Eriksons Theory of Psychosocial
Eriksons Theory of Psychosocial
Eriksons Theory of Psychosocial
of Psychosocial
Development
• Erik Erikson's theory of
psychosocial development is
one of the best-known theories
of personality in psychology.
Much like Sigmund Freud,
Erikson believed that
personality develops in a series
of stages.
• One of the main elements of
Erikson's psychosocial stage
theory is the development of ego
identity. Ego identity is the
conscious sense of self that we
develop through social
interaction. According to
Erikson, our ego identity is
constantly changing due to new
experiences and information we
acquire in our daily interactions
with others.
• In addition to ego identity, Erikson
also believed that a sense of
competence motivates behaviors
and actions. Each stage in Erikson's
theory is concerned with becoming
competent in an area of life. If the
stage is handled well, the person
will feel a sense of mastery, which is
sometimes referred to as ego
strength or ego quality. If the stage
is managed poorly, the person will
emerge with a sense of inadequacy.
• In each stage, Erikson believed
people experience a conflict that
serves as a turning point in
development. In Erikson's view,
these conflicts are centered on either
developing a psychological quality
or failing to develop that quality.
During these times, the potential for
personal growth is high, but so is the
potential for failure.
Psychosocial Stage 1 -
Trust vs.Mistrust
The first stage of
Erikson's theory of
psychosocial
development occurs
between birth and
one year of age and is
the most
fundamental stage in
life.
• Because an infant is utterly dependent,
the development of trust is based on the
dependability and quality of the child's
caregivers.
• Through social
interactions, children
begin to develop a sense
of pride in their
accomplishments and
abilities.
• Psychosocial Conflict: Industry
versus Inferiority
• Major Question: "Who
am I?"
• Basic Virtue: Fidelity
• Important Event(s): Social Relationships
• Identity versus confusion is the fifth
stage of Erik Erikson's theory of
psychosocial development. This stage
occurs during adolescence between the
ages of approximately 12 to 18. Teens
need to develop a sense of self and
personal identity. During adolescence,
children are exploring their
independence and developing a sense of
self.
• Those who receive proper
encouragement and reinforcement
through personal exploration will
emerge from this stage with a strong
sense of self and a feeling of
independence and control. Those who
remain unsure of their beliefs and
desires will insecure and confused
about themselves and the future.
Psychosocial Stage 6 –
Intimacy vs. Isolation
• This stage covers the period of
early adulthood when people
are exploring personal
relationships.
• Major Question: "Will I be
loved or will I be alone?“
• Basic Virtue: Love
• Important Event(s): Romantic
Relationships
• Intimacy versus isolation is the
sixth stage of Erik Erikson's theory
of psychosocial development. This
stage takes place during young
adulthood between the ages of
approximately 19 and 40. During
this period of time, the major
conflict centers on forming
intimate, loving relationships with
other people.
• Erikson believed it was vital that
people develop close, committed
relationships with other people.
Success leads to strong
relationships, while failure
results in loneliness and
isolation.
Psychosocial Stage 7 -
Generativity vs. Stagnation
• During adulthood, we
continue to build our lives,
focusing on our career and
family.
• Major Question: "How can I
contribute to the world?"
• Basic Virtue: Care
• Important Event(s): Parenthood and Work
• Generativity versus stagnation is the
seventh stage of Erik Erikson’s theory
ofpsychosocial development. This stage
takes place during middle adulthood
between the ages of approximately 40 and
65. During this time, adults strive to create
or nurture things that will outlast them;
often by having children or contributing to
positive changes that benefits other people.
• Contributing to society and doing
things to benefit future
generations are important needs
at the generativity versus
stagnation stage of development.
Generativity refers to "making
your mark" on the world, through
caring for others, creating things
and accomplishing things that
make the world a better place.
• Stagnation refers to the failure to find a
way to contribute. These individuals may
feel disconnected or uninvolved with their
community and with society as a whole.
• Those who are successful during this phase
will feel that they are contributing to the
world by being active in their home and
community. Those who fail to attsain this
skill will feel unproductive and uninvolved
in the world.
Psychosocial Stage 8 -
Integrity vs. Despair
• This phase occurs during old age
and is focused on reflecting back
on life.