erikson human stage summary
Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development
Erikson’s Theory states that, throughout life, we go through various stages during which we meet ever changing psychosocial challenges. The completion of the work of each stage— which Erikson calls a crisis—prepares us to move on to the following stage.
According to this theory, if we do not resolve the crisis during any of the stages we will continue to create events throughout life which will recreate that crisis until we have done the psychosocial work necessary to resolve that crisis, or not.
Hope: Trust vs. Mistrust (Infants 0 to 1 year)
Psychosocial Crisis: Trust vs. Mistrust
Main Question: “Is the world a trustworthy place?
Virtue: Hope
The first stage of Erik Erikson's theory centers around the infant's basic needs being met by the parents. The infant depends on the parents, especially the mother, for food, sustenance, and comfort. The child's relative understanding of world and society come from the parents and their interaction with the child. If the parents expose the child to warmth, regularity, and dependable affection, the infant's view of the world will be one of trust. Should the parents fail to provide a secure environment and to meet the child's basic need a sense of mistrust will result. According to Erik Erikson, the major developmental task in infancy is to learn whether or not other people, especially primary caregivers, regularly satisfy basic needs. If caregivers are consistent sources of food, comfort, and affection, an infant learns trust- that others are dependable and reliable. If they are neglectful, or perhaps even abusive, the infant instead learns mistrust- that the world is in an undependable, unpredictable, and possibly dangerous place.
Will: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt (Toddlers 2 to 3 years)
Psychosocial Crisis: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt
Main Question: "Can I do things myself or must I always rely on others?"
Virtue: Independence…Being
As the child gains
Erikson’s Theory states that, throughout life, we go through various stages during which we meet ever changing psychosocial challenges. The completion of the work of each stage— which Erikson calls a crisis—prepares us to move on to the following stage.
According to this theory, if we do not resolve the crisis during any of the stages we will continue to create events throughout life which will recreate that crisis until we have done the psychosocial work necessary to resolve that crisis, or not.
Hope: Trust vs. Mistrust (Infants 0 to 1 year)
Psychosocial Crisis: Trust vs. Mistrust
Main Question: “Is the world a trustworthy place?
Virtue: Hope
The first stage of Erik Erikson's theory centers around the infant's basic needs being met by the parents. The infant depends on the parents, especially the mother, for food, sustenance, and comfort. The child's relative understanding of world and society come from the parents and their interaction with the child. If the parents expose the child to warmth, regularity, and dependable affection, the infant's view of the world will be one of trust. Should the parents fail to provide a secure environment and to meet the child's basic need a sense of mistrust will result. According to Erik Erikson, the major developmental task in infancy is to learn whether or not other people, especially primary caregivers, regularly satisfy basic needs. If caregivers are consistent sources of food, comfort, and affection, an infant learns trust- that others are dependable and reliable. If they are neglectful, or perhaps even abusive, the infant instead learns mistrust- that the world is in an undependable, unpredictable, and possibly dangerous place.
Will: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt (Toddlers 2 to 3 years)
Psychosocial Crisis: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt
Main Question: "Can I do things myself or must I always rely on others?"
Virtue: Independence…Being
As the child gains