Unit3.4Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development and Attachment

Trust versus Mistrust

Occurs during the first years of life when infants decide whether the world is friendly or hostile, depending on whether or not they can trust that their basic needs will be met. Trust and hopefulness are the outcomes of positive resolutions of this stage.

Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt

Between the ages of one and three, children must develop a sense of control over their bodily functions as well as control over their environment. Successful resolution of this stage leads to learning how to use the toilet, to walk, and to perform other skills related to control of the self.

Initiative versus Guilt

This stage occurs around ages three to six and corresponds with the child's entry into a broader social world outside the home. Children at this stage must take initiative and learn to assert themselves socially, without overstepping their bounds. The successful resolution of this stage results in the development of a sense of purpose.

Industry versus Inferiority

This stage occurs around ages six to twelve, where they are now in school, becoming accustomed to receiving feedback for their work. Here, they must gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work, which allows them to begin to understand what they are capable of doing. The successful resolution of this produces a sense of competence- the ability to do something successfully or effectively.

Identity versus Role confusion

This stage involves adolescents searching for identity, questioning what type of person they are, and developing their values. The result of this stage is fidelity, or truthfulness to oneself.

Intimacy versus Isolation

This is the stage of early adulthood when we attempt to form loving, lasting relationships. The successful resolution of this stage results in learning how to love in a mature, giving way. If the stage is not resolved, feelings of isolation or lack of intimacy may occur.

Generativity versus Stagnation

This is the stage during middle adulthood and brings with it the struggle to be productive in both career and at home, and to contribute to the next generation with ideas and possibly children. Being productive in these ways is called generativity. This is the stage where we try to leave our 'mark' on the world. Failure to resolve this stage can result in feelings of stagnation and isolation.

Integrity versus Despair

This is the stage during old age and brings with it the struggle to come to terms with one's life, which involves accepting both successes and failures.

Wisdom

The positive outcomes of this stage.

Bitterness and despair

The negative outcomes of failure at this stage.

Temperament

The notion that some childhood behaviors are biologically based rather than learned.

Surgency

Amount of positive affect and activity level.

Negative affect

The amount of frustration and sadness.

Effortful control

Ability of a child to self-regulate moods and behaviors.

Attachment

Defined as the tendency to prefer specific familiar individuals over others.

Strange situation

Concept used for the study of human infant attachment where a parent or caregiver leaves a child with a stranger and then returns.

Secure attachment

Child is happy in the presence of the guardian and is in distress when they leave; consoled quickly upon return.

Avoidant attachment

A child who avoids or ignores the caregiver, showing little emotion when they leave or return.

Ambivalent attachment

Is in distress when the caregiver leaves, but has difficulty being consoled when the guardian returns.

Disorganized attachment

The child has an erratic relationship with the primary caretaker and other adults, typically due to severe neglect and/or abuse.

Separation anxiety

The normal apprehension experienced by a young child, usually 6 to 10 months old, when away from a person to whom they are attached.

Parallel play

Young toddlers play next to each other but don't interact or create joint narratives or games.

Pretend play

Mental representations of the world through their games, which may involve joint play with others.

Peer relationships

Friends, family, etc., important for adolescents as they begin to develop a sense of identity.

Imaginary audience

When an adolescent believes that others are always paying attention to them when it is not true.

Adolescent egocentrism

Involves tremendous self-consciousness or focusing on only their narrative and perspective in general.

Adolescent identity development

The process through which adolescents develop a sense of self.

Achievement

Development of a true sense of self.

Diffusion

People who have as yet been unable to develop a true identity.

Foreclosure

People who have gained identity through the guidance of an adult.

Moratorium

Adolescents pause their search for a true identity.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

Negative experiences that happen in the first 17 years of life.

Social clock

Major life events.

Adult attachment

Studies have shown that the same pattern of attachment from childhood may last until adulthood.