Journal #3: Erik Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development

Erik Erikson devise the theory of development. His theory has eight stages of psychosocial development. According to Erikson, everyone must pass through each stage of this psychosocial development.

Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy- 0 to 1 year)

The first stage happens in the first year of a babies life. During this time, the crisis is one of Trust vs. Mistrust. For the first year the child does not know how to feel about the world around them, which causes

them to look at their caregiver for stability and consistency. If they are given that consistent care, they will develop a sense of trust that will carry onto other relationships. The virtue of this stage is hope, once they complete the first level the hope will come and help them with the next stage. If the child receives harsh or inconsistent care, they will fail to acquire hope, and it will lead to the development of fear.

http://psychology.about.com/od/psychosocialtheories/a/trust-versus-mistrust.htm

Autonomy vs. Shame (Early Childhood- 1 to 3 years)

Between the age of 1 to 3 years old, a child is becoming more mobile and they begin to assert their

independence. At this age they start to choose what they want to wear, picking out their own toy, ete and they are able to do these actions by themselves. These skills illustrate the child’s growing sense of independence and autonomy. Erikson believes that parents need to let their children learn what their limits of abilities within an environment that is tolerant of failure. The child needs to be encouraged to become more independent, but still needs to be protected so that constant failure is avoided. If they have constant

failure, the child will fall into a feeling of shame. the vitrue for this stage is will.

http://tx.english-ch.com/teacher/christin/level-c/eriksons-stages-of-psychosocial-development/

Initiative vs. Guilt (Play Age- 3 to 6 years)

From the age of three to five years old. At this time, children are getting more involved with children their age. Children are able to make up their own games to play with others or by themselves at this age.

http://www.shopwell.com/article/latest-nutrition-news/delaware-nutrition-initiative-helps-budding-young-chefs-learn-to-cook-nutritious-meals/292

Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age- 6 to 12 years)

From the age of 5 to 12 years is when the child begins to read and write and make things on their own. Teachers become an important part of childrens life during this time because the teach specific skills to the child. At this age the peers of the school age child will become a major source of the child’s self esteem. The child feels the need to gain approval and develop a sense of pride in what they can accomplish. If the child is encouraged and reinforced for its initiatives, they starts to get the feeling of industrious and feel confident in their abilities. If they do not receive this encouragement they begin to feel inferior, and may not reach their potential. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of competence.

https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/blog/encouraging-words

Identity vs. Confusion (Adolescence- 12 to 18 years)

At the adolescent age, the teens need to develop a sense of self and personal identity. This stage is major, here the child has to learn the roles that they will occupy as an adult. They also re-examine themselves and find out exactly who he or she is, or who she or he wants to be. Erikson believes that the two identities that are involved are the sexual and occupational. Success leads to an ability to stay true to yourself, and failure would lead to a role confusion and a weak sense of self. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of fidelity. Fidelity is to be able to commit one’s self to other and being able to accept them even when there may be ideological differences.

http://www.more4kids.info/556/teens-and-adolecent-changes/

Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adult- 18 to 40 years)

During the time of young adulthood people try to success the virtue of love. People begin to share themselves on a more intimate level and the success leads to a strong relationships. These relationships lead towards longer term commitments with people other than family members. Failure in this stage will lead to loneliness and isolation and could also lead to depression.

http://mn.gov/health-reform/information-for-you/young-adults/index.jsp

Generativity vs. Stagnation (Adulthood- 40 to 65 years)

During the adulthood years, adults want to create or nurture things that will outlast them, like having children, or leaving an impact that will benefit others. People during this time just want to be apart of the bigger picture. Success will lead to the feeling of usefulness and accomplishment. By failing these objectives, people will become stagnant. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of care.

http://drkathyscouchthereprise.blogspot.com/2012/10/family-8-developmental-tasks-tasks-5-8.html

Integrity vs. Despair (Old Age- 65+)

As people reach the old age stage they need to look back on life a feel a sense of fulfillment. Erikson believed that if we see our lifes as unproductive, and feel guiltily about our past that we become dissatisfied with our life and develop a feeling of despair. Success in this stage will lead to a virtue of wisdom which will enable the person to look back and accept death without fear.

http://gossipgenie.com/old-people-on-facebook/

Sources:

http://psychology.about.com/library/bl_psychosocial_summary.html

http://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html