Erikson stages

Erik Erikson is best-known for his famous theory of psychosocial development. In

1950 he proposed the theory of the eight ages that marks the foundations of

evolutionary psychology. He argued that, from birth to old age, we go through eight

conflicts that allow psychosocial and personal development. When we face a conflict

and resolve it satisfactorily, "we grow mentally." However, if we are not able to

overcome these conflicts, we may not promote the necessary skills to face what lies

ahead.

The first four stages are focused on childhood, while the last four focus from

adolescence to old age.

Psychosocial Stages:

1. Trust vs. mistrust (0-1): During this stage the infant creates trust towards the

environment and the parents. This will depend on the bond that builds with the

parents, especially with the mother, since it is usually the one with whom the

child spends the most time. If parents do not offer a secure environment and do

not meet their basic needs and emotional needs, the child will grow between

feelings of frustration and without expecting anything from others, or the world.

For example:

Cesar from his birth needed a bond that generates confidence, in this case the

warmth of his mother was necessary to have security and to able to develop.

From its earliest days was necessary care and affection from his mother. Cesar

needed affective samples received from the people who cared to create
 confidence, this stimulus was a great help because without this the child was a

distrustful. Confidence in Cesar is reflected in their actions and fluency of his

word. Now he is 8 years. We can realize the importance of affection and security

that are given to children from their birth to 18 months.

2.

Autonomy vs. shame and doubt (1-2): In this stage "mobile toddlers" begin to

become more independent, they learn to walk and speak, they begin to control

their bowels, they know how to express what they like and what they don't like.

This increased "power" over his body and around him causes him to begin to

gain a sense of autonomy.

During this stage it is important to provide occasions in which to be able to make

decisions, for example, choosing daily clothes between two options, establishing

the first limits and rules at home or proposing small challenges adapted to the

age. Upon successful completion of this stage toddlers develop a high self-

esteem, healthier and stronger. For example:

 Mia is my 24-month-old niece, she is in this stage that for her is embarrassing

and doubtful since she is learning to control the eliminations of her body but on

several occasions, she does not control it. It is normal for Mia not to control the

time to eliminate waste from her body due to muscle development, this process

is slow but progressive. So, their parents must be patient. With the patience of

her parents, Mia will soon be able to control when she must eliminate waste from

her body so, this stage of her life will be fulfilled, and she will move on to the next

stage.

3. Initiative vs. Guilt (3-5): This is the stage when preschoolers grow interest in

everything around them. They want to discover the world and therefore ask many

questions. They touch everything, look at it and treat it like a toy. During this

stage the feeling of guilt is good in the sense that it serves to recognize that

something has been done wrong, however, this feeling in excess is one of the

greatest nutrients of fear.

4. Industry vs. inferiority (6-11): In this stage school age children focus on

comparisons with others. Children are already able to recognize their skills and

those of their peers and want to continually test them. They insist on facing more

challenging tasks, they want to sign up for all the activities that have been and

will be. It is important to offer them positive encouragement from parents and

also teachers and friends and to recognize their achievements.

5. Identity vs. role confusion (adolescence): During this stage the adolescent

continually asks himself one thing: "Who am I?" It is the moment when you begin

to shape your own personality, choose who you want to look like and what role

you want to play in society. For this, social life acquires a very important role.
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (young adulthood): In our 20s and 30s the environment

and social life are no longer so important. The most intimate relationships that

require mutual commitment are prioritized.

7. Generativity vs. stagnation (middle adulthood): The 40s through the early 60s

the person begins to spend more time with the family. The person tries to be

productive in order to offer a good future to loved ones, they seek to be and feel

useful in this way.

8. Integrity vs. Despair (late adulthood): The way of living is completely altered;

the individual is no longer as productive as before and can no longer avoid

looking into the past. This look to previous times can provoke nostalgia and

despair or, on the contrary, a feeling that what has been achieved has been

worthwhile.
Works citation

Erikson's Eight Stages of Development. (2018, May 23). Retrieved from

https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/erikson-eight-stages-development

Mcleod, S. (n.d.). Erik Eriksons Stages of Psychosocial Development. Retrieved from

https://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html