Erikson's Theory

Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development
Jessica Elder
EGCC

In 1968 a psychoanalyst by the name of Erik Erikson proposed that each of eight stages of life is associated with a particular psychosocial conflict that can be resolved in either a positive or negative direction. Through this thought he developed the psychosocial stages of development. There are eight stages pertaining to this theory.

The first stage of Erikson's theory starts with birth to 18 months of age and is Trust vs Mistrust. This theory revolves around the parents meeting the infants basic needs. This interaction leads to trust or mistrust. If the parents comfort, show affection, and regularity then the child's view of the world will be one of trust. If the parents fail to meet the needs of the infant and do not provide a secure environment then the child will view the world with mistrust. Mistrust can lead to feeling of frustration, suspicion, withdrawal, and a lack of confidence. Although negative, experiencing mistrust prepares the child for dangerous situations later in life. The second stage is for toddler hood and goes from 18 months to 3 years, this stage is called Autonomy vs Doubt. During these ages children gain control over motor abilities and become very curious about their surroundings. Parents must show patience, encouragement, and provide a strong base of security to help foster autonomy in the child. Although children of these ages are constantly exploring and learning about their environment, parents need to take caution because the child may explore things that are harmful and dangerous to their health and safety. At this age the child develops their first interests, such as music or nature. Overly strict parents are likely to instill a sense of doubt and reluctance to try new things into a child. During this age children also learn to do things for themselves such as feeding themselves, using the bathroom, and dressing themselves. If encouragement is given the toddler will develop a sense of being able to handle many problems on their own. But if the parent ridicules, refuses,or demands, the child will develop shame and doubt about their abilities to handle problems. The third stage pertains to the early childhood stage (ages 3-6 years) and is the Initiative vs Guilt stage. The child at this age is learning to master the world around them, also the basic skills and principles of physics. They want to complete their own actions for a purpose. Guilt is a new confusing emotion and they may feel guilt over things that they shouldn't. The development of courage and independence takes place in this stage and the child learns to take initiative, prepare for leadership, and achieves goals in different roles. Children may have risk taking behaviors such as crossing a street alone. At this stage children may also develop negative behaviors because of developing a sense of frustration for not accomplishing goals. They can become aggressive, ruthless, and overly assertive to parents. Parents and caregivers need to encourage and support the child's efforts to develop initiative and independence in planning and undertaking activities. If parents discourage or dismiss them as silly or bothersome the child will develop guilt about needs and desires. The fourth stage of Erickson's theory is Industry vs Inferiority and covers middle and late childhood (ages 6-12). Children at this age are becoming more aware of themselves as individuals. They are more reasonable to share and cooperate. They work hard at being reasonable and being good. Children understand cause and effect and accomplish more complex skills such as reading and telling time. They form moral values and express their independence by talking back, being disobedient, and rebellious. Erikson viewed elementary school as a chance to develop self confidence. They interact with peers, teachers, and parents. If praised for their accomplishments they begin to demonstrate industry by being diligent, staying on a task until it is finished and putting work before pleasure. I f the child is punished for their efforts they will develop bad feelings of self doubt and self worth about their capabilities. At this age children start recognizing their special talents such as sports. If they are not allowed to discover these talents in their own time, they will develop a lack of motivation, low self esteem and may become couch potatoes. Erikson gave the next stage the term “identity crisis” because this stage marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. It involves adolescence (ages 13-19) and is called Identity vs Role Confusion. During this stage the adolescent asks “who am I and what can I be?” The adolescent is concerned with how they appear to others. They are excited with the promise of a career. They are pleased with the ability to settle on a school or occupation. As they make the transition from childhood to adulthood they develop a sense of sexual identity and ponder the roles that they will play in the adult world. They will experiment with different behaviors and activities. Erikson proposed that in this phase of life most adolescents will achieve a sense of identity about who they are and where their lives are headed. This stage combines the person one has become with the person society expects one to become. The fifth stage becomes the crossroads of life. Adolescents have the need to re-establish boundaries for themselves in a very hostile world. The adolescent will experience identity confusion but society usually gives youth a chance to find themselves. No matter how one is raised one's personal ideologies are chosen and often causes conflict with adults. Although parents want a decisive say so teenagers are making their own career choices at this point. If society is too insistent the teenager will foreclose on experimentation and true self discovery. When they balance both of what have I got and what am I going to do with it, he or she has established their identity. Erikson stated that we do not have an exact time span in which we find ourselves and that it doesn't automatically happen at eighteen or twenty one. Society puts the end somewhere in one's twenties. The sixth stage is Intimacy vs Isolation and occurs in young adulthood. This stage is emphasized around the age of 30. Young adults are still eager to build identities with friends and want to fit in but are sometimes isolated by intimacy. They are afraid of rejection such as being turned down or break ups. Although familiar with pain, our egos can not bear rejection. Once the young adult has established their identities they are ready to form lasting relationships through close friendships or marriage. They are also ready to make the sacrifices and compromises that these relationships require. If they can't form these relationships because of their own needs isolation will occur. The next to last stage in life is Generativity vs Stagnation and involves middle adulthood. Generativity vs Socially valued work and disciplines with the concern of guiding the next generation. During middle adulthood the primary developmental task is contributing to society and helping to guide future generations. This occurs through raising a family or working towards the betterment of society. When this happens a person develops a sense of generativity, productivity, and accomplishment. A person who is self centered and unable or unwilling to help society move forward, develops a feeling of dissatisfaction with the lack of productivity The last stage is Ego Integrity vs Despair and involves late adulthood. During this period we tend to slow down and explore retired life. A person in late adulthood contemplates accomplishments and are able to develop integrity. If they feel that they didn't accomplish life goals they are meant with despair which leads to depression and hopelessness. This stage can occur out of sequence when a person feels that they have reached the end of their lives.

References http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erikson%27s_stages_of_psychosocial_development