Psychosocial Development and Developmental Tasks

Flashcards on Erik Erikson's 8 psychosocial stages of development and Robert J. Havighurst's developmental tasks for adolescents.

Human Development

A branch of psychology focused on understanding how people develop, grow, and change throughout their lives.

Erik Erikson

German-born psychologist (June 15, 1902) who created the 8 stages of psychosocial development, focusing on identity and lifelong human growth.

Trust vs. Mistrust

Psychosocial stage 1 (Birth-1 year) where infants rely on caregivers for basic needs; consistent care develops trust and safety, while neglect leads to fear and difficulty trusting others. Virtue: Hope.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Psychosocial stage 2 (1-3 years) where toddlers learn to perform tasks independently; parental encouragement builds confidence, while constant criticism leads to self-doubt. Virtue: Will.

Initiative vs. Guilt

Psychosocial stage 3 (3-6 years) where children explore through play and questions; support fosters problem-solving initiative, while punishment leads to guilt. Virtue: Purpose.

Industry vs. Inferiority

Psychosocial stage 4 (7-11 years) where school-age children learn academic and social skills; praise builds competence, while negative comparisons create feelings of inferiority. Virtue: Competence.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Psychosocial stage 5 (12-18 years) where adolescents seek to understand who they are; successful self-exploration creates a strong identity, while confusion causes goal uncertainty. Virtue: Fidelity.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Psychosocial stage 6 (19-29 years) where young adults establish deep connections; healthy relationships bring intimacy, while avoidance leads to loneliness and isolation. Virtue: Love.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Psychosocial stage 7 (30-64 years) where adults focus on contributing to family, career, and community; lack of contribution results in feeling life lacks purpose. Virtue: Care.

Integrity vs. Despair

Psychosocial stage 8 (65 years and up) where older adults reflect on life; pride in past choices brings integrity and peace, while regret brings despair. Virtue: Wisdom.

Robert J. Havighurst

Psychologist known for outlining developmental tasks across life stages, specifically focusing on the critical adjustments required during adolescence.

Formal Operational Stage

A cognitive development stage beginning in adolescence where brain maturation allows for processing abstract thoughts.

Adjustment to Physical Sense of Self

Adolescent developmental task #1: Adjusting to body changes, emerging sexual characteristics, and hormonal shifts caused by puberty.

Adjustment to New Intellectual Abilities

Adolescent developmental task #2: Adapting to abstract thinking and heightened intellectual capacity in the Formal Operational stage.

Adjustment to School Demands

Adolescent developmental task #3: Adapting to increased cognitive load and academic expectations at school.

Expansion of Verbal Skills

Adolescent developmental task #4: Broadening language capabilities beyond knowing word definitions to using them effectively in context.

Development of Personal Sense of Identity

Adolescent developmental task #5: Defining personal identity to successfully navigate life's complexities and challenges.

Establishment of Adult Vocational Goals

Adolescent developmental task #6: Formulating concrete career goals and milestones once identity is established.

Emotional and Psychological Independence

Adolescent developmental task #7: Achieving self-reliance and independence from parents in emotional and psychological aspects.

Productive Peer Relationships

Adolescent developmental task #8: Building stable friendships with peers who encourage positive growth and offer honest feedback.

Managing Sexuality

Adolescent developmental task #9: Understanding and expressing sexual orientation authentically while aligning self-image with personal masculinity or femininity.

Impulse Control and Behavioral Maturity

Adolescent developmental task #10: Practicing moderation, foresight, and wisdom to avoid destructive habits and addictions.