Erikson's psychosocial development | Individuals and Society | MCAT | Khan Academy

Summary

Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development emphasizes the role of culture and society in shaping personality across eight stages throughout a person's life. Unlike Freud, Erikson believed personality growth continues beyond childhood. Each stage involves a crisis between individual needs and societal expectations, with successful resolution leading to virtues like hope, independence, purpose, and wisdom. Failure at any stage can result in negative outcomes such as mistrust, shame, guilt, or despair. This theory highlights the continuous interaction between personal development and social influences throughout life.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development is influenced by Freud but emphasizes culture and society.
• 📆 Personality development spans the entire life, not just childhood, with growth possible at every stage.
• ⚖️ Each of Erikson's eight stages involves a crisis between individual needs and societal expectations.
• 👶 Stage 1 (Trust vs. Mistrust): In the first year, consistent care leads to trust and hope; inconsistency leads to suspicion and fear.
• 🚶‍♂️ Stage 2 (Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt): Ages 1-3, children develop independence; overly critical or controlling parents cause shame and doubt.
• 🎭 Stage 3 (Initiative vs. Guilt): Ages 3-5, children assert themselves and ask questions; excessive control leads to guilt and inhibits creativity.
• 🏫 Stage 4 (Industry vs. Inferiority): Ages 6-12, children seek competence through achievements; lack of encouragement leads to inferiority.
• 👤 Stage 5 (Identity vs. Role Confusion): Ages 12-18, adolescents explore their identity; failure leads to confusion, rebellion, and unhappiness.
• 💑 Stage 6 (Intimacy vs. Isolation): Ages 18-40, forming intimate relationships leads to love; avoiding intimacy results in isolation and loneliness.
• 👪 Stage 7 (Generativity vs. Stagnation): Ages 40-retirement, contributing to society through work and family leads to care; failure leads to stagnation.
• 🔄 Stage 8 (Integrity vs. Despair): Ages 65+, reflecting on life with a sense of fulfillment leads to wisdom; regrets lead to despair and dissatisfaction.

Q & A

What is the main influence behind Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development?

Erik Erikson's theory was greatly influenced by Freud's theory, but Erikson emphasized the role of culture and society in development.

What is a key difference between Erikson's theory and Freud's theory?

A key difference is that Erikson suggested personality development spans an entire life, not just childhood, which Freud emphasized.

How does Erikson define a 'crisis' in his stages of development?

Erikson defines a crisis as a conflict between an individual's needs and the needs of society, which occurs at each stage of development.

What is the crisis and the basic virtue associated with the first stage of Erikson's theory?

The crisis is trust versus mistrust, and the basic virtue is hope.

What negative outcome can result from failing to resolve the crisis in the first stage?

Failing to resolve the crisis can lead to the development of fear and mistrust.

What is the focus of the second stage of Erikson's theory and its associated virtue?

The second stage focuses on autonomy versus shame or doubt, with the virtue being a sense of independence or personal will.

How should parents support their child during the second stage according to Erikson?

Parents should encourage independence by allowing the child to explore their abilities within an encouraging environment, offering support and patience.

What is the crisis and virtue in the third stage of Erikson's theory?

The crisis is initiative versus guilt, and the virtue is a sense of purpose.

What role do teachers play in the fourth stage of Erikson's theory?

Teachers play an important role by teaching specific skills and helping children gain self-esteem and competence, with the crisis being industry versus inferiority.

What is the main focus of the fifth stage of Erikson's theory during adolescence?

The main focus is identity versus role confusion, where teenagers explore their identity and roles they will occupy as adults.

What are the positive and negative outcomes of the fifth stage?

The positive outcome is fidelity, the ability to see oneself as unique and integrated. The negative outcomes are confusion, rebellion, and feelings of unhappiness.

What is the crisis in the sixth stage of Erikson's theory and its associated virtue?

The crisis is intimacy versus isolation, with the associated virtue being love.

What can result from failing to resolve the crisis in the sixth stage?

Failing to resolve the crisis can lead to isolation, loneliness, and depression.

What is the focus of the seventh stage of Erikson's theory?

The focus is on generativity versus stagnation, where adults give back to society through productivity and raising children.