Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development

Overview

• Influenced by Freud's theory but emphasized culture and society's role.
• Personality development spans an entire life, not just childhood.
• Each developmental stage involves a crisis between individual needs and societal demands.
• Successful completion leads to a healthy personality and acquisition of basic virtues.
• Failure to complete a stage can hinder progress and lead to an unhealthy personality.

Stages of Psychosocial Development

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

• Crisis: Trust vs. mistrust.
• Focus: Developing trust through consistent care by caregivers.
• Virtue: Hope.
• Negative Outcome: Fear and suspension.

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

• Crisis: Autonomy vs. shame or doubt.
• Focus: Asserting independence (e.g., choosing toys, clothes, food).
• Virtue: Independence or will.
• Negative Outcome: Lack of self-esteem, shame, or doubt in abilities.

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

• Crisis: Initiative vs. guilt.
• Focus: Interacting with peers, playing, planning activities, leading.
• Virtue: Purpose.
• Negative Outcome: Guilt, feeling like a follower, inhibited creativity.

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

• Crisis: Industry vs. inferiority.
• Focus: Developing competence through learning and approval from teachers.
• Virtue: Competence or pride.
• Negative Outcome: Inferiority, doubting abilities, hindered potential.

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

• Crisis: Identity vs. role confusion.
• Focus: Exploring identity, body image, future roles.
• Virtue: Fidelity (seeing oneself as unique and integrated).
• Negative Outcome: Role confusion, rebellion, unhappiness.

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

• Crisis: Intimacy vs. isolation.
• Focus: Forming intimate relationships.
• Virtue: Love.
• Negative Outcome: Isolation, loneliness, depression.

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

• Crisis: Generativity vs. stagnation.
• Focus: Contributing to society, raising children, community involvement.
• Virtue: Care.
• Negative Outcome: Stagnation, unproductiveness.

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

• Crisis: Integrity vs. despair.
• Focus: Reflecting on life achievements.
• Virtue: Wisdom.
• Negative Outcome: Despair, dissatisfaction with life.

Conclusion

• Erikson's stages emphasize cultural and societal influences across one's lifespan.
• Each stage builds on the previous one, influencing overall personality development.