Overview
This lecture introduces Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, its lifespan approach, and details the early childhood stages and key concepts.
Erikson's Background and Approach
- Erikson developed the theory of psychosocial development spanning the entire lifespan.
- He had little formal education beyond high school but became a Harvard professor.
- Erikson combined Freudian ideas with anthropological and everyday language.
- Unlike Freud, Erikson emphasized ego and quest for identity over sexual motivation.
- His core contribution is the concept of "identity crisis."
- He focused on development in adulthood, not just childhood.
Psychosocial Stages: Infancy to Childhood
Infancy (Birth to 2 Years): Trust vs. Mistrust
- Central conflict: Trust vs. mistrust, resulting in the virtue of hope.
- Trust develops if infants' needs for care, nourishment, and comfort are met.
- Predictable, consistent caregiving leads to a sense of order and trust.
- Lack of care leads to fear, suspicion, and mistrust.
- Skin-to-skin contact is emphasized for developing trust.
Toddlerhood (2–3 Years): Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
- Conflict: Autonomy vs. shame/doubt, leading to the virtue of will.
- Autonomy develops through encouragement and self-direction (e.g., self-feeding, toilet training).
- Overprotection and excessive punishment lead to shame and doubt about adequacy.
- Language acquisition and physical independence are key developments.
Early Childhood (3–6 Years): Initiative vs. Guilt
- Central conflict: Initiative vs. guilt, resulting in the virtue of purpose.
- Children assert themselves through play, imagination, and trying new things.
- Encouragement fosters initiative; restriction and ridicule cause guilt.
- Erikson calls this the "play age," stressing the importance of role play and creativity.
- Early formal education should not inhibit creativity or initiative.
School Age (6–12 Years): Industry vs. Inferiority
- Conflict: Industry vs. inferiority, leading to the virtue of competence.
- Competence develops by mastering concrete tasks and social/environmental skills.
- Success and recognition foster industry; repeated failure leads to feelings of inferiority.
- Active, hands-on learning is more effective than passive listening.
- Personal mastery and motivation are universal drives at this stage.
Negativism and Developmental Challenges
- "Negativism" (the “no” stage) occurs in toddlerhood, adolescence, and middle age.
- Asserting individuality and independence can cause conflict with authority figures.
- Peer influence increases in adolescence as individuals seek independence from parents.
- Midlife crisis represents the third phase of negativism in adulthood.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Psychosocial Development — Erikson's theory that personality develops through a series of social and emotional stages across the lifespan.
- Identity Crisis — A period of uncertainty and reexamination of one's sense of self, especially during adolescence.
- Trust vs. Mistrust — The first stage, where infants develop a sense of trust when cared for consistently.
- Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt — The second stage, focusing on independence and self-control.
- Initiative vs. Guilt — The third stage, involving the ability to initiate activities and assert control.
- Industry vs. Inferiority — The fourth stage, where children master skills and develop competence.
- Negativism — A developmental phase characterized by persistent refusal and assertion of independence.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the remaining psychosocial stages in the next lecture/video.
- Reflect on examples of each psychosocial stage in your own experiences.
- Read about the impact of play and open classrooms on child development.