Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory – Key Concepts and 8 Stages

These flashcards cover Erikson’s key terms, the eight psychosocial stages, their age ranges, conflicts, virtues, and potential maladaptive outcomes.

Who coined the term “psychosocial,” and what does it mean?

Erik Erikson; it refers to the interplay between our inner psychological life and outer social circumstances.

How many stages are in Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development?

Eight distinct stages.

Why is it important to successfully complete each psychosocial stage, according to Erikson?

Successful completion leads to healthy personality development; failure leaves unresolved conflicts that hinder future relationships.

What is a psychosocial conflict?

A struggle between an individual’s psychological needs and the demands of the social environment.

In Erikson’s theory, what is a virtue?

The positive strength that emerges from successfully resolving a psychosocial conflict.

Define ‘malignancy’ in the context of Erikson’s stages.

An outcome with too little of the positive resolution and too much of the negative aspect.

Define ‘maladaptation’ in Erikson’s theory.

An outcome with too much of the positive aspect and too little of the negative aspect.

What is the basic conflict of Erikson’s first stage (infancy)?

Trust vs. Mistrust.

During which age range does Trust vs. Mistrust occur?

Birth to 1 year.

What virtue results from successfully resolving Trust vs. Mistrust?

Hope.

Name the maladaptation and malignancy for Trust vs. Mistrust.

Maladaptation: Sensory Maladjustment (overly trusting). Malignancy: Withdrawal (extreme mistrust).

What basic conflict characterizes Erikson’s second stage (early childhood)?

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt.

What is the age range for Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt?

1–3 years old.

Which everyday task is commonly associated with developing autonomy in toddlers?

Potty training and other self-care activities.

What virtue emerges from Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt?

Will.

Identify the maladaptation and malignancy of Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt.

Maladaptation: Impulsiveness. Malignancy: Compulsiveness.

What conflict is central to Erikson’s third stage (play age)?

Initiative vs. Guilt.

Specify the age range for Initiative vs. Guilt.

3–6 years old.

What virtue develops when Initiative vs. Guilt is balanced?

Purpose.

Give the maladaptation and malignancy of Initiative vs. Guilt.

Maladaptation: Ruthlessness. Malignancy: Inhibition.

Which psychosocial conflict defines the school-age stage?

Industry vs. Inferiority.

At what ages does Industry vs. Inferiority typically occur?

6–12 years old.

What virtue results from resolving Industry vs. Inferiority?

Competence.

Name the maladaptation and malignancy associated with Industry vs. Inferiority.

Maladaptation: Narrow Virtuosity. Malignancy: Inertia.

Which conflict is faced during adolescence in Erikson’s model?

Identity vs. Role Confusion.

State the typical age range for Identity vs. Role Confusion.

12–19 years old.

What virtue stems from a clear sense of identity?

Fidelity.

Identify the maladaptation and malignancy of Identity vs. Role Confusion.

Maladaptation: Fanaticism. Malignancy: Repudiation.

What is the central conflict of young adulthood according to Erikson?

Intimacy vs. Isolation.

Give the age span for Intimacy vs. Isolation.

20–25 years old.

Which virtue is gained from successful intimacy?

Love.

List the maladaptation and malignancy for Intimacy vs. Isolation.

Maladaptation: Promiscuity. Malignancy: Exclusion.

What psychosocial conflict dominates adulthood in Erikson’s theory?

Generativity vs. Stagnation.

During what ages does Generativity vs. Stagnation generally occur?

26–64 years old.

What virtue arises from generativity?

Care.

Name the maladaptation and malignancy linked to Generativity vs. Stagnation.

Maladaptation: Overextension. Malignancy: Rejectivity.

What is the final psychosocial conflict in Erikson’s model?

Ego Integrity vs. Despair.

At what age does Ego Integrity vs. Despair typically take place?

65 years and onwards.

Which virtue results from achieving ego integrity?

Wisdom.

State the maladaptation and malignancy for Ego Integrity vs. Despair.

Maladaptation: Presumption. Malignancy: Disdain.

According to Erikson, can identity continue to evolve throughout life?

Yes; he believed identity can change across the entire lifespan as each new conflict is addressed.