Lecture Notes: Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development

Overview

• Erik Erikson: A theorist influenced by Freud.
• Emphasized the role of culture and society in personality development.
• Personality development occurs throughout life, not just in childhood.
• Crises can occur at each of the eight stages of development.
• Successful completion of each stage results in a healthy personality and acquisition of "basic virtues."

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

• Crisis: Trust vs. Mistrust
• Virtue: Hope
• Description:
  • Babies are uncertain about the world.
  • Look to caregivers for stable and consistent care.
  • Development of trust leads to hope and security.
  • Failure results in fear and mistrust.

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

• Crisis: Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt
• Virtue: Independence/Will
• Description:
  • Children assert independence.
  • Important for caregivers to allow children to explore and be independent.
  • Over-criticism leads to feelings of inadequacy and shame.

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

• Crisis: Initiative vs. Guilt
• Virtue: Purpose
• Description:
  • Children interact with peers and develop interpersonal skills.
  • Encouragement leads to a sense of purpose.
  • Over-criticism leads to guilt, inhibiting creativity.
  • Some guilt is necessary for self-control.

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

• Crisis: Industry vs. Inferiority
• Virtue: Competence
• Description:
  • Teachers play a critical role.
  • Children seek approval through competencies.
  • Encouragement results in feeling industrious and confident.
  • Lack of encouragement results in feelings of inferiority.
  • Some failure helps develop modesty.

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

• Crisis: Identity vs. Role Confusion
• Virtue: Fidelity
• Description:
  • Adolescents explore identity and future roles.
  • Successful exploration results in a strong sense of identity.
  • Failure leads to role confusion and unhappiness.

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

• Crisis: Intimacy vs. Isolation
• Virtue: Love
• Description:
  • Young adults form intimate relationships.
  • Successful relationships lead to emotional security.
  • Avoiding intimacy results in isolation and loneliness.

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

• Crisis: Generativity vs. Stagnation
• Virtue: Care
• Description:
  • Adults focus on career and family.
  • Giving back to society leads to a sense of accomplishment.
  • Failure results in stagnation and unproductiveness.

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

• Crisis: Integrity vs. Despair
• Virtue: Wisdom
• Description:
  • Reflection on life accomplishments.
  • Sense of fulfillment results in integrity and wisdom.
  • Regrets and dissatisfaction lead to despair.
• Successful aging results in accepting death without fear.