Erikson's Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development

Introduction

• Erikson's theory is a modification of Freud's psychosexual theory.
• Freud focused on psychosexual development, libido, and tension/pleasure dynamic.
• Erikson focuses on the resolution of specific crises at each developmental stage.
• Successful resolution of crises leads to healthy personality development.
• Emphasizes the impact of social experience on personality.

Stages of Development

1. Infancy (Birth to 12 months) - Trust vs. Mistrust

• Key Points:
  • Infants depend entirely on caregivers.
  • Consistent care leads to trust; inconsistency leads to mistrust.
  • A balance between trust and mistrust is vital.
  • Some mistrust is necessary for recognizing danger.

2. Early Childhood (1 to 3 years) - Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

• Key Points:
  • Children begin exploring and asserting control.
  • Personal control and independence lead to autonomy.
  • Over-control or lack of support leads to shame and doubt.

3. Preschool (3 to 6 years) - Initiative vs. Guilt

• Key Points:
  • Children initiate activities and control their environment.
  • Successful initiatives lead to a sense of purpose.
  • Unsuccessful initiatives or lack of parental support lead to guilt.

4. School Age (6 to 12 years) - Industry vs. Inferiority

• Key Points:
  • Children develop pride in accomplishments, particularly in school and social activities.
  • Support and encouragement lead to competence.
  • Lack of support leads to a sense of inferiority.

5. Adolescence (12 to 18 years) - Identity vs. Role Confusion

• Key Points:
  • Adolescents explore independence and develop self-identity.
  • Encouragement leads to a strong sense of identity.
  • Lack of support leads to role confusion.

6. Young Adulthood (20s to early 40s) - Intimacy vs. Isolation

• Key Points:
  • Young adults form intimate relationships and make commitments.
  • Successful relationships lead to enduring love.
  • Failure to establish intimacy leads to isolation.

7. Middle Adulthood (40s to mid-60s) - Generativity vs. Stagnation

• Key Points:
  • Focus on contributing to society through work and family.
  • Generativity involves productivity and accomplishment.
  • Stagnation results from lack of productivity.

8. Maturity (Mid-60s to end of life) - Ego Integrity vs. Despair

• Key Points:
  • Reflect on life's accomplishments.
  • Sense of integrity leads to fulfillment and little regret.
  • Failure to find fulfillment leads to despair.

Conclusion

• Erikson's theory emphasizes the importance of social interactions and relationships in personality development.
• Each stage represents a critical conflict that must be resolved for healthy development.