Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development

Overview

• Influenced by Freud but emphasizes the role of culture and society.
• Personality development is a lifelong process, not just during childhood.
• Development occurs in 8 stages, each with a specific conflict and resulting virtue.
• Successful completion leads to a healthy psyche; failure can hinder movement to the next stages.

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

• Conflict: Trust vs. mistrust
• Virtue: Hope
• Details:
  • Infants are uncertain about the world and rely on caregivers for stability.
  • Consistent care leads to trust; failure results in suspicion and fear.

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

• Conflict: Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
• Virtue: Will
• Details:
  • Children assert independence (e.g., choosing toys, food).
  • Encouragement leads to autonomy; excessive control leads to shame and doubt.

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

• Conflict: Initiative vs. guilt
• Virtue: Purpose
• Details:
  • Children begin to assert control and initiate activities.
  • Success leads to a sense of purpose; failure results in guilt.

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

• Conflict: Industry vs. inferiority
• Virtue: Competence
• Details:
  • Children focus on school and develop specific skills.
  • Encouragement leads to competence; restriction leads to inferiority.

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

• Conflict: Identity vs. role confusion
• Virtue: Fidelity
• Details:
  • Teens explore different roles to form their identity.
  • Success leads to fidelity; failure results in confusion about one’s role in society.

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

• Conflict: Intimacy vs. isolation
• Virtue: Love
• Details:
  • Young adults form intimate relationships.
  • Success leads to strong relationships; failure results in loneliness and isolation.

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

• Conflict: Generativity vs. stagnation
• Virtue: Care
• Details:
  • Adults achieve meaning through work and family.
  • Success leads to care for others; failure results in stagnation.

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

• Conflict: Integrity vs. despair
• Virtue: Wisdom
• Details:
  • Reflection on life leads to feelings of fulfillment or regret.
  • Success leads to wisdom; failure results in despair.

Conclusion

• Erikson’s theory incorporates cultural and societal influences in personality development throughout life.