ERIKSON’S PSYCHO-SOCIAL
THEORY OF DEVELOPMENT
ERIK ERIKSON
Erik Homburger Erikson (born Erik
Salomonsen; 15 June 1902 – 12 May
1994) was a German-American
psychoanalyst known for his theory on
psychological development of human
beings. He coined the phrase identity
crisis.
INTRODUCTION
Erik erikson was an ego psycologist who
developed one of the most popular and
influential theories of development. While
his theory was impacted by psychonalyst
sigmund Freud’s work, Erikson’s theory
centered or psychosocial development
rather than psychosexual development.
STAGES OF PSYCHOSOCIAL
DEVELOPMENT
STAGE 1: TRUST V.S MISTRUST
The first stage of Erikson’s theory of
psychosocial development occurs between
birth and year of age and is the most
fundamental stage in life. Because an infant is
utterly dependent, developing trust is based
on the dependability and quality of the child’s
caregivers.
At this point in development, the child is
utterly dependent upon adult caregivers for
everything they need to survive including
food, love,warmth, safety, and nurturing. If
a caregiver fails to provide adequate care
and love, the child will come to feel that
they cannot trust or depend upon the adults
in their life.
STAGE 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
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 confidence 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
become overly dependent upon other’s,
lack self – esteem, and feel a sense of
shame or doubt in their abilities.
STAGE 3: INITIATIVE VS GUILT
The third stage of psychosocial development
takes a place during the preschool years. At
this point in psychosocial development,
children begin to assert their power and control
over the world through directing play and other
social interactions.
Children who are successful at this
stage feel capable and able to lead
others. Those who fail to aquire these
skills are left with sense of guilt, self-
doubt, and lack of initiative.
STAGE 4: INDUSTRY VS
INFEREORITY
The fourth psychosocial stage takes place
during early school years from
approximately ages 5 to 11 Through social
interactions, children begin to develop a
sense of pride in their accomplishments
and abilities.
Children need to cope with new social
and academic demands. Success
leads to sense of competence, while
failure results in feelings of inferiority.
STAGE 5: IDENTITY VS
CONFUSION
The fifth psychosocial stages takes place
during the often turbulent teenage years. This
stage plays an essential role in developing a
sense of personal identity which will continue
to influence behavior and development for rest
of person’s life.
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.
During adolescence, children explore their
independence and develop a sense of self.
Those who receive proper encouragement
and rainforcement through personal
exploration will emerge from this stage with a
strong sense of self and feelings of
independence and control.
Those who remain unsure of their
beliefs and desires will feel insecure
and confused about themselves and
the future.
STAGE 6: INTIMACY VS
ISOLATION
Young adults need to form intimate, loving
relationships with other people. Success
leads to strong relationships, while failure
results in loneliness and isolation. This stage
covers the period of early adulthood when
people are exploring personal relationships.
Erikson believe it was vital that people
develop close, committed relationships
with other people. Those who are
successful at this step will form
relationships that are enduring and
secure.
STAGE 7: GENERATIVITY VS
STAGNATION
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.
During adulthood, we continue to build our
lives, focusing on our career and family.
Those who are successful during this phase
will feel that they are contributing to the
world by being active in their home and
community. Those who fail to attain this skill
will feel unproductive and involved in the
world.
STAGE 8: INTEGRITY VS
DESPAIR
The final psychosocial stage occurs during old
age and is focused on reflecting back on life.
At this point in development, people look back
on the events of their lives and determine if
they are happy with the life that they live or if
they regret the things they did or didn’t do.
Erikson’s theory differed from many others
because it addressed development
throughout the entire lifespan, including old
age. Older adults need to look back on life
and feel a sense of fulfilment. Success at
this stage leads to feelings of wisdom, while
failure results in regret, bitterness, and
despair.
All this stage, people reflect back on the events
of their lives and take stock. 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. Those who look back and
only feel regret will instead feel fearful that their
lives will end whitout accomplishing the things
they feel they should have.
THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING GOD
️️
BLESSED ❤️
