Psychosocial and Career Development Theories

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory and Donald Super's Career Development Theory, designed for senior high school students transitioning into adulthood and through their career exploration phases.

Understanding the self

An active, intentional process of peeling back external expectations to uncover genuine values, core strengths, and personal beliefs.

Strengthening the self

A process involving the application of self-knowledge to external choices, particularly in choosing academic tracks and career goals.

Erik Erikson

A Psychoanalyst and Developmental Psychologist who proposed that human personality develops through a series of eight interconnected social conflicts or crises across the lifespan.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

The fifth stage of Erikson's model, spanning ages $12$ to $18$, where adolescents explore independent roles and personal values to form a self-concept.

Role Confusion

A state resulting from extreme pressure to conform or restricted exploration, manifested as a weak sense of self or drifting aimlessly without clear goals.

Fidelity

The virtue gained during adolescence, defined as the ability to stay true to personal values, commitments, and relationships despite societal pressures.

Trust vs. Mistrust

The first stage of Erikson's theory (Birth to $1$ year) where infants learn if caregivers can be relied upon for basic survival; results in the virtue of Hope.

Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt

The second stage of Erikson's theory (Ages $1$ to $3$) focused on building physical independence and control; results in the virtue of Will.

Initiative vs. Guilt

The third stage of Erikson's theory (Ages $3$ to $6$) involving asserting power through planning activities and social play; results in the virtue of Purpose.

Industry vs. Inferiority

The fourth stage of Erikson's theory (Ages $7$ to $11$) centered on developing pride and competence in academic and social skills; results in the virtue of Competence.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

The sixth stage of Erikson's theory (Ages $19$ to $29$) focused on forming deep, committed, and loving relationships; results in the virtue of Love.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

The seventh stage of Erikson's theory (Ages $30$ to $64$) involving contributing to society and mentoring younger generations; results in the virtue of Care.

Integrity vs. Despair

The eighth stage of Erikson's theory (Ages $65$ and older) involving reflecting on life achievements with satisfaction or regret; results in the virtue of Wisdom.

Donald Super

An American Psychologist who viewed career development as a lifelong evolutionary process based on an individual's evolving self-concept.

Self-concept

In Super's theory, how an individual views their unique strengths, limits, and values in relation to the world of work.

Exploration Stage

The second stage of Super's model (Ages $15$ to $24$) dedicated to figuring out interests and trying out options before committing to a career pathway.

Crystallization

A sub-stage of exploration where an individual analyzes personal attributes and matches them to broad vocational areas.

Specification

A sub-stage of exploration where broad occupational preferences are narrowed down into a firm, specific vocational goal.

Implementation

A sub-stage of exploration involving active steps to turn choices into reality, such as studying within a specific academic track like STEM or ASSH.

Growth Stage

The first of Super's stages (Birth to $14$ years) involving developing basic capacities and learning about the general concept of work.

Establishment Stage

The third of Super's stages (Ages $25$ to $44$) focused on securing an entry-level position and stabilizing a position within a chosen field.

Maintenance Stage

The fourth of Super's stages (Ages $45$ to $64$) centered on holding onto an achieved position and adapting to workplace changes.

Decline (Disengagement)

The final stage of Super's model (Ages $65$ and older) involving a transition into retirement and shifting focus away from full-time productivity.

Vocational Maturity

A concept developed by Super referring to an individual's readiness to handle career developmental tasks, which may not correspond to chronological age.