ERIKSON'S STAGES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Psy1170 Brett Blackburn

Figure 1.

About the Theory Based off of Freud's theory of development Has eight distinct stages Like Freud this theory assumes that a

crises happens at each stage If one completes a stage they will

accomplish a greater sense of self and live a healthy life

If one does not complete a stage (can be completed later in life) one will struggle and have an unhealthy life

Stage 1Infancy (0-2 years)

Virtue: (upon successful completion of the stage, said person receives the good life quality. If unsuccessful one has the opposite qualities of the virtue) Hope

Psychosocial crisis – Trust vs Mistrust In this stage, one is learning to trust or mistrust the

world around them. up to the parents to provide safe, reliable,

consistent care for infant to develop trust. Significant relationship

Parents (traditionally more Mother)

Stage 2Early childhood 2–4 years

Virtue Will

Psychosocial crisis Autonomy vs. shame and doubt In this stage one is learning to explore the

world and explore ones limits. Up to parents to allow one to do things

themselves but still being careful to not let one struggle too much

Significant relationship Parents

Figure 2.

Stage 3Preschool age 4–5 years

Virtue Purpose

Psychosocial crisis Initiative vs. guilt Children are now beginning to interact with others

their age and more of the world around them and are testing the limits of what they can do

Parents are to guide them and find the balance between the psychological crisis

Significant relationship Family

Stage 4School age 5–12 years

Virtue Competence

Psychosocial crisis Industry vs. inferiority Almost like an evaluation period for the

previous 3 stages. One is seeing how one fairs in school and in

comparison to their peers in the virtues they possess.

Significant relationship Neighbors/school

Stage 5Adolescence 13–19 years

Virtue Fidelity

Psychosocial crisis Identity vs. role confusion In this stage one can care more about what

others think than themselves which can cause this crisis.

Significant relationship Peers and role models

Stage 6Early adulthood 20–39 years

Virtue Love

Psychosocial crisis Intimacy vs Isolation Midlife crisis begin occurring around 30 years

old and can be about this psychosocial crisis. Many by this age have been in relations of

some sorts and may be having doubts. Significant relationship

Peers, partners

Stage 7Adulthood 40–64 years

Virtue Care

Psychosocial crisis Generativity vs. stagnation What can you do with your life now? Will you

pursue a family? Relationships? Work? Making the world a better place?

Significant relationship Household, Coworkers

Stage 8Maturity 65-death

Virtue Wisdom Erikson describes wisdom as not fearing death

Psychosocial crisis Ego integrity vs. despair In this stage we slow down and think back on

our lives and what we accomplished We ask ourselves questions like did we make

decisions to lead a happy fulfilled life? Significant relationship

Man kind, My kind

Figure 3.

How is this content Relevant to me?

Growing up I have noticed how my relationships have changed and who I wanted relationships with changed as well. The theory helps support and explain that.

I have also noticed how what I wanted in life has changed overtime as well. The theory also supports and explains this as well.

How is this content Relevant to Nursing?

In nursing I will be dealing with people of all ages, genders, upbringings. Realizing that if your upbringing was lacking in some area it can affect your future and the daily things one would do as a Nurse. Ex. A young man comes into the hospital with an ailment and was hardly spoken to as a child thus cannot communicate the issue and that alone will prolong the visit and affect his care.

Not only will it help in identifying the issue, knowing my patient may have had a lacking upbringing may cause me to act slightly differently to help that or even help at an earlier stage.

References Boyd, D., Johnson P., Bee, H, (2015) Lifespan Development . (5th Canadian Ed.)

Toronto, ON; Prentice Hall Canada Inc.

Figure 1. Stages of Developement. [online image]. Retrieved from http://childdevelopment info.com/ages-stages/

Figure 2. Toddler. [online image]. Retrieved from http://www.springwoodmontessori .com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/toddler-girl-with-playdough1.jpg

Figure 3. Death [online image]. Retrieved from http://i.huffpost.com/gen/2148072/ images/o-DEATH-TUNNEL-facebook.jpg