Erikson's Stages of Development

Erikson 's Theory of Psychosocial Development

Erikson’s and Freud’s theory of psychosocial development has many similarities in the way they believed a personality is developed. Freud’s describes his personality stages as the theory of psychosocial stages, while Erikson describes his as a social experience that is developed throughout life. Erikson believes each stage of life people encounter some type of conflict that changes their stage of development, whether it’s potential is for growth or failure. There are eight stages of development that Erikson suggests as psychosocial development, these stages are as follows; Stage 1 – this stage is the Trust vs. Mistrust stage, also known as the Infancy stage, which occurs between birth and one year of age. Erikson considers this stage the most fundamental. In this stage the child develops a since of security. Without this stage of development the child would fail to trust and live in fear. Stage 2 - Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt also referred to as the Early Childhood stage, ages two to three years of age. This stage is second on the list and generates a greater sense of control within the child. Some examples of the child developing control is; gaining control of body functions, being able to choice their toys, and clothes and even food choices. Developing this stage helps the child feel confident, without it they will develop self-doubt. Stage 3 – next there is the preschool stage (ages 3 – 5), which is also referred to the Initiative vs. Guilt stage of development. This is when children begin to express their power through social interaction. This stage, developed successfully, helps children be able to lead and those how fail develop a sense of guilt. Stage 4 – Industry vs. Inferiority stage of development occurs between ages 5 to 11. This stage of development is best developed during early school years through social interactions. This is when they begin to develop a sense of pride and belief in their self. Those who don’t develop during this stage develop doubt or believe that they won’t be successful. Stage 5 – during the adolescence stage, children develop their independence. Children that receive proper encouragement will develop a strong sense of independence and control. Those who grow up not developing this stage are confused about themselves. Stage 6 - Intimacy vs. Isolation stage occurs at the age of 19 to 40 years age. Young Adulthood develops personality that is vital to exploring personal relationships. Developing this personality leads to holding a committed relationship, while not developing it could mean loneliness and depression. Stage 7 - Generativity vs. Stagnation also known as Middle Adulthood (40 to 65 years). During these adult years, we tend to focus on building a family and career. Success during this stage creates a active person within the community and at home. Those who fail to develop this stage feel uninvolved in the world. Stage 8 - Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of life. People in the Maturity (65 to death) stage tend to look back on their life. This is a time when those that develop this stage get a since of accomplishment, integrity and satisfaction. Those that didn’t obtain development at this stage, feels like they have wasted their time and is filled with despair. Muhammad Ali is a great character example of Stage 7- Generativity vs. Stagnation and Stage 8 - Integrity vs. Despair development. Muhammad Ali was one of the best athletes of my time. According to Erikson’s theory of development, Muhammad Ali at Stage 6 had proven Erikson’s theory by having a strong sense of himself and becoming successful. The sixth stage was basically the prerequisite for Stage 7. In Stage 7, Muhammad Ali had become successful as a mature adult and was able to feel that he could pass some of his skills to the next generation. At Stage 8, Muhammad Ali in his final stage of life, is able to look back at his life and at his achievements and get a since of accomplishment, integrity and satisfaction. At all Muhammad Ali accomplished his is able to feel proud and have no regrets. Even when confronting death, he knows he will attain wisdom. Dr. Martin Luther King is another great example of Erickson’s theory of development of Stage 6 and Stage 7. Stage 6 is defined as the Intimacy and Isolation years or Young Adulthood Stage. This development stage is normally developed somewhere between ages 20 – 40 years, but for Dr. King, this stage of development was most likely developed at the early part of his life. Erikson believes that at this stage in life people are struggling trying to find their identity through intimacy and isolation. Erikson stated, “Once people have established their identities, they are ready to make long-term commitments”. At stage 7, Middle Adulthood, Dr. King may have asked the question,” What can I do to make my life count?” During this stage of generativity has broad application to family, relationships, work, and society. “Generativity, then is primarily the concern in establishing and guiding the next generation...the concept is meant to include…productivity and creativity.”(Slater, 2003) Dr. King, in my opinion is the perfect example for validating Erikson’s theory of Stage 7. The task of developing his personality at this stage in order to contribute something to society and helping to guide future generations was accomplished. Dr. Martin Luther King was a perfect character for Erikson’s Theory Psychosocial Development. Erikson 's Theory of Psychosocial Development is very interesting. I find it fascinating to be able to break down a person’s life in a way to see how they develop. I agree with Erikson’s theories totally. I can look at people I know and see the stages they missed in their life and if they are on track. Even looking at myself I realize where I need to be, so I can prepare for the Final stage (Stage 8) of my life.

References:
Cherry, K., Erikson 's Theory of Psychosocial Development Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/psychosocialtheories/a/psychosocial.htm
Allen, L., (2008). What the Stages of Life are and What They Mean. Retrieved from http://www.helium.com
Erikson, E.H. (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. New York: Norton.
Erikson, E.H. (1963). Childhood and Society. (2nd ed.). New York: Norton.
Carver, C.S. & Scheir, M.F. (2000). Perspectives on Personality. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Rodemann, P., (2011). Spirituality, Age and Life-stage Retrieved from http://www.examiner.com/article/spirituality-age-and-life-stage
Slater, Charles L. (2003), "Generativity versus stagnation: An elaboration of Erikson’s Adult Stage of Human Development", Journal of Adult Development 10 (1): 53–65

References: Cherry, K., Erikson 's Theory of Psychosocial Development Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/psychosocialtheories/a/psychosocial.htm Allen, L., (2008). What the Stages of Life are and What They Mean. Retrieved from http://www.helium.com Erikson, E.H. (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. New York: Norton. Erikson, E.H. (1963). Childhood and Society. (2nd ed.). New York: Norton. Carver, C.S. & Scheir, M.F. (2000). Perspectives on Personality. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Rodemann, P., (2011). Spirituality, Age and Life-stage Retrieved from http://www.examiner.com/article/spirituality-age-and-life-stage Slater, Charles L. (2003), "Generativity versus stagnation: An elaboration of Erikson’s Adult Stage of Human Development", Journal of Adult Development 10 (1): 53–65