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