Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development

Overview

• Influenced by Freud: Erikson was influenced by Freud but emphasized culture and society.
• Lifespan Development: Personality development spans the entire life, not just childhood.
• Crisis and Conflict: Each stage has a crisis involving individual vs societal needs.
• Healthy Personality: Successful completion of stages leads to a healthy personality.
• Basic Virtues: Acquired through successful stage resolution, aiding future conflict resolution.

Stages of Development

Stage 1: Trust vs Mistrust (0-1 years)

• Crisis: Trust vs mistrust.
• Key Development: Infants look to caregivers for stability and consistent care.
• Virtue: Hope.
• Positive Outcome: Development of trust and security.
• Negative Outcome: Fear and suspicion.

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

• Crisis: Autonomy vs shame and doubt.
• Key Development: Children assert independence; critical for parents to encourage exploration.
• Virtue: Independence/will.
• Positive Outcome: Confidence in abilities.
• Negative Outcome: Shame, doubt, and low self-esteem.

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

• Crisis: Initiative vs guilt.
• Key Development: Interaction with peers; play is central.
• Virtue: Purpose.
• Positive Outcome: Security in leadership and decision-making.
• Negative Outcome: Guilt, slowing interpersonal interaction, creativity inhibited.

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

• Crisis: Industry vs inferiority.
• Key Development: Development of competence through school and tasks.
• Virtue: Competence/pride.
• Positive Outcome: Industriousness and confidence.
• Negative Outcome: Inferiority and self-doubt.

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

• Crisis: Identity vs role confusion.
• Key Development: Exploration of personal identity and future roles.
• Virtue: Fidelity.
• Positive Outcome: Strong sense of self and a unique identity.
• Negative Outcome: Role confusion, rebellion, unhappiness.

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

• Crisis: Intimacy vs isolation.
• Key Development: Formation of intimate relationships.
• Virtue: Love.
• Positive Outcome: Committed, intimate relationships.
• Negative Outcome: Isolation and loneliness.

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

• Crisis: Generativity vs stagnation.
• Key Development: Contribution to society through family and work.
• Virtue: Care.
• Positive Outcome: Feelings of productivity and contribution.
• Negative Outcome: Stagnation and unproductiveness.

Stage 8: Integrity vs Despair (65+ years)

• Crisis: Integrity vs despair.
• Key Development: Reflection on life achievements.
• Virtue: Wisdom.
• Positive Outcome: Sense of fulfillment and readiness for death.
• Negative Outcome: Despair, dissatisfaction, and fear of death.

Key Takeaways

• Each stage is influenced by culture and societal factors.
• Success in each stage builds virtues that contribute to overall psychological health.
• Erikson provides a framework for understanding personality development throughout one's entire life.