3. Psychosocial Development by Erik Erikson

Psychosocial Development

This is the process by which your personality, emotional skills, and sense of identity form through interactions with other people and your social environment.

Erik Erikson

He is the psychologist who proposed that human development unfolds across eight distinct stages, each defined by a central emotional conflict.

The Central Idea behind Psychosocial Development

Each stage of life, you face a specific psychological challenge created by the tension between your internal needs and the demands of the people and culture around you.

The Central Idea behind Psychosocial Development

Erikson framed each challenge as a conflict between two opposing outcomes: one positive and one negative. Successfully working through a stage doesn’t mean you avoid the negative side entirely.

“Basic Virtues”

It means you come out of each period leaning more toward the healthy outcome, gaining a psychological strength that carries forward into later stages.

Combination of Psychosocial

1. Psycho

2. Social

1. Psycho

This word refers to the individual's thoughts, emotions, personality, and mental development.

2. Social

This word refers to relationships with family, friends, school, work, and society.

The Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development

1. Trust vs. Mistrust (0-18 Months)

2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1-3 Years)

3. Initiative vs. Guilt (3-5 Years)

4. Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12 Years)

5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18 Years)

6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood)

7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood)

8. Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood)

1. Trust vs. Mistrust (0-18 Months)

Infants develop trust when caregivers consistently meet their needs; inconsistent care leads to mistrust.

2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1-3 Years)

Toddlers learn independence and self-control; overprotection can cause shame or doubt.

3. Initiative vs. Guilt (3-5 Years)

Children explore and take initiative; failure may result in guilt.

4. Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12 Years)

School-age children develop competence; repeated failure can lead to feelings of inferiority.

5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18 Years)

Adolescents explore personal identity; unresolved conflicts may cause confusion about their role in society.

6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood)

Young adults form close relationships; failure can result in isolation.

7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood)

Adults contribute to society and guide the next generation; stagnation occurs if they feel unproductive.

8. Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood)

Older adults reflect on life; a sense of fulfillment leads to integrity, while regret leads to despair.

The Central Idea behind Psychosocial Development

Erikson’s stages don’t unfold in a vacuum. Your progression through each one is heavily influenced by your social environment.

Several Layers of Influence

1. The people you interact with most directly

2. Broader forces

1. The people you interact with most directly

This includes family, friends, caregivers, and teachers.

1. Broader forces

Extending outward like culture, economic conditions, and political systems.

1. Hope

This is the positive outcome of Infancy (Birth - 1 Year) - Trust vs. Mistrust.

2. Will

This is the positive outcome of Early Childhood (1 - 3 Years) - Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt.

3. Purpose

This is the positive outcome of Pre-School (3 - 6 Years) - Initiative vs. Guilt.

4. Competence

This is the positive outcome of School Age (6 - 12 Years) - Industry vs. Inferiority.

5. Fidelity

This is the positive outcome of Adolescence (12 - 18 Years) - Identity vs. Role Confusion.

6. Love

This is the positive outcome of Young Adulthood (Young Adulthood) - Intimacy vs. Isolation.

7. Care

This is the positive outcome of Middle Adulthood (40 - 65 Years) - Generativity vs. Stagnation.

8. Wisdom

This is the positive outcome of Late Adulthood (65 Years and Above) - Integrity vs. Despair.

Positive Outcomes

1. Hope

2. Will

3. Purpose

4. Competence

5. Fidelity

6. Love

7. Care

8. Wisdom