Lecture Notes: Erikson's Psychosocial Theory

Introduction

• Erikson's theory builds on Freud's work, but highlights social and identity needs instead of sexual energy.
• Key Concept: Human behavior is motivated by social and identity needs.
• Theory Structure: Eight developmental stages, each involving a core struggle.
• Overall Goal: Resolve each stage's crisis either healthily or unhealthily.

Core Stages and Examples

1. Trust vs. Mistrust

• Example: Sally vs. Tom
  • Sally: Trust developed through a consistent, nurturing environment.
  • Tom: Mistrust due to inconsistent care.
• Core Question: Is the world a trustworthy place?
• Discussion: Whether trust in the world is healthy given global realities.

2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

• Example: Sally vs. Tom
  • Sally: Develops autonomy with safe exploration environments.
  • Tom: Faces shame from critical reactions to mistakes.
• Developmental Aspect: Emergence of morality and self-perception.

3. Initiative vs. Guilt

• Example: Sally vs. Tom
  • Sally: Learns initiative by taking responsible actions.
  • Tom: Experiences guilt, feels incompetent.
• Moral Development: Distinguishing shame from guilt.

4. Industry vs. Inferiority

• Age Range: 6 years to puberty.
• Example: Sally vs. Tim
  • Sally: Engages in tasks, learns from peers.
  • Tim: Feels inferior, avoids challenges.
• Focus: Mastery of skills and self-efficacy.

5. Identity vs. Identity Confusion

• Age: Adolescence.
• Core Processes: Exploration and commitment.
• Healthy Outcome: Strong, positive identity.
• Unhealthy Outcome: Identity confusion or disinterest.

6. Intimacy vs. Isolation

• Age: Young adulthood.
• Healthy Outcome: Forming healthy relationships.
• Unhealthy Outcome: Isolation.
• Discussion: Balance between identity and relationships.

7. Generativity vs. Stagnation

• Age: Middle adulthood.
• Focus: Concern for the next generation and contributing to society.
• Healthy Outcome: Sense of purpose and meaning.

8. Integrity vs. Despair

• Age: Later adulthood.
• Focus: Reflection on life.
• Healthy Outcome: Acceptance and integrity.
• Unhealthy Outcome: Despair over regrets.

Additional Concepts

Moral Development (Kohlberg)

• Levels:
  • Preconventional: Based on rewards/punishments.
  • Conventional: Based on societal rules.
  • Postconventional: Based on universal principles and contexts.

Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory

• Core Idea: Knowledge is socially and culturally constructed.
• Learning: Through skilled adults (scaffolding) and peer interactions.
• Influence: Environment and social context have significant impacts.

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory

• Systems:
  • Microsystem: Immediate surroundings (family, school).
  • Exosystem: Indirect environment (parent's workplace).
  • Macrosystem: Larger cultural and societal influences.

Conclusion

• Erikson's theory emphasizes the importance of resolving life stages positively.
• It intersects with moral development and the sociocultural context of learning.
• Each stage builds a foundation for future development and self-perception.