Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development

Overview

• Erik Erikson identified eight stages of development that people go through during their life.
• Each stage has different needs, conflicts, and life events.
• Progression through each stage is influenced by previous stages.

Stages of Development

1. Trust vs. Mistrust

• Age: First year of life.
• Focus: Infants learn to trust the world.
• Needs:
  • Affection.
  • Feeling safe and secure.
• Outcome:
  • Success: Secure attachment.
  • Failure: Insecure attachment, mistrust in surroundings.

2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

• Age: Early childhood.
• Focus: Developing independence.
• Life Events: Potty training.
• Needs:
  • Positive reinforcement from parents.
  • Support in exploring environment.
• Outcome:
  • Success: Self-confidence, independence.
  • Failure: Shame, doubt.

3. Initiative vs. Guilt

• Age: Preschool years.
• Focus: Planning activities, social interaction.
• Needs:
  • Freedom to plan and control activities.
• Outcome:
  • Success: Confidence, autonomy.
  • Failure: Weak confidence, questioning abilities.

4. Industry vs. Inferiority

• Age: School age.
• Focus: Developing competence and self-esteem.
• Life Events: School activities.
• Needs:
  • Mastering skills.
  • Positive feedback and constructive criticism.
• Outcome:
  • Success: Sense of competence.
  • Failure: Feelings of inferiority.

5. Identity vs. Role Confusion

• Age: Adolescence (middle and high school).
• Focus: Developing personal identity and social roles.
• Important Factors:
  • Peer groups.
  • Role models.
  • Exploring beliefs, values, future goals.
• Outcome:
  • Success: Solid understanding of own identity.
  • Failure: Identity crisis, role confusion.

6. Intimacy vs. Isolation

• Age: Young adulthood.
• Focus: Forming intimate relationships, finding passion.
• Life Events:
  • Advancing career.
  • Starting a business.
  • Getting married, starting a family.
• Outcome:
  • Success: Lasting relationships, sense of purpose.
  • Failure: Isolation, disconnect from society.

7. Generativity vs. Stagnation

• Age: Middle adulthood (40s).
• Focus: Making a positive impact.
• Life Events:
  • Work contributions.
  • Parenting.
  • Community involvement.
• Needs:
  • Resolve previous conflicts.
  • Find purpose in life.
• Outcome:
  • Success: Feeling of contribution.
  • Failure: Feeling stuck, possible midlife crisis.

8. Integrity vs. Despair

• Age: Late adulthood.
• Focus: Reflecting on life.
• Outcome:
  • Success: Sense of fulfillment and acceptance.
  • Failure: Regret, bitterness, struggle with concept of death.

Summary

• Erikson's stages show that development is continuous through life.
• Each stage builds upon the previous ones and becomes more complex.
• The theory helps in understanding life transitions and milestones.
• Key takeaway: Every stage presents conflicts that shape an individual's development.