Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory

Erikson's Psychosocial Development Overview

• Erik Erikson (1902-1994)
  • Influenced by Freud but focused on social approval alongside sexual and aggressive urges.
  • Emphasized the interplay between heredity and culture in shaping behavior and personality.
  • Introduced a lifespan approach to developmental psychology, covering growth from infancy to old age.

Erikson’s 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development

1. Oral Sensory Stage (0 - 18 months)

   • Crisis: Trust vs. Mistrust
     • Infants rely on caregivers for needs.
     • Trust is built through consistent care; absence leads to mistrust.
   • Virtue Developed: Hope

2. Muscular-Anal Stage (18 months - 3 years)

   • Crisis: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt
     • Children learn control over their bodies and decisions.
     • Success results from supportive parenting; failure leads to feelings of shame.
   • Virtue Developed: Will

3. Locomotor-Genital Stage (3 - 5 years)

   • Crisis: Initiative vs. Guilt
     • Children begin initiating activities and making choices.
     • Praise fosters initiative; discouragement fosters guilt.
   • Virtue Developed: Purpose

4. Latency Stage (6 - 12 years)

   • Crisis: Industry vs. Inferiority
     • Focus on mastering skills and gaining self-esteem.
     • Support from peers and adults fosters a sense of industry; lack of support leads to feelings of inferiority.
   • Virtue Developed: Competency

5. Adolescence Stage (13 - 21 years)

   • Crisis: Identity vs. Role Confusion
     • Adolescents explore personal values and identities.
     • Successful resolution leads to a strong sense of self; failure results in confusion regarding one’s role.
   • Virtue Developed: Fidelity

6. Young Adulthood Stage (21 - 39 years)

   • Crisis: Intimacy vs. Isolation
     • Focus on forming intimate relationships with others.
     • Successful individuals can navigate relationships, while unsuccessful individuals may face isolation.
   • Virtue Developed: Love

7. Adulthood Stage (40 - 65 years)

   • Crisis: Generativity vs. Stagnation
     • Adults strive to contribute to society, often through parenting or community involvement.
     • Success leads to a feeling of productivity; failure results in stagnation and feelings of isolation.
   • Virtue Developed: Care

8. Maturity Stage (65 and older)

   • Crisis: Ego Integrity vs. Despair
     • Reflection on life and acceptance of outcomes.
     • Successful individuals find meaning and satisfaction; failure leads to regrets and despair.
   • Virtue Developed: Wisdom

Summary Table of Psychosocial Stages

Conclusion

• Erikson's theory emphasizes the importance of social influences and the need for resolution of each stage’s crisis to develop virtues essential for healthy psychological development throughout life.