Erik Erikson 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development

Summary

In this presentation, Rorigo Oaks explores Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which outlines eight stages of human growth from infancy to old age. Erikson's theory emphasizes the importance of socialization and the resolution of conflicts at each stage, which shape an individual's personality. Key stages include trust versus mistrust, autonomy versus shame, and identity achievement versus role confusion. The theory contrasts with Freud's psychosexual approach, focusing on social interactions and the development of a healthy sense of self throughout life.

Takeaways

• 📚 Erikson's theory of psychosocial development is a significant framework in developmental psychology, focusing on how humans develop mentally throughout their lives.
• 👶 The first stage, from birth to 18 months, is about establishing basic trust versus mistrust, influenced by the care and attention received during infancy.
• 🚼 The second stage, from 18 months to 3 years, involves learning autonomy versus shame and doubt, as toddlers begin to explore their bodies and environment.
• 🏃‍♂️ The third stage, from 4 to 5 years old, is about initiative versus guilt, where children start to explore their surroundings and learn to take initiative or feel guilt based on their experiences.
• 🏫 The fourth stage, from 6 years to puberty, is about industry versus inferiority, where children develop skills and a sense of self, which can be positively or negatively influenced by their school experiences.
• 🆔 The fifth stage, from adolescence to young adulthood, is about identity achievement versus role confusion, where the integration of various roles into a single identity is crucial.
• ❤️ The sixth stage, in early adulthood, is about intimacy versus isolation, focusing on the ability to form deep, meaningful relationships without losing one's sense of self.
• 🌐 The seventh stage, in middle adulthood, is about generativity versus stagnation, where individuals typically focus on contributing to society and helping others.
• 👵 The eighth and final stage, in late adulthood, is about ego integrity versus despair, where individuals reflect on their lives and either feel a sense of satisfaction or regret.
• 🔄 Erikson's stages are psychosocial, contrasting with Freud's psychosexual stages, emphasizing socialization and the individual's interaction with the world around them.

Q & A

Who is Erik Erikson and what is his primary field of study?

Erik Erikson was a psychologist born in Frankfurt, Germany, and later died in Massachusetts, USA. He held dual American-German citizenship and his primary field of study was developmental psychology, which focuses on how human beings develop mentally throughout their lives.

What term did Erikson coin that is central to his theories?

Erikson coined the term 'lifespan development,' which is a concept that focuses on the development of human beings across their entire life from birth to old age.

How does Erikson's theory of psychosocial development differ from Freud's psychosexual theory?

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development focuses on how a child socializes and makes sense of the world around them, while Freud's psychosexual theory is based on the growing sexualization of the infant as they discover their sexuality. Erikson's stages are about socialization and personality development, not psychosexual stages.

What are the key conflicts that Erikson described in each stage of development?

Erikson described conflicts in each stage of development that act as turning points in life, centered on either developing a psychological quality or failing to develop that quality. These conflicts involve choices about how individuals view the world and their situation.

Can you explain the concept of 'basic trust versus mistrust' in Erikson's first stage of development?

In the first stage, which occurs between zero and 18 months, infants learn about the basics of trustworthiness in their environment. If they receive attention and affection, they form a global impression of a trustworthy and secure world. Conversely, if they experience pain and stress, they may grow up believing life is unpredictable and untrustworthy.

What is the significance of the 'autonomy versus shame and doubt' stage in a toddler's development?

The 'autonomy versus shame and doubt' stage, which occurs from 18 months to 3 years, is significant because toddlers discover their own bodies and how to control them. If they succeed in doing things for themselves, they gain a sense of self-confidence and self-control. If they fail, they may feel shame and self-doubt.

How does the 'initiative versus guilt' stage influence a child's ability to explore and interact with the world?

During the 'initiative versus guilt' stage, which is between four to five years old, children start to explore beyond their own bodies and make sense of the outside world. If their explorations and activities are effective, they learn to deal with people and things constructively and develop a strong sense of initiative. If they are criticized or punished, they may learn to feel guilty for their actions.

What does Erikson mean by 'industry versus inferiority' and how does it affect a child's development?

The 'industry versus inferiority' stage occurs between six years to puberty, where children develop numerous skills, and their sense of self is enriched by realistic development. If they have a realistic idea of what they can achieve and succeed at school, they are more likely to be settled adults. However, if they struggle with the skills they're developing, they may carry a sense of inferiority into adulthood.

How does the 'identity achievement versus role confusion' stage impact a young adult's sense of self?

In the 'identity achievement versus role confusion' stage, which occurs during the teenage years, young adults learn a number of different roles and it's important for them to integrate these roles into one constant identity. Failure to do so can result in 'ego diffusion,' where individuals feel lost and unsure of their place in the world.

What is the central conflict in Erikson's 'intimacy versus isolation' stage, and how can it affect an individual's relationships?

The central conflict in the 'intimacy versus isolation' stage, which occurs in early adulthood, is the ability to share one's life with another person without fear of losing one's own identity. If individuals struggle with this, they may become self-absorbed and isolated, unable to form close, intimate relationships.

What is the significance of 'generativity versus stagnation' in middle adulthood according to Erikson?

In middle adulthood, the 'generativity versus stagnation' stage is significant as individuals focus on contributing to society, often through volunteering or helping others. Failure to resolve earlier conflicts can lead to self-absorption and stagnation, where individuals become preoccupied with themselves and do not grow emotionally.

How does Erikson define 'ego integrity versus despair' and its impact on an individual's perception of their life?

In the final stage of life, 'ego integrity versus despair,' individuals look back over their lives and judge them. If they are satisfied with their achievements, it brings a sense of integrity. However, if they view their decisions as misdirected or regret what could have been, they might experience a sense of despair.