PSY 658 Eight Stages of Development by Erik Erikson

Oct 8, 2024

Erikson's Theory of Psycho-Social Development

Erikson's theory outlines eight stages of development from birth to death, each with its own challenges and potential outcomes. These stages focus on psychological needs and social interactions that influence individual growth.

Stage 1: Basic Trust vs. Mistrust

  • Age: Infancy (1-2 years)
  • Key Question: Can I trust the world?
  • Outcomes:
    • Trust: Develops when infants feel safe and secure.
    • Mistrust: Develops through fear and inconsistency.
  • Influence: Mother plays a crucial role.

Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt

  • Age: Early Childhood (2-4 years)
  • Key Question: Is it okay to be me?
  • Outcomes:
    • Autonomy: Develops when children are encouraged to explore.
    • Shame & Doubt: Result from criticism and control.
  • Influence: Both parents are significant.

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt

  • Age: Preschool Age (4-5 years)
  • Key Question: Is it okay for me to do what I do?
  • Outcomes:
    • Initiative: Encouragement to try new things fosters initiative.
    • Guilt: Can result from discouragement.
  • Influence: Family involvement is key.

Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority

  • Age: School Age (5-12 years)
  • Key Question: Can I make it in this world?
  • Outcomes:
    • Industry: Develops through recognition and encouragement.
    • Inferiority: Results from excessive criticism.
  • Influence: Neighbors and school play a major role.

Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion

  • Age: Adolescence (13–19 years)
  • Key Question: Who am I?
  • Outcomes:
    • Identity: Exploration leads to a strong sense of self.
    • Role Confusion: Results from pressure to conform.
  • Influence: Peers and role models are critical.

Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation

  • Age: Early Adulthood (20-40 years)
  • Key Question: Can I love?
  • Outcomes:
    • Intimacy: Ability to form lasting relationships.
    • Isolation: Results from inability to form connections.
  • Influence: Friends and partners are central.

Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation

  • Age: Adulthood (40-65 years)
  • Key Question: Can I make my life count?
  • Outcomes:
    • Generativity: Contributing to society fosters satisfaction.
    • Stagnation: Results from unfulfilled potential.
  • Influence: Home and work environments are influential.

Stage 8: Ego Integrity vs. Despair

  • Age: Maturity (65-death)
  • Key Question: Have I lived a meaningful life?
  • Outcomes:
    • Ego Integrity: Satisfaction with life achievements.
    • Despair: Results from regret and dissatisfaction.

Additional Information

  • Erik Erikson:
    • German-American psychologist.
    • Influenced by Sigmund and Anna Freud.
    • Known for coining "Identity crisis."
    • Served as a professor at Harvard and Yale without a bachelor's degree.

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