CHILDHOOD ae ADOL LESCENCE: Journeys in Development at: DR. DENNIS A. MAGHANOYMODULE1 CHILDHO Midterm Coverage ed Unit 2 Erik Erikson was a stage theorist who took Freud's controversial theory of Psychosexual development and modified it as a psychosocial theory. Erikson ‘emphasized that the ego makes positive contributions to development by mastering attitudes, ideas, and skills at each stage of development, At the end of this unit, you should be able to: ‘© identify the 8 stages of Erikson’s theory; ‘* write a timeline of one’s life using Erikson’s stages as framework; and * describe the psychosocial crisis and virtue in each stage. A. Direction: Imagine yourself 40 years in the future and having your favorite grandchild on your knee. What wisdom will you have leamed in life that, you would like to pass on to them. Write your answers below. % XD & ADOLESCENCE:MODULE 1 CENCE: : er lintocshy nels Materm Coverage 2 B. Direction: What are the challenges you have encountered as an adolescent? Write your answers below. The next section is the content of this unit. It contains vital information of the topics based on the leaming outcomes. There are also additional readings and links Provided so that you can easily understand the topics. Please take time to read the content. Overview of Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory Erik Erikson was an ego psychologist who developed one of the most popular and influential theories of development. While his theory was impacted by psychoanalyst Figue 5. kaon Sigmund Freud's & Homouger Econ wos a Germen- Amatean” Sovlormerta pxysoog work, Erikson's Griprychosranat noun for Rs hoarron theoty centered on SEES aie) eine yee: Psychosocial Cring the prore lent rs development rather than psychosexual development.ches CHILDHOOD & ADOLESCENCE: Midterm Coverage rect Erikson's theory described the impact of social experience across the whole lifespan. Erikson was interested in how social interaction and relationships played a role in the development and growth of human beings. Each stage in Erikson's theory builds on the preceding stages and paves the way for following periods of development. In each stage, Erikson believed people experience a conflict that serves as a turning point in development. In Erikson's view, these conflicts are centered on either developing a psychological quality or failing to develop that quality. During these times, the potential for personal growth is high but so is the potential for failure. According to the theory, successful completion of each stage results in a healthy personality and the acquisition of basic virtues. Basic virtues are characteristic strengths which the ego can use to resolve subsequent crises. Failure to successfully complete a stage can result in a reduced ability to complete further stages and therefore a more unhealthy personality and sense of self. These stages, however, can be resolved successfully at a later time. The Eight Psychosocial Stages ‘Table 6. Summary Chart of Erikson’s Theory Stage | Conflict oper Virtue 1. Infancy ‘Trust vs. Mistrust Feeding Hope (birth to 18 months) 2. Early Childhood Autonomy vs. Shame and Toilet Training ‘Will (2 to 3 years) Doubt 3. Preschool Initiative vs. Guilt Exploration Purpose (B to 5 years) % School Age Tndusty vs. inferiority ‘School Confidence (to1tyears) | 5. Adolescence Identity vs. Role Confusion | Social Fidelity (12 to 18 years) Relationships 6. Young Adulthood | Intimacy vs. Isolation Relationships | Love (19 to 40 years) 7. Middle Adulthood | Generativily vs. Stagnation | Work and Care (40 to 65 years) Parenthood %. Maturity Ego integrity vs. Despair | Reflection on Life | Wisdom (65 to death) %MODULE1 one aN Midterm Coverage Z 1. Trust vs. Mistrust This is the first stage in Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This stage begins at birth continues. to approximately 18 months of age. During this stage, the infant is uncertain" about the world in which they live, and looks towards their primary caregiver for stability and consistency of care, If the care the awe. crootical recresentaion of son's Psychasocle Thecy. infant receives is Consistent, predictable and reliable, they will develop a sense of trust which will camry with them to other relationships, and they will be able to feel secure even when threatened. lf these needs are not consistently met, mistrust, suspicion, and anxiety may develop. If the care has been inconsistent, unpredictable and unreliable, then the infant may develop a sense of mistrust, suspicion, and anxiety. In this situation the infant will not have confidence in the world around them or in their abilities to influence events. ‘Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of hope. By developing a sense of trust, the infant can have hope that as new crises arise, there is a real possibility that other people will be there as a source of support. Failing to acquire the virtue of hope will lead to the development of fear. This infant will carry the basic sense of mistrust with them to other relationships. It may result in anxiety, heightened insecurities, and an over feeling of mistrust in the world around them. 2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt ‘Autonomy versus shame and doubt is the second stage of Erik Erikson's stages ‘of psychosocial development. This stage occurs between the ages of 18 months to approximately 3 years. According to Erikson, children at this stage are focused on developing a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. ‘Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of will. If children in this stage are encouraged and supported in their increased independence, they become more confident and secure in their own ability to survive in the world. If children are criticized, overly controlled, or not given the opportunity to assert themselves, they begin to feel inadequate in their ability to survive, and may thenMODULE1 CHILDHOOD & ADOLES Midterm Coverage ‘ become overly dependent upon others, lack self-esteem, and feel a sense of shame or doubt in their abilities. What Happens During This Stage? The child is developing physically and becoming more mobile, and discovering that he or she has many skills and abilities, such as putting on clothes and shoes, playing with toys, etc. Such skills illustrate the child's growing sense of independence and autonomy. For example, during this stage children begin to assert their independence, by walking away from their mother, picking which toy to play with, and making choices about what they like to wear, to eat, etc. 3. Initiative vs. Guilt Initiative versus guilt is the third stage of Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. During the initiative versus guilt stage, children assert themselves more frequently through directing play and other social interaction. ‘These are particularly lively, rapid-developing years in a child's life. According to Bee (1992), itis a “time of vigor of action and of behaviors that the parents may see as aggressive.” During this period the primary feature involves the child regularly interacting with other children at school. Central to this stage is play, as it provides children with the opportunity to explore their interpersonal skills through initiating activities. Children begin to plan activities, make up games, and initiate activities with others. if given this opportunity, children develop a sense of initiative and feel secure in their ability to lead others and make decisions. Conversely, if this tendency is squelched, either through criticism or control, children develop a sense of quill. The child will often overstep the mark in his forcefulness, and the danger is that the parents will tend to punish the child and restrict his initiatives too much, It is at this stage that the child will begin to ask many questions as his thirst for knowledge grows. if the parents treat the child's questions as trivial, a nuisance or embarrassing or other aspects of their behavior as threatening then the child may have feelings of guilt for “being a nuisance”. Too much guilt can make the child slow to interact with others and may inhibit their creativity. Some guilt is, of course, necessary; otherwise the child would not know how to exercise seff-control or have a conscience. A healthy balance between initiative and guilt is important. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of purpose, while failure results in a sense of guilt. 4, Industry vs. inferiority Erikson's fourth psychosocial crisis, involving industry (competence) vs. inferiority ©ccurs during childhood between the ages of five and twelve. Children are at the stage where they will be leaming to read and write, to do ‘sums, to do things on their own. Teachers begin to take an important role in the child’s life as they teach the child specific skills. BMODULE 1 Midterm Coverage Itis at this stage that the child's peer group will gain greater significance and will become a major source of the child's self-esteem. The child now feels the need to win approval by demonstrating specific competencies that are valued by society and begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments. If children are encouraged and reinforced for their initiative, they begin to feel industrious (competent) and feel confident in their ability to achieve goals. If this initiative is not encouraged, if it is restricted by parents or teacher, then the child begins to feel inferior, doubting his own abilities and therefore may not reach his or her potential. If the child cannot develop the specific skill they feel society is demanding (e.g., being athletic) then they may develop a sense of inferiority. ‘Some failure may be necessary so that the child can develop some modesty. Again, a balance between competence and modesty is necessary. Success in this stage wil lead to the virtue of competence. 5. Identity vs. Role Confusion The fifth stage of Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development is identity vs. role confusion, and it occurs during adolescence, from about 12-18 years. During this stage, adolescents search for a sense of self and personal identity, through an intense exploration of personal values, beliefs, and goals. During adolescence, the transition from childhood to adulthood is most important. Children are becoming more independent, and begin to look at the future in terms of career, relationships, families, housing, etc. The individual wants to belong to a society and fit in. The adolescent mind is essentially a mind or moratorium, a psychosocial stage between childhood and adulthood and between the morality learned by the child, and the ethics to be developed by the adult (Erikson, 1963) This is a major stage of development where the child has to leam the roles he will occupy as an adult. It is during this stage that the adolescent will re-examine his identity and try to find out exactly who he or she is. Erikson suggests that two identities are involved: the sexual and the occupational According to Bee (1992), what should happen at the end of this stage is “a reintegrated sense of self, of what one wants to do or be, and of one’s appropriate sex role”. During this stage the body image of the adolescent changes. Erikson claims that the adolescent may feel uncomfortable about their body for a while until they can adapt and “grow into” the changes. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of fidelity. Fidelity involves being able to commit one’s self to others on the basis of accepting others, even when there may be ideological differences. 6. Intimacy vs. Isolation Intimacy versus isolation is the sixth stage of Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. This stage takes place during young adulthood between the ages of approximately 18 to 40 yrs. During this stage, the major conflict centers on forming intimate, loving relationships with other people.MODULE Midterm Coverage During this stage, we begin to share ourselves more intimately with others. We explore relationships leading toward longer-term commitments with someone other than a family member. Successful completion of this stage can result in happy relationships and a sense of commitment, safety, and care within a relationship. Avoiding intimacy, fearing commitment and relationships can lead to isolation, loneliness, and sometimes depression, Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of love. 7. Generativity vs. Stagnation Generativity versus stagnation is the seventh of eight stages of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This stage takes place during middle adulthood (ages 40 to 65 years) Psychologically, generativity refers to "making your mark" on the world through creating or nurturing things that will outlast an individual, During middle age individuals experience a need to create or nurture things that will outlast them, often having mentees or creating positive changes that will benefit other people. We give back to society through raising our children, being productive at work, and becoming involved in community activities and organizations. Through generativity we develop a sense of being a part of the bigger picture. Success leads to feelings of usefulness and accomplishment, while failure results in shallow involvement in the world By failing to find a way to contribute, we become stagnant and feel unproductive. ‘These individuals may feel disconnected or uninvolved with their community and with society as a whole. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of care. 8. Ego Integrity vs. Despair Ego integrity versus despair is the eighth and final stage of Erik Erikson’s stage theory of psychosocial development. This stage begins at approximately age 65 and ends at death. It is during this time that we contemplate our accomplishments and can develop integrity if we see ourselves as leading a successful life Individuals who reflect on their life and regret not achieving their goals will experience feelings of bittemess and despair. Erikson described ego integrity as “the acceptance of one’s one and only life cycle as something that had to be” and later as “a sense of coherence and wholeness”. ‘As we grow older and become senior citizens, we tend to slow down our productivity and explore life as a retired person Erik Erikson believed if we see our lives as unproductive, fee! guilt about our Past, or feel that we did not accomplish our life goals, we become dissatisfied with life and develop despair, often leading to depression and hopelessness. ‘Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of wisdom. Wisdom enables a person to look back on their life with a sense of closure and completeness, and also accept death without fear. Wise people are not characterized by a continuous state of ego integrity, but they experience both ego integrity and despair. Thus, late life is characterized by both integrity and despair as altemating states that need to be balanced.(on /ebne MODULE 1 Midterm Coverage A. Direction: Please read very carefully each question/situation. Then, encircle the letter of the best answer. Good luck! 1. According to Erikson's Psychosocial Stages of Development, the stage in which @ child needs to leam important academic skills and compare favorably with peers in school to achieve competence is the stage a. Trust vs. Mistrust initiative vs Guitt b. Identity vs. Role Confusion 4d. Industry vs inferiority 2. Mary and Fred have one child and want to adopt a second. Since their first child's infancy had been extremely difficult on Mary, she was excited at the Possibility of adopting an older child, perhaps a well-behaved, toilet-trained 3 year-old, and skipping the infancy period entirely. Fred, on the other hand, had serious misgivings not knowing about the quality of care giving and relationshipsSS ee c. Trust vs Mistrust b. Identity vs. Role Confusion 4. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt 3. A 38-year-old woman quits her high-paying marketing job to focus on her children and become a school counselor. What stage would Erikson consider this tobe a. Identity vs. Role Confusion ¢. Integrity vs Despair b. Generativity vs. Stagnation d. Industry vs inferioritymes CHILDHOOD & ADOLESCENCE: Midterm Coverage i 4. Which is an example of the initiative vs. guilt stage? a. An infant chewing on a teething ring b. A preschooler insisting on picking out her own clothes, no matter how mismatched they are. . Amiddie-schooler completing a challenging math assignment. d. A teenager trying out new fashions and hairstyles. 5. The stage that occurs between birth and one year of age is concemed with Trust vs. Mistrust . Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt b. Initiative vs. Guilt d. Identity vs Role Confusion 6. How many stages of psychosocial development did Erikson describe? a4 o8 b. 10 12 7. The crisis that arises in young adulthood is concemed with a. Trust vs. Mistrust ¢. Industry vs Inferiority b. Integrity vs. Despair 4. Intimacy vs Isolation 8. fa child struggles to do well in school, what problem might emerge? Struggle with feelings of inferiority Experience a sense of guilt Develop a poor setf-identity Begin to mistrust the people around him aege 9. Successfully completing the eighth stage of psychosocial development leads to the emergence of what quality? a. Hope . Fidelity b. Purpose . Wisdom 10. Which is an example of the autonomy versus shame and doubt stage? a. A teenager trying out new fashions and hairstyles b. A preschooler insisting on picking out her own clothes, no matter how mismatched they are ¢. A™middle-schooler completing a challenging math assignment B. Direction: Identify an incident in your own life that demonstrates each of the earlier stages. You may ask your parents of the stages you could not remember. Then, identify another person you know well in each of the stages you will be going through later. For both activities, describe what you or that person did or does that, validates their being in that stageMODULE 1 Midterm Coverage Stage 1 Stage 2: SEE Stage 3: a eee Stage 4: ee Stage 5: ee Stage 6: me Stage 7 rsMODULE] CHILDHOOD & ADOLES Midterm Coverage d Stage 8: A ‘ctions: Interview 5 persons belonging from Stage 4 to Stage 8, that is, one Person per stage. Ask of the psychological crisis they have experienced or been experiencing, and how did they overcome or plan to overcome such. Then, write their responses on the format given below. Also, write your own realizations. Name of | Psychosocial Crisis Coping Personal Interviewee Stage _| Experienced/ing | Mechanism | Realization e] s) 2) 8)MODULE 1 Midterm Coverage