Stages of Stages of Psychosocial Psychosocial DevelopmentDevelopment
Erik Erikson Erik Erikson
Erik EriksonErik Erikson
A neo-Freudian Adheres to some of Freud’s ideas, but
focuses more on social influences. Stage Theorist Focus on Crisis Resolution
At each stage a crisis must be resolved If the crisis is not resolved, the individual
may lack the positive characteristic in the stage.
TRUST vs. MISTRUSTTRUST vs. MISTRUST
Birth – 1yr. Birth – 1yr. Needs being metBasic trust develops when needs are
met (Attachment)Loving relationship is formed
with caregiverImportant event: Feeding
AUTONOMY vs. SHAME AND AUTONOMY vs. SHAME AND DOUBTDOUBT
1 – 2 years1 – 2 yearsLearning to do things for oneselfDevelopment of physical activities (ex. walking)
Important event: toilet training
INITIATIVE vs. GUILTINITIATIVE vs. GUILT
3 – 5 years3 – 5 yearsPreschoolers learn to initiate tasks
One becomes more independent
COMPETENCE/ INDUSTRY vs. INFERIORITY COMPETENCE/ INDUSTRY vs. INFERIORITY
6 years – puberty6 years – puberty
Child completes tasks themselves
Learning on your ownImportant Event: school
IDENTITY vs. ROLE IDENTITY vs. ROLE CONFUSIONCONFUSION
Teens – early 20s Teens – early 20s Teens refine sense of self. Test new roles and incorporate
them into an identity. Know anyone that is very different now vs.
when they were pre teen 10,11 and 12? Important events: forming
relationships with friends
INTIMACY vs. ISOLATIONINTIMACY vs. ISOLATION
20s – 40s 20s – 40s Young adults develop intimate
relationshipsGaining the capacity for intimate
loveImportant event:
forming love and/or strong relationships
GENERATIVITY vs. GENERATIVITY vs. STAGNATIONSTAGNATION
40s – 60s 40s – 60s Middle-aged discover a sense of
contribution to this worldFamily and work oftentimes satisfy
this desireSupporting and satisfying
future generationImportant event:
Parenting
INTEGRITY vs. DESPAIRINTEGRITY vs. DESPAIR
60s +60s +Reflection on entire lifeDid I contribute to this world?
Sense of fulfillment
Evaluation of Erikson’s Evaluation of Erikson’s TheoryTheory
Theory does attempt to show development throughout life span.
Children and adults may overcome problems that occur during development.
Stages are more descriptive than explanatory.