Erik Erikson and Life Cycle

Life History Born in June 15, 1902. A Danish

mother and German father. Raised as a Jew, married a Christian

and converted to Christianity. At 18, he graduated from a classical

gymnasium. He studied Latin, Greek, German Literature and Ancient History.

In 1927, got training from Anna Freud on psychoanalysis.

Married to Joan in 1929, who became her research partner.

Life History In 1933, he became the full member of

Vienna Psychoanalytical Society. Joined Yale Medical School in 1936. Studied

psychological symptoms, including the lack of self-image or identity, that were related to a sense of loss of cultural tradition.

Continued Research on Development stages of Life, since 1940. He studied the lives of Martin Luther and Mahatma Gandhi of India.

Passed away in 1997.

An Epigenetic Model of Human Development

Named by Erikson, Epigenesis (epi means upon and genesis means emergence) was the first psychological theory to detail the human life cycle, from infancy to adulthood and old age; Epigenesis suggests that each element develops on top of other parts.

Stage 1- Basic Trust Vs Basic Mistrust

Age: 0 to 1 year old Psychosocial Crisis: Trust vs. Mistrust Virtue: Hope Corresponds to Freud's oral stage

centers around the infant's basic needs being met by the parents.

Primary Caregivers give trust or mistrust

Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt

Age: Toddlers, 2 to 3 years Main Question: "Can I do things

myself or must I always rely on others?"

Virtue: Will As the child gains control over

eliminative functions and motor abilities, they begin to explore their surroundings.

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt

Age : Preschool, 4 to 6 years Main Question: "Am I good or am I

bad?" Virtue: Purpose Related Elements in Society: ideal

prototypes/roles The child is learning to master the

world around him or her. Guilt is a new emotion and is

confusing to the child.

Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority Age : Childhood, 7 to 12 years. Main Question: "Am I successful or

worthless?" Virtue: Competence Related Elements in Society: division

of labor Erikson viewed the elementary

school years as critical for the development of self-confidence.

Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion Age : Adolescents, 13 to 19 years. Main Question: "Who am I and where

am I going?" Ego quality: Fidelity Related Elements in Society:

Ideology Child develops a sense of sexual

identity. Sometimes the roles becomes confusing.

Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation Age : Young Adults, 20 to 34 years. Main Question: "Am I loved and

wanted?" or "Shall I share my life with someone or live alone?"

Ego quality: Love Related Elements in Society: patterns

of cooperation (often marriage)

Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation Age : Middle Adulthood, 35 to 65

years. Main Question: "Will I produce

something of real value?" Virtue: Care Related Elements in Society:

parenting, educating, or other productive social involvement

Stage 8: Ego Integrity vs. Despair Age : Seniors, 65 years onwards. Main Question: "Have I lived a full

life?" Virtue: Wisdom

Questions???

Thank you