Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development
Overview & Description: Erik Erikson, a developmental psychologist, proposed a lifespan model of development, taking in five stages up to the age of 18 years and three further stages beyond, into adulthood. Erikson suggests that there is still plenty of room for continued growth and development throughout one’s life. Each stage involves a psychosocial crisis of two opposing emotional forces.
Erikson believed that each stage played a crucial role in the development of personality and psychological skills. The outcomes of these stages, whether they were positive or negative, influenced the person’s perspective on life and their feelings about themselves and others.
- Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy, 0-1 years)
- Overview & Description: The first stage of Erikson’s theory centers around the infant’s basic needs being met by the parents. The development of trust during infancy sets the stage for a lifelong expectation that the world will be a good and pleasant place to live.
- Positive Outcome: If caregivers provide consistency, reliability, and care, the infant will develop a sense of trust.
- Negative Outcome: If not, the child may develop mistrust, suspicion, and anxiety.
- Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Toddlerhood, 2-3 years)
- Overview & Description: As toddlers begin to explore their world, they learn they can control their actions and act on their environment to get results.
- Positive Outcome: Successful development fosters feelings of autonomy and independence.
- Negative Outcome: Failures result in feelings of shame and self-doubt.
- Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool, 4-5 years)
- Overview & Description: Preschool children begin asserting control and power over the environment.
- Positive Outcome: Success in this stage leads to a sense of purpose.
- Negative Outcome: Those who are unsuccessful in this stage may feel that they are a nuisance to others and will therefore remain followers.
- Industry vs. Inferiority (Childhood, 6-11 years)
- Overview & Description: As the child enters school, they need to cope with new social and academic demands.
- Positive Outcome: Success in this stage leads to a sense of competence.
- Negative Outcome: Failure results in feelings of inferiority.
- Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence, 12-18 years)
- Overview & Description: This is a crucial stage for developing a sense of personal identity which will continue to influence behavior and development for the rest of a person’s life.
- Positive Outcome: Those who form a strong sense of identity will be well prepared for the next stage of adulthood.
- Negative Outcome: Failure to establish a cohesive identity results in role confusion.
- Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood, 19-40 years)
- Overview & Description: This period centers on forming intimate, loving relationships with others.
- Positive Outcome: Success leads to strong relationships.
- Negative Outcome: Failure results in loneliness and isolation.
- Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood, 40-65 years)
- Overview & Description: During this time, adults strive to create or nurture things that will outlast them.
- Positive Outcome: Success leads to feelings of usefulness and accomplishment.
- Negative Outcome: Failure results in shallow involvement in the world.
- Ego Integrity vs. Despair (Old Age, 65 to death)
- Overview & Description: As people grow old and become senior citizens, they tend to slow down their productivity and explore life as a retired person.
- Positive Outcome: Those with a strong sense of integrity face death with a sense of wholeness and acceptance.
- Negative Outcome: Those who are unsuccessful during this phase will feel that their life has been wasted and will experience many regrets.
Implications: Erikson’s stages help in understanding human development across the lifespan and can be especially relevant in education, parenting, and therapy to help individuals navigate their psychosocial challenges.
References:
- Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and society. Norton & Company.
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