers, explore interpersonal skills, initiate activities.
• Virtue: Purpose - feeling of having a sense of purpose.
• Negative Outcome: Guilt, inhibiting creativity and interaction.
• Note: Some guilt is necessary for self-control.

Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12 years)

• Crisis: Industry vs. Inferiority
• Age: 6 to 12 years (school age to puberty)
• Development: Gaining self-esteem, seeking approval, developing pride in accomplishments.
• Virtue: Competence
• Negative Outcome: Inferiority, self-doubt.
• Note: Some failure is necessary to develop modesty.

Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18 years)

• Crisis: Identity vs. Role Confusion
• Age: 12 to 18 years (adolescence)
• Development: Exploring identity, body image, future roles in society.
• Virtue: Fidelity - seeing oneself as unique and integrated.
• Negative Outcome: Confusion, rebellion, unhappiness.

Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation (18-40 years)

• Crisis: Intimacy vs. Isolation
• Age: 18 to 40 years (young adulthood)
• Development: Forming intimate relationships.
• Virtue: Love
• Negative Outcome: Loneliness, depression, isolation.

Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation (40-65 years)

• Crisis: Generativity vs. Stagnation
• Age: 40 to 65 years (middle adulthood)
• Development: Contributing to society, raising children, being productive.
• Virtue: Care for others
• Negative Outcome: Stagnation, unproductiveness.

Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair (65+ years)

• Crisis: Integrity vs. Despair
• Age: 65 years and older (senior citizens)
• Development: Reflecting on life, feeling of accomplishment or regret.
• Virtue: Wisdom - acceptance of life and approaching death without fear.
• Negative Outcome: Despair, dissatisfaction.

Conclusion

• Each stage involves the culture and society one develops in and spans the entire lifespan, addressing key crises that shape personality and virtues.