Erik Erikson

Erik Erikson's Psychoanalytic Theory Conversely, if children are criticized or controlled, they develop
a sense of guilt, remain followers and lacking in self-initiative.

Erikson's Theory is based on the notion that development
consists of a series of psychosocial crises that individuals must Industry (competence) vs. Inferiority
successfully resolve if they are to achieve maturity.
Erikson based his work on Freud's (1923) theory. He wanted Children (5-12 years) are at the stage where they will be
to investigate how children socialize and how this affects their learning basic literacy and numeracy skills.
sense of self. It is at this stage that the child's peers will gain greater
Erikson believes that the ego develops as it successfully works significance and will become a primary source of the child's
out crises that are distinctly social in nature self-
Erikson extends on Freudian ideas by focusing on the adaptive esteem.
and creative characteristics of the ego and expanding the
notion of the stages of personality development. Identity vs. Role Confusion
During this stage, adolescence (12-18 years) search for a
"The way you, 'take history', is also a way of 'making sense of self and personal identity, through an intense
history'." exploration of personal values, beliefs, and goals
- Erik Erikson. Adolescents are transitioning from childhood to adulthood and
begin to look at the future in terms of career, relationships,
Erickson psychosocial theory families, housing, etc.
There are eight distinct stages of psychosocial development. Failure to establish a sense of identity within society (" I don't
For Erickson (1963) these crises are of a psychosocial nature. know what I want to be when i grow up") can lead to role
According to the theory, successful resolution of each stage confusion.
results in a healthy personality and the acquisiti0on of the
basic virtues. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Trust VS. Mistrust Young adults (18 to 40 years) begin to share themselves more
During this stage, the infant looks towards his/her primary intimately with others.
caregiver for stability and consistency of care. Avoiding intimacy, fearing commitment and relationships can
Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of HOPE. By lead to isolation, loneliness, and sometimes depression.
developing a sense of trust, the infant can have hope that
he/she encounters a new crises, help is readily available.
Generative vs. Stagnation
Autonomy VS. Shame & Doubt
During middle adulthood (40 to 65 years), middle-aged adults
establish their careers, settle down within a relationship, begin
The toddlers begin to assert their independence, by walking their own families and develop a sense of being a part of the
away from their mother, choosing their favorite toys, and bigger picture.
making choices about what they like to wear and to eat. Failure to achieve these objectives will make one stagnant and
Erikson’s states it is crucial that parents provide opportunities feel unproductive.
for their children to explore their abilities within a safe and Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of care.
encouraging environment.
Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Initiative vs Guilt
As people grow older (65+ years) and become senior citizen's,
At this age (3-5 years), children more frequently assert they tend to slow down their productivity and life exploration as
himselves particularly lively, rapid-developing years in a child's retired persons.
life. They see their lives as unproductive, feel guilty about their
Play is at the center of this stage, hence, providing children past, or sense that they did not accomplish their life goals.
with the opportunity to explore their interpersonal skills. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of wisdom
.
Stage Psychosocial Crisis Basic virtue Age
1 Trust vs. Mistrust Hope Infancy (0 to 1 %)
2 Auntonomy vs. Shame Will Early childhood (1 1/2 to 3)
3 Initiative vs. Guilt Purpose Play age (3 - 5)
4 Industry vs. Inferiority Competency School age (5-12)
5 Identity vs. Role confusion Fidelity Adolescence (12-18)
6 Intimacy vs. Isolation Love Young adult (18-40)
7 Generativity vs. Stagnation Care Adulthood (40-65)
8 Ego integrity vs. despair wisdom Maturity (65 and above)

Erik Erikson

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Erik Erikson

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Erik Erikson

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Erik Erikson's Psychoanalytic Theory Conversely, if children are criticized or controlled, they develop

a sense of guilt, remain followers and lacking in self-initiative.

You might also like