DEVELOPMENTAL CRISISPSYCHOSOCIALDEVELOPMENT

Ericson´s eight stage theory of identity and psychosocial

development

• Erik Erikson /1902 -1994/ an ego psychologist, developed one of the most popular and influential theories of development.It is one of the best-known theories of personality

• Impacted by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud• Each stage of development presents its own unique challenges,

which he called crisis• In each stage people experience a conflict – that needs to be

overcome, psychosocial crisis – could have a positive or negative outcome for personality development

• The ego develops as it successfully resolves crisis that are distinctly social in nature

• Erikson´s theory describes the impact of social experience across the whole life span

Stages of psychosocial development

1. Trust vs. Mistrust

2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

3. Initiative vs. Guilt

4. Industry vs. Inferiority

5. Identity vs. Confusion

6. Intimacy vs. Isolation

7. Generativity vs. Stagnation

8. Integrity vs. Despair

1. BASIC TRUST VS. MISTRUST –/ birth to 1 year/

Important events : Feeding

A baby learns whether she can trust her environment based on her caregiver´s response to her needs, adults can be trusted

If the child successfully develops trust – will feel safe & secure in the world. Failure to develop trust will result in fear and a belief that the world is inconsistent and unpredictable

Successful development is about balance between the two opposing sides, will lead to the virtue of hope

2. AUTONOMY VS. SHAME AND DOUBT /early childhood, ages 1-3y./ - greater sense of personal control, gain a little independence, this is „me do it“ stage

Important events: Toilet Training Learning to control one´s bodily functions leads to a feeling of control & sense of independence. Children begin to assert their independence by walking from mother, picking which toy to play with, making choices about what they like to wear, eat...

• Toilet training is a vital part of this process/potty training/.Successfully potty training – greater sense of autonomyProblems with potty training – feeling of doubtful & shame

Achieving a balance between autonomy and shame & doubt would leed to will ,,which is the belief that children can act with intention

3. INITIATIVE VS.GUILT /preschool years/Important events: Exploration

Crucial aspekt is independence, ch. begin to assert their power, develop initiative, but may experience feelings of guilt if they are too assertive

A healthy balance between initiative and guilt is important. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of purpose

4. INDUSTRY VS.INFERIORITY /early school years – 5-11y./Important events : School, sportsChildren are capable of learning, learn to read & write, to do sums. Teachers begin to take an important role, they teach children specific skills

Through social interactions ch.develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities. Important is ecouragement by parents, teachers – develop a feeling of competence and belief in their skills. No or little encouragement – doubt their abilities to be successful.

Inferiority complex might developsSuccess in this stage will lead to the virtue competence

5.IDENTITY VS. CONFUSION /teen age years/Important events : Social relationshipsEssential role in developing: a sense of personal identity – continue

to influencebehaviour and development for the rest of a person´s lifeDevelop a sense of self – questions such as „Who am I ?“,„What do I want to do with my life?“Who are unsure of their beliefs and desires will feel insecure and

confusedErikson placed a particular emphasis on the development of ego

identity- helps guide our actions, beliefs and behaviors as we ageChildren are becoming more independent, begin to look at the future

in terms of career, relationships, families, housing.... The individual wants to belong to a society and fit in.

Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of fidelityFailure to establish a sense of identity within society can lead to role confusion –individuals are not being sure about themselves or their place in society – identity crisis

6. INTIMACY VS. ISOLATION /early adulthood/

Important events:Romantic Relationships

People tend to seek companionship and love

For developing intimate relationships is important a strong sense of personal identity

After we have developed a sense of self in adolescence, we are ready to share our life with others – to develop close, committed relationships. We have close, lasting romantic relationships, but also strong relationships with family & friends

Poor sense of self tend to have less committed relationships – more likely suffer emotional isolation,loneliness, depression. Successful resolution results in the virtue known as love - marked by the ability to form lasting, meaningful relationships

7. GENERATIVITY VS.STAGNATION /40-60y. Middle adulthood/

Important events: Work &Parenthood

During adulthood we continue to build our lives, focusing on our career and family

Care is the virtue achieved when this stage is handled succesfully

Important is being proud of accomplishments, watching children grow into adults, developing a sense of unity with life partner

Althoug the majority of people practice generativity by having & raising children, also other activities as teaching, writing, the arts & sciences are consider to be generativity – anything that satisfied „need to be needed“

8.EGO INTEGRITY VS.DESPAIR /old age/Important events : Reflection on lifeAs we grow older /65 +y./ we tend to slow down our productivity and explore life as a retired personwe grow older

People in late adulthood reflect on their lives and feel either a sense of satisfaction or a sense of failure

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, accept death without fear

People who are not successful, face the end of their lives with feelings of bitterness, depression and despair