Personality Psychology 3

Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development

Ego Psychology

Supports the integration of biological and psychosocial forces; focuses on the interpersonal, cultural, and historical context of personality.

Epigenetic Principle

The concept that development occurs in a series of universal stages for all people.

Lifespan Development

Erikson’s argument that development continues throughout a person's entire lifetime, not just childhood.

Psychosocial Crisis

A challenge faced at each stage that must be resolved to develop a healthy personality.

Basic Virtues

Characteristic strengths acquired through the successful resolution of a psychosocial crisis.

Stage 1

Oral-Sensory (Birth–1)

Stage 2

Muscular-Anal (2–3)

Stage 3

Locomotor-Genital (4–5)

Stage 4

Latency (6–12)

Stage 5

Adolescence (13–19)

Stage 6

Young Adulthood (20–24)

Stage 7

Middle Adulthood (25–64)

Stage 8

Late Adulthood (65–Death)

Oral-Sensory

(Birth–1) Trust vs. Mistrust. Virtue: Hope. Resolved: Consistent care leads to trust. Unresolved: Neglect leads to suspicion.

Muscular-Anal

(2–3) Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt. Virtue: Will. Resolved: Support for independence fosters confidence. Unresolved: Overprotection leads to shame.

Locomotor-Genital

(4–5) Initiative vs. Guilt. Virtue: Purpose. Resolved: Support for play and questions leads to security. Unresolved: Restricted behavior leads to guilt.

Latency

(6–12) Industry vs. Inferiority. Virtue: Competence. Resolved: Encouragement in skills leads to industry. Unresolved: Negative feedback leads to inferiority.

Adolescence

(13–19) Identity vs. Role Confusion. Virtue: Fidelity. Resolved: Exploration of roles leads to a strong sense of self. Unresolved: Restrictions lead to a weak identity.

Young Adulthood

(20–24) Intimacy vs. Isolation. Virtue: Love. Resolved: Successful relationships lead to safety and care. Unresolved: Fear of commitment leads to isolation.

Middle Adulthood

(25–64) Generativity vs. Stagnation. Virtue: Care. Resolved: Contributing to society through work or parenting leads to usefulness. Unresolved: Feeling unproductive or disconnected.

Late Adulthood

(65–Death) Ego Integrity vs. Despair. Virtue: Wisdom. Resolved: Acceptance of life leads to closure. Unresolved: Dissatisfaction leads to hopelessness and fear of death.