Important things every parent should know about

 One of the best-known theories of personality is Erikson’s theory 

of psychosocial development

That is not the only reason why I chose to write about it,a second 

reason is that the whole first 4 stages covers the early childhood 

period.Similar to Freud, Erikson believed that personality develops 

in a series of stages. Unlike Freud’s theory of psychosexual stages, 

Erikson’s theory describes the impact of social experience across 

the whole lifespan.

One of the main elements of Erikson’s psychosocial stage theory is 

the development of ego identity. Ego identity is the conscious sense 

of self that we develop through social interaction. According to 

Erikson, our ego identity is constantly changing due to new 

experience and information we acquire in our daily interactions 

with others. In addition to ego identity, Erikson also believed that a 

sense of competence also motivates behaviors and actions. Each 

stage in Erikson’s theory is concerned with becoming competent in 

an area of life. If the stage is handled well, the person will feel a 

sense of mastery. If the stage is managed poorly, the person will 

emerge with a sense of inadequacy. 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.

Psychosocial Stage 1 - Trust vs. Mistrust
 

 • The first stage of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development 

occurs between birth and one year of age and is the most 

fundamental stage in life.

• Because an infant is utterly dependent, the development of trust is

 based on the dependability and quality of the child’s caregivers.

• 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.

Psychosocial Stage 2 - Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

 • The second stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial 

development takes place during early childhood and is focused on 

children developing a greater sense of personal control.

• Like Freud, Erikson believed that toilet training was a vital part of

 this process. However, Erikson's reasoning was quite different then

 that of Freud's. Erikson believe that learning to control one’s body 

functions leads to a feeling of control and a sense of independence.

• Other important events include 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.

Psychosocial Stage 3 - Initiative vs. Guilt

• During the preschool years, children begin to assert their power 

and control over the world through directing play and other social 

interaction.

• Children who are successful at this stage feel capable and able to 

lead others. Those who fail to acquire these skills are left with a 

sense of guilt, self-doubt, and lack of initiative.

Psychosocial Stage 4 - Industry vs. Inferiority

 • This stage covers the early school years from approximately age 5 to 11.

• 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.

  Psychosocial Stage 5 - Identity vs. Confusion 

• During adolescence, children are exploring their independence 

and developing a sense of self.

• Those who receive proper encouragement and reinforcement 

through personal exploration will emerge from this stage with a 

strong sense of self and a feeling of independence and control. 

Those who remain unsure of their beliefs and desires will insecure 

and confused about themselves and the future.

 Psychosocial Stage 6 - Intimacy vs. Isolation

• This stage covers the period of early adulthood when people are 

exploring personal relationships.

• Erikson believed it was vital that people develop close, committed

 relationships with other people. Those who are successful at this 

step will develop relationships that are committed and secure.

• Remember that each step builds on skills learned in previous 

steps. Erikson believed that a strong sense of personal identity was 

important to developing intimate relationships. Studies have 

demonstrated that those with a poor sense of self tend to have less 

committed relationships and are more likely to suffer emotional 

isolation, loneliness, and depression.

Psychosocial Stage 7 - Generativity vs. Stagnation 
   
• 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 uninvolved in the world.

  
Psychosocial Stage 8 - Integrity vs. Despair 

• 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.

• Those who feel proud of their accomplishments will feel a sense 

of integrity. Successfully completing this phase means looking back 

with few regrets and a general feeling of satisfaction. These 

individuals will attain wisdom, even when confronting death.