Erik Erikson's Personality Theory
- 1. Erik Erikson’s Personality Theory Pratiksha Gupta Msc Clinical Psychology (2021-2023) A51340821028
- 2. References Erik Erikson Eight stages Criticism 01. The Theory Elements 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. Table of contents
- 3. Who was Erik Erikson? ● Was a developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst ● Student of Sigmund Freud ● Believed that the development of personality depended directly on the resolution of existential crises ● Coined the term identity crisis, lifespan development (1902-1994)
- 4. THE THEORY ❏ Centered on psychosocial development rather than psychosexual development (Freud). ❏ The theory comprises of eight developmental stages. ❏ During each stage, two conflicting ideas must be resolved successfully in order to develop one’s personality. ❏ Failure to master these conflicts leads to feelings of inadequacy and unhealthy personality. ❏ Theory portrays how social interaction and relationships played a role in the growth of human beings. ❏ How one has dealt with earlier issues determines how one will resolve later issues. ❏ Conflicts act as a turning point in life, at each stage of development. ❏ Erikson believed that a sense of competence motivates behaviors and actions.
- 5. ELEMENTS Ego Identity Developed by human interaction and how an individual becomes more conscious of themselves and their surrounding. Ego Strength Deals with an individual becoming competent in different areas of life, by becoming competent in life they feel more important. Conflict A turning point during which an individual struggles to attain some psychological quality. They might face vulnerability or strength to success in life.
- 6. Personality Personality consists of relatively stable and distinctive style of thoughts, behaviour and emotional responses that is characterized by the individual’s environmental situations.
- 7. Trust vs Mistrust 01. Age: Birth to 18 months Relationship: Mother Strength: Hope Key Event: Feeding
- 8. Trust Mistrust If caregivers neglect an infants’ needs, or if care is irregular, an infant may grow insecure. They may learn they cannot rely on others and thus feel unsafe. Undependable, unpredictable and Dangerous When caregivers respond immediately to an infant’s cries, the infant can learn to depend on others helping the baby develop a sense of trust and security. Dependable and Reliable
- 9. Autonomy vs Shame 02. Age: 2 to 3 years Relationship: Family Strength: Will Key Event: Toilet Training
- 10. Autonomy Shame Caregivers who discourage their children lead them to develop feelings of shame. If caregivers foster excessive dependence, the child may learn to doubt their own potential. Inadequacy and self doubt Caregivers often serve as a safe base from which to explore the world. When caregivers encourage independence, children will feel secure enough to face challenges. Secure and confidence self
- 11. Initiative vs Guilt 03. Age: 3 to 5 years Relationship: Family Strength: Purpose Key Event: Exploration, Independence
- 12. Initiative Guilt If children are condemned for being assertive, they may feel guilt for pursuing their desires. Controlling caregivers may teach children to follow another’s lead. Always being wrong, failed to explore When caregivers look after these tendencies, children learn how to make decisions and plan for the future. They can grow into adults who are able to follow their ambitions and goals. Creative and Constructive
- 13. Industry vs Inferiority 04. Age: 6 to 11 years Relationship: Neighbors, Friends Strength: Confidence Key Event: School
- 14. Industry Inferiority Children who do not achieve milestones may doubt their abilities. When they are constantly criticized, they may develop feelings of inferiority. Weak sense of self, Incapable to take responsibilities Children who are accomplished, compared to their peers can develop self-confidence and pride. Praise for their achievements can boost their self-esteem. Strong sense of competence
- 15. Identity vs Role Confusion 05. Age: 12-15 years Relationship: Peers, Role Models Strength: Fidelity Key Event: Social Relationships
- 16. Identity Role Confusion Some adolescents may have a weak sense of self. They may struggle to break away from their ideal self. With a inconsistent identity, they may grow confused about what they truly want. Ego diffusion, identity crisis Adolescents need to establish a clear sense of self. They will need to determine their priorities in life (family, academic success, etc.) and set goals for their adult selves based on those values. Who we are
- 17. Intimacy vs Isolation 06. Age: 19-40 years Relationship: Partners, Colleagues Strength: Love Key Event: Relationships
- 18. Intimacy Isolation People who do not develop relationships may become socially isolated. They may develop long-term feelings of loneliness. Loneliness Relationships can be a major source of affection and intimacy in adulthood. Many find emotional benefits from having a committed, lifelong bond. Strong relationship
- 19. Generativity vs Stagnation 07. Age: 40 to 65 years Relationship: Household, children Strength: Care Key Event: Work and Parenthood
- 20. Generativity Stagnation Some people may feel as if they have no impact on society. If people do not find their work meaningful, they may feel restless or isolated. Material possession, uninvolved, unproductive People may offer guidance to the next generation through parenting or mentorship. They may also offer to lead the way by leaving a legacy and contributing to society’s future. Parenting, social involvement
- 21. Ego Integrity vs Despair 08. Age: 65 to death Relationship: Mankind Strength: Wisdom Key Event: Reflection on life
- 22. Ego Integrity Despair Those who look back and only feel regret will instead feel fearful that their lives will end without accomplishing the things they feel they should have. Bitterness, regret Those who look back on a life they feel was well-lived will feel satisfied and ready to face the end of their lives with a sense of peace. Feeling of wisdom and meaning
- 23. ❏ Assumes that the completion of one stage is prerequisite for the next crisis of development. ❏ More attention is paid to infancy and childhood than to adult life. ❏ Questions have been raised for those adults who rediscover themselves at a much later age due to life changes and experiences. ❏ No attention towards cognitive or emotional development. ❏ Some terms are not easily measure empirically. ❏ Is more of a male dominant theory. CRITICISM
- 24. ■ Cherry, K. (2021, July 18). Understanding Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. Verywell Mind from https://www.verywellmind.com/erik-eriksons-stages-of-psychosocial-development-2795740 ■ Erikson's eight stages of development. GoodTherapy.org Therapy Blog. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/erikson-eight-stages-development. ■ Erikson’s 8 stages of psychosocial development. (n.d.) Lumen Learning. Retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/teachereducationx92x1/chapter/eriksons-stages-of-psycho social-development ■ Pictures and illustrations by Nusha Ashjaee from www.verwellmind.com References
- 25. Thank You!