Erikson: Post-Freudian Theory

Erik Erikson

Who is the theorist who developed the theory of psychosocial development?

Identity Crisis

What is the central concept introduced by Erikson to describe pivotal moments of personal growth in each stage?

Basic Strength (Virtue)

What is the term Erikson used to describe the positive outcome of resolving a stage’s psychosocial conflict?

Epigenetic Principle

What is the name of Erikson’s principle that suggests development unfolds in a predetermined sequence?

Core Pathology

What is the term Erikson used to describe the negative outcome of unresolved stage’s psychosocial conflict?


1. Infancy

2. Early Childhood

3. Play Age

4. School Age

5. Adolescence

6. Young Adulthood

7. Adulthood

8. Old Age

Stages of Psychosocial Development (in order):

• Body Ego

• Ego Ideal

• Ego Identity

Components of the Ego:

Body Ego

Physical sense of self.

Ego Ideal

How we compare ourselves to ideals.

Ego Identity

Consistent self-identity across social roles.

• Oral-Sensory Mode

• Anal-Urethral-Muscular Mode

• Genital-Locomotor Mode

• Latency

• Puberty

• Genitality

• Procreativity

• Generalized Sensuality

Psychosexual Modes for Erikson’s Stages of Development:

Predetermined

The epigenetic principle suggests that personality develops in a __________ sequence, with each stage building upon the previous one.

Psychohistory

__________ is the method Erikson used to study historical figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther.

Pseudospecies

Erikson believed that __________ create the illusion of cultural superiority, leading to identity conflicts.

Play Age; Purpose

A child named Emma enjoys playing pretend games where she is a teacher or superhero. Her parents encourage her creativity and independence during play. What psychosocial stage is Emma in, and what basic strength is she developing?

Adulthood; Stagnation

John, a 45-year-old, feels unmotivated and disconnected from his family and career. He struggles to find meaning in his life and is consumed with self-absorption. Which stage is John in, and what pathology might he be experiencing?

Identity vs. Identity Confusion

Mia, a teenager, is experimenting with different friend groups and activities. She is unsure of her identity and feels torn between what her parents expect and what she wants for herself. What conflict is Mia experiencing?

Old Age; Wisdom

A 70-year-old man reflects on his life and feels at peace with his achievements and relationships. What stage is he in, and what basic strength has he achieved?

Guilt

Liam, a 5-year-old, is often scolded by his parents for asking too many questions and trying new activities. He begins to feel guilty about expressing himself. What pathology is Liam at risk of developing?

False

TRUE OR FALSE

Erikson’s stages of development end at adolescence.

True

TRUE OR FALSE

Each stage in Erikson’s theory builds upon the outcomes of the previous stage.

False (It is the basic strength of old age.)

TRUE OR FALSE

Integrity is the basic strength of adulthood.

False

TRUE OR FALSE

The epigenetic principle suggests that every stage of development is independent and unrelated to the others.

True

TRUE OR FALSE

Role confusion is a potential negative outcome during adolescence.

Basic Trust vs. Basic Mistrust

The conflict during infancy is _________ vs. _________.

Hope

The basic strength of infancy is _________.

Withdrawal

The core pathology of unresolved trust during infancy is _________.

Oral-Sensory Mode

What psychosexual mode is associated with infancy?

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

The conflict during early childhood is _________ vs. _________.

Will

The basic strength of early childhood is _________.

Compulsion

The core pathology of unresolved autonomy during early childhood is _________.

Anal-Urethral-Muscular Mode

What psychosexual mode is associated with early childhood?

Initiative vs. Guilt

The conflict during the play age is _________ vs. _________.

Purpose

The basic strength of the play age is _________.

Inhibition

The core pathology of unresolved initiative during the play age is _________.

Genital-Locomotor Mode

What psychosexual mode is associated with the play age?

Industry vs. Inferiority

The conflict during the school age is _________ vs. _________.

Competence

The basic strength of the school age is _________.

Inertia

The core pathology of unresolved industry during the school-age is _________.

Latency

What psychosexual mode is associated with the school age?

Identity vs. Identity Confusion

The conflict during adolescence is _________ vs. _________.

Fidelity

The basic strength of adolescence is _________.

Role Repudiation (Diffidence or Defiance)

The core pathology of unresolved identity during adolescence is _________.

Puberty

What psychosexual mode is associated with adolescence?

Intimacy vs. Isolation

The conflict during young adulthood is _________ vs. _________.

Love

The basic strength of young adulthood is _________.

Exclusivity

The core pathology of unresolved intimacy during young adulthood is _________.

Genitality

What psychosexual mode is associated with young adulthood?

Generativity vs. Stagnation

The conflict during adulthood is _________ vs. _________.

Care

The basic strength of adulthood is _________.

Rejectivity

The core pathology of unresolved generativity during adulthood is _________.

Procreativity

What psychosexual mode is associated with adulthood?

Integrity vs. Despair

The conflict during old age is _________ vs. _________.

Wisdom

The basic strength of old age is _________.

Disdain

The core pathology of unresolved integrity during old age is _________.

Generalized Sensuality

What psychosexual mode is associated with old age?

False

TRUE OR FALSE

Erikson’s theory suggests that failing to resolve one stage completely prevents further development.

False (It is associated with the school age stage.)

TRUE or FALSE

Latency is the psychosexual mode associated with early childhood.

True

TRUE or FALSE

Erikson believed that all individuals experience identity crises at some point in their lives.

Hope; Basic Trust vs. Basic Mistrust

Baby Mia cries whenever she is hungry, and her parents quickly respond by feeding and comforting her. Mia is beginning to feel safe and secure. What basic strength is Mia developing, and what conflict is she resolving?

Withdrawal

Noah is an infant whose needs are often ignored by his caregivers. He cries frequently and shows difficulty bonding with others. What pathology might Noah develop?

Will; Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Napipopeta, a 2-year-old, insists on choosing his own clothes and feeding himself. His parents encourage his independence but also provide support. What basic strength is Napipopeta developing, and what conflict is he resolving?

Compulsion

Mr. Boo’s parents frequently scold him for making mistakes as he tries to dress himself. Mr. Boo begins to feel embarrassed and unsure of his abilities. What core pathology is he at risk of developing?

Purpose

Lachimolala, a 5-year-old, loves pretending to be a teacher while playing with his friends. His parents encourage his creativity and allow him to take the lead in his activities. What basic strength is he developing?

Inhibition

Prince Excalibur Kyeom, a 4-year-old, wants to explore and try new things, but he is often scolded for being "too noisy" or "disruptive." He begins to withdraw from initiating activities. What pathology is Prince Excalibur Kyeom at risk of developing?

Competence; Industry vs. Inferiority

Muscle Pig, an 8-year-old, is praised for his hard work and accomplishments at school. He takes pride in his abilities and is eager to learn more. What basic strength is Muscle Pig developing, and what conflict is he resolving?

• Withdrawal

• Compulsion

• Inhibition

• Inertia

• Role Repudiation

• Exclusivity

• Rejectivity

• Disdain

Core Pathologies (in order):