Psychosocial Theory
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Erik Erikson proposed an 8-stage theory of psychosocial development across the lifespan. Each stage is characterized by a psychosocial crisis or challenge that is resolved either positively or negatively. If resolved positively, individuals develop certain virtues that allow healthy development. The stages include trust vs mistrust in infancy, autonomy vs shame and doubt in early childhood, initiative vs guilt in preschool years, industry vs inferiority in school-age children, identity vs role confusion in adolescence, intimacy vs isolation in young adulthood, generativity vs stagnation in middle adulthood, and integrity vs despair in late adulthood.
Psychosocial Theory
- 2. Erik Erikson (1902-1994) Born in Germany, an illegitimate child of Danish parents Dropped out of high school and spent time traveling in Europe and studying art Studied young people in different cultures Became interested in how young people acquire a personal identity and how society helps shape it
- 3. Erikson’s work is based on five assumptions: 1. People, in general have the same basic needs 2. Personal development occurs in response to these needs 3. Development proceeds in stages 4. Movement through the stages reflects changes in an individual’s motivation 5. Each stage is characterized by a psychosocial challenge that presents opportunities for development
- 5. Trust vs Mistrust: Infancy (1.5-2 Years) Children begin to learn the ability to trust others based upon the consistency of their caregiver If a child successfully develops trust, he or she will feel safe and secure in the world. Caregivers who are inconsistent, emotionally unavailable, or rejecting contribute to feelings of mistrust in the children they care for. Failure to develop trust will result in fear and a belief that the world is inconsistent and unpredictable.
- 6. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt: Early Childhood (2 - 3 Years) Child learns to feed and dress themselves and toilet training begins Gaining more control over food choices, toy preferences, and clothing selection. Children who successfully complete this stage feel secure and confident, while those who do not are left with a sense of inadequacy and self-doubt.
- 7. Initiative vs Guilt: Preschool (3 - 5 Years) Preschool children encounter a widening social world, and a lot more challenges Children are asked to assume responsibility for their bodies, their behavior, their toys and their pets Children make enormous cognitive leaps, and those developing abilities provide the impetus for exploration in all areas of their lives
- 8. Industry vs Inferiority: School Age (6 - 11 Years) Through social interactions, children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities. Children who are encouraged and commended by parents and teachers develop a feeling of competence and belief in their skills. Those who receive little or no encouragement from parents, teachers, or peers will doubt their ability to be successful.
- 9. Identity vs Confusion: Adolescence 12 – 18 Years Adolescents experience major physical, intellectual and emotional changes. Many go through growth spurts and their coordination often doesn’t keep up with their bodies Adolescents experience new sexual feelings and are not quite know how to respond, they are frequently confused
- 10. Intimacy vs Isolation: Young Adulthood (19 to 40 Years) This stage covers the period of early adulthood when people are faced with the developmental task of forming intimate relationships Giving for the sake of giving, without expecting something in return characterizes a positive resolution of the crisis at this stage
- 11. Generativity vs Stagnation: Middle Adulthood (40 – 65 Years) During adulthood, we continue to build our lives, focusing on our career and family. Generative adults try to contribute to the betterment of society by working for principles such as a clean physical environment, a safe and drug-free social world and adherence to the principles of freedom and dignity for individuals
- 12. Identity vs Despair: Old Age (65 to death) This phase occurs during old age and is focused on reflecting back on life. Those who are unsuccessful during this phase will feel that their life has been wasted and will experience many regrets. The individual will be left with feelings of bitterness and despair.
- 13. Stage Basic Conflict Important Events Outcome Infancy (birth to 18 months) Trust vs Mistrust Feeding Children develop a sense of trust when caregivers provide reliabilty, care, and affection. A lack of this will lead to mistrust. Early Childhood (2 to 3 years) Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt Toilet Training Children need to develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. Success leads to feelings of autonomy, failure results in feelings of shame and doubt. Preschool (3 to 5 years) Initiative vs Guilt Exploration Children need to begin asserting control and power over the environment. Success in this stage leads to a sense of purpose. Children who try to exert too much power experience disapproval, resulting in a sense of guilt. School Age (6 to 11 years) Industry vs Inferiority Schools Children need to cope with new social and academic demands. Success leads to a sense of competence, while failure results in feelings of inferiority. Adolescence (12 to 18 years) Identity vs Confusion Social Relationships Teens need to develop a sense of self and personal identity. Success leads to an ability to stay true to yourself, while failure leads to role confusion and a weak sense of self. Young Adulthood (19 to 40 years) Intimacy vs Isolation Relationships Young adults need to form intimate, loving relationships with other people. Success leads to strong relationships, while failure results in loneliness and isolation. Middle Adulthood (40 to 65 years) Generativity vs Stagnation Work and Parenthood Adults need to create or nurture things that will outlast them, often by having children or creating a positive change that benefits other people. Success leads to feelings of usefulness and accomplishment, while failure results in shallow involvement in the world. Maturity(65 to death) Ego Integrity vs Despair Reflection on Life Older adults need to look back on life and feel a sense of fulfillment. Success at this stage leads to feelings of wisdom, while failure results in regret, bitterness, and despair.