Erikson

Erik Erikson – Psychosocial Development Theory

Overview

  • Erik Erikson (1902–1994): German-American developmental psychologist & psychoanalyst.

  • Known for expanding Freud’s psychosexual stages into 8 psychosocial stages spanning the entire lifespan.

  • Focus: ego identity (sense of self shaped by social interaction and experience).

  • Key concept: At each stage, individuals face a psychosocial crisis; successful resolution → virtue/strength, unsuccessful → difficulties in later stages.

8 Stages of Psychosocial Development

  1. Infancy (0–1 year)

    • Crisis: Trust vs. Mistrust

    • Key relationship: Caregiver

    • Virtue: Hope

    • Successful outcome: Sense of trust in the world.

    • Unsuccessful: Fear and suspicion.

  3. Early Childhood (1–3 years)

    • Crisis: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt

    • Key relationship: Parents

    • Virtue: Will

    • Successful: Independence, self-control.

    • Unsuccessful: Doubt in abilities, dependency.

  5. Preschool (3–6 years)

    • Crisis: Initiative vs. Guilt

    • Key relationship: Family

    • Virtue: Purpose

    • Successful: Initiative, leadership, ability to plan.

    • Unsuccessful: Guilt, inhibition, fear of trying.

  7. School Age (6–12 years)

    • Crisis: Industry vs. Inferiority

    • Key relationship: School, peers

    • Virtue: Competence

    • Successful: Confidence from achievements.

    • Unsuccessful: Feelings of inferiority, lack of self-belief.

  9. Adolescence (12–18 years)

    • Crisis: Identity vs. Role Confusion

    • Key relationship: Peers, role models

    • Virtue: Fidelity

    • Successful: Strong sense of identity, personal values.

    • Unsuccessful: Confusion, weak sense of self.

  11. Young Adulthood (18–40 years)

    • Crisis: Intimacy vs. Isolation

    • Key relationship: Partners, friends

    • Virtue: Love

    • Successful: Ability to form deep, lasting relationships.

    • Unsuccessful: Loneliness, isolation, fear of commitment.

  13. Middle Adulthood (40–65 years)

    • Crisis: Generativity vs. Stagnation

    • Key relationship: Family, society, community

    • Virtue: Care

    • Successful: Contribution to society, productivity, care for next generation.

    • Unsuccessful: Stagnation, self-absorption.

  15. Late Adulthood (65+ years)

    • Crisis: Integrity vs. Despair

    • Key relationship: Mankind, reflection on life

    • Virtue: Wisdom

    • Successful: Acceptance of life, sense of fulfillment.

    • Unsuccessful: Regret, despair, fear of death.

Key Contributions

  • Lifespan approach: Unlike Freud, Erikson included development beyond childhood.

  • Emphasis on social and cultural influences in shaping identity.

  • Introduction of identity crisis concept.

  • His theory influenced psychology, education, counseling, and social work.

Criticisms

  • Stages may be too rigid and not universally experienced.

  • Based heavily on Western/individualistic values.

  • Vague on how/why crises resolve.