Teachings in Education: Erickson's Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development

Introduction

• Narrator: Frank Avella
• Overview of Erickson's psychosocial development theory.
• Focus on the developmental conflicts and virtues acquired at each stage.

Overview of Erickson's Theory

• Describes eight stages from childhood to adulthood.
• Significant work: Childhood and Society.
• Influenced by Sigmund Freud, combining psychoanalysis with cultural anthropology.
• Key elements: psychosocial crises, resolution leads to virtues.

About Erik Erikson

• Born to a mother who remarried a pediatrician.
• Initially an artist and art teacher.
• Married Joan Erickson, collaborator in his work.
• Coined the term "identity crisis.
• Did not earn a bachelor's degree but received Montessori certificates.

Stages of Psychosocial Development

Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust

• Age: Birth to 18 months
• Virtue: Hope
• Significant Relationship: Mother
• Existential Question: "Can I trust the world?"
• Key Focus: Secure environment; quick parental response fosters trust.

Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

• Age: 18 months to 3 years
• Virtue: Will
• Significant Role: Both parents as security and guides
• Key Focus: Encouraging self-control and independence through tasks (e.g., potty training).

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt

• Age: 3 to 6 years
• Virtue: Purpose
• Significant Relationships: Parents and teachers
• Existential Question: "Is it okay for me to act?"
• Key Activities: Encouragement in new tasks promotes initiative.

Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority

• Age: 6 to 12 years
• Virtue: Competence
• Significant Relationships: School and peers
• Existential Question: "Can I make it in this world?"
• Focus on learning new skills and receiving praise to avoid feelings of inferiority.

Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion

• Age: 12 to 18 years
• Virtue: Fidelity
• Significant Relationships: Peers and role models
• Existential Question: "Who am I?"
• Important to form an identity through exploration of different affiliations.

Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation

• Age: 20 to 40 years
• Virtue: Love
• Significant Relationships: Partners and close friends
• Existential Question: "Can I love?"
• Key Events: Romantic relationships and commitments.

Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation

• Age: 45 to 65 years
• Virtue: Care
• Major Relationships: Family and work friends
• Existential Question: "How can I make my life count?"
• Focus on mentorship and meaningful contributions to society.

Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair

• Age: 65+ years
• Virtue: Wisdom
• Key Life Events: Reflection on life and accomplishments.
• Existential Question: "Is it okay to have been me?"
• Successful reflection leads to satisfaction and wisdom.

Stage 9 (Joan Erikson's Addition): - Reversal in Old Age

• Age: 80s-90s
• Revisiting the crises of the previous stages but in reverse.
• Example: Trust vs. mistrust revisited as bodily functions decline.

Criticism of Erikson's Theory

• Vague mechanisms for resolving conflicts and stage transitions.
• Dominant focus on male development and childhood experiences.
• Cultural biases in reflecting social expectations.
• Questioning the assumption that completion of one stage is necessary before moving to the next.

Conclusion

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