Erikson's Psychoanalytic Ego

Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development

A theory that outlines eight stages of psychosocial development, emphasizing the impact of social experience across the whole lifespan.

Ego Psychology

A theory that emphasizes the integration of biological and psychosocial forces in determining personality functioning, focusing on developmental crises.

Epigenetic Principle

The principle that there is a genetically determined sequence of human development that unfolds in a predetermined order.

Crisis in Ego Development

Psychosocial crises involve individual psychological needs conflicting with societal needs.

Basic Virtues

Characteristic strengths acquired through the successful resolution of psychosocial crises during development.

Ego Strength

The development of virtues that enhance an individual's ability to handle future crises.

Basic Trust vs. Mistrust

The first stage of Erikson's theory, occurring in the first year of life, focused on developing trust in caregivers.

Ego Strength: Hope

The result of successfully developing trust in the first stage of Erikson's psychosocial development.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

The second stage of development occurring in early childhood, where children develop a sense of control and independence.

Ego Strength: Will

The strength gained from successfully navigating the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage.

Initiative vs. Guilt

The third stage of psychosocial development focused on children asserting themselves through play and social interactions.

Ego Strength: Purpose

The strength gained from successfully navigating the Initiative vs. Guilt stage, involving initiative and planning.

Industry vs. Inferiority

The fourth stage of development, occurring between ages 6-12, focused on competence and self-esteem through social experiences.

Ego Strength: Competence

The strength developed from succeeding in the Industry vs. Inferiority stage.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

The fifth stage of development during adolescence, focused on establishing a personal identity and sense of self.

Ego Strength: Fidelity

The strength gained from successfully navigating the Identity vs. Role Confusion stage, involving loyalty and commitment.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

The sixth stage of development in young adulthood, focusing on forming intimate relationships.

Ego Strength: Love

The strength gained from successfully forming intimate relationships in the Intimacy vs. Isolation stage.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

The seventh stage of development in middle adulthood, focused on the need to create and care for future generations.

Ego Strength: Care

The strength gained through generativity, reflecting concern for others and desire to contribute to society.

Ego Integrity vs. Despair

The final stage of development in late adulthood, focusing on reflecting on life satisfaction and accomplishments.

Ego Strength: Wisdom

The strength gained from achieving a sense of fulfillment and integrity by the end of life.

Identity Diffusion

An identity status characterized by a lack of firm commitments and absence of crisis.

Foreclosure

An identity status marked by firm commitments made without experiencing a crisis.

Moratorium

An identity status involving crisis and exploration of different roles and identities.

Identity Achievement

An identity status achieved after going through crisis and making firm commitments.

Bicultural Identity

The positive attitudes individuals hold toward both their own ethnic group and the majority culture.

Intimacy Statuses

Concepts developed by Orlofsky to evaluate an individual's level of intimacy in relationships.

Intimate Individuals

Those who have deep relationships and committed heterosexual relationships.

Preintimate Individuals

Those who show emotional ties but are ambivalent about commitment.

Stereotyped Individuals

Individuals with many superficial relationships lacking closeness.

Pseudo Intimate Individuals

Individuals with enduring commitments but lacking depth in relationships.

Isolated Individuals

Individuals withdrawn from social situations and relationships.