Suneha Psychology Presentation

Eric Erickson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development
Background of Erickson:
Now, let’s turn to a less controversial psychodynamic theorist, the father of

developmental psychology, Erik Erikson (1902-1994). Erikson was a student of Freud’s
and expanded on his theory of psychosexual development by emphasizing the
importance of culture in parenting practices and motivations and adding three stages of
adult development (Erikson, 1950; 1968).
Theory of Erickson:
Erikson believed that we are aware of what motivates us throughout life and that the
ego has greater importance in guiding our actions than does the id. We make conscious
choices in life, and these choices focus on meeting certain social and cultural needs
rather than purely biological ones. Humans are motivated, for instance, by the need to
feel that the world is a trustworthy place, that we are capable individuals, that we can
make a contribution to society, and that we have lived a meaningful life. These are all
psychosocial problems.
Erikson’s theory is based on what he calls the epigenetic principle, encompassing the
notion that we develop through an unfolding of our personality in predetermined stages,
and that our environment and surrounding culture influence how we progress through
these stages. This biological unfolding in relation to our socio-cultural settings is done in
stages of psychosocial development, where “progress through each stage is in part
determined by our success, or lack of success, in all the previous stages.
Stages of Erickson Theory:
Erikson described eight stages, each with a major psychosocial task to accomplish or
crisis to overcome. Erikson believed that our personality continues to take shape
throughout our life span as we face these challenges. We will discuss each of these
stages in greater detail when we discuss each of these life stages throughout the
course. Here is an overview of each stage:
Stage 1: Stage of Basic Trust and Basic Mistrust (from birth to 18 months)
 A baby must achieve a proper balance of trust over mistrust. If trust

predominates, children develop the virtue of hope: the belief that their needs will
be met and their wishes can be attained. If mistrust predominates, children will
view the world as unfriendly and unpredictable. They may become overwhelmed
by disappointment and will have trouble developing close relationships.
Stage 2: Stage of Autonomy and Shame (from 18 months to three years)

 Children emerge from their almost total independence upon mothering and begin
to stand on their own. Because of their increased locomotion and motor skills this
is a time of intense exploration which brings the toddler into confrontation with
cultural prohibitions and restrictions. Children learn that the world is full of “no’s”
and “don’ts”. Failure to achieve autonomy evokes shame manifested in feelings
of worthlessness and incompetence.
Stage 3: Stage of Initiative and Guilt (from three to six years)
 If crisis is no resolved well, children may become guilt-ridden and repressed –

they may turn into adults who inhibit their own impulses and are self-righteously
intolerant of others. In extreme cases, they may suffer from psychosomatic
illness, impotence, or paralysis. On the other hand, if initiative is
overemphasized, they may feel that they must be constantly achieving.
Stage 4: Sage of Industry and Inferiority (from six to twelve years)
 Children develop a sense of personal mastery of a great number of activities and

games. If children are not encouraged to actively engage in these activities, their
sense of mastery will give way to personal inferiority. This is the time when the
child needs to master his surroundings or else suffer the bitter consequence of
inferiority.
Stage 5: Stage of Identity and Role Confusion (from 12 to 18 years)
 The prime danger of this stage as identity confusion, which can express itself in a
young person’s taking an excessively long time to reach adulthood. However, a
certain amount of identity confusion is normal and accounts for the chaotic,
volatile nature of much adolescent behaviour, as well as teenager’s self-
consciousness about their appearance.
Stage 6: Stage of Intimacy or Isolation
 As young adults, individuals develop their social lives and relationships based on
the influences of friends, co-workers and lovers. This potential strength of this
stage is a developed sense of loyalty and love; the potential negative is
promiscuous behaviour and obsession.
Stage 7: Stage of Generosity or Stagnation
 As individuals become adults, their relationships with their children and

community form their sense of social contribution. A positive result of this stage
can be a sense of caring. On the other hand, the negative result is rejection.
Stage 8: Stage of Integrity or Despair
 As seniors, individuals reflect on their life achievements and sense of purpose

through their perceptions of life and society in general. The potential positive is a
sense of worldliness and wisdom; the potential negative is a sense of bitterness
and disdain for life.

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Eric Erickson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development

Now, let’s turn to a less controversial psychodynamic theorist, the father of

Stages of Erickson Theory:

 A baby must achieve a proper balance of trust over mistrust. If trust

Stage 2: Stage of Autonomy and Shame (from 18 months to three years)

Stage 3: Stage of Initiative and Guilt (from three to six years)

 If crisis is no resolved well, children may become guilt-ridden and repressed –

Stage 4: Sage of Industry and Inferiority (from six to twelve years)

 Children develop a sense of personal mastery of a great number of activities and

Stage 5: Stage of Identity and Role Confusion (from 12 to 18 years)

Stage 6: Stage of Intimacy or Isolation

Stage 7: Stage of Generosity or Stagnation

 As individuals become adults, their relationships with their children and

 As seniors, individuals reflect on their life achievements and sense of purpose

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