L2P2 - Erikson's Psychosocial Stages

Flashcards on Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Stages of Development

Erikson's Psychosocial Theory

Erikson's theory emphasizes social and cultural factors over sexual drives in development.

Psychosocial Stages

Each stage presents a unique developmental task with a crisis to be resolved.

Basic Virtues

Successful resolution leads to a healthy personality and acquisition of basic virtues.

Trust vs. Mistrust

First psychosocial stage, occurring in the first year of life, centered around feeding and consistent caregiving.

Virtue of Hope

Leads to hope that the world is a good and pleasant place; unresolved issues can lead to anxiety and mistrust.

Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt

Erikson's second stage, occurring in late infancy and toddlerhood and focuses on learning self-care.

Initiative vs. Guilt

Occurs during the preschool years, involving play, exploration, and asking 'why'.

Exploration

Exploration allows children to assert power, learn from mistakes, and build self-confidence. Encouragement is crucial.

Industry vs. Inferiority

Fourth developmental stage, occurring during elementary school years, centered around schoolwork and peer comparison.

Mastering Knowledge

Children direct energy toward mastering knowledge and intellectual skills; negative outcome is feeling incompetent.

Identity vs. Identity Confusion

Fifth developmental stage, where individuals seek to find out who they are.

Positive Identity

A positive path in life is achieved through exploring roles; failure leads to identity confusion.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Erikson's sixth stage, occurs during early adulthood years and centered around forming romantic relationships and emotional intimacy.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Seventh developmental stage, occurring during middle adulthood, focused on parenting, career, and community engagement.

Helping Next Generation

Focuses on helping the younger generation to develop and lead useful lives; stagnation is the feeling of not contributing.

Integrity vs. Despair

Final stage, occurring in late adulthood, involves life review and reflection on achievements.

Virtue of Wisdom

Wisdom enables acceptance of death without fear, while regret leads to bitterness and despair.

Criticisms of Erikson's Theory

Theory is criticized for lacking detail on how individuals successfully resolve each psychosocial crisis.