CHAPTER 6

PSYCHOSOCIAL THEORY OF DEVELOPMENT

Erik Homburger Erikson

Erik Erikson
-is a Psychologist who developed one of the most popular and influential theories of
development, “The Psychosocial Theory of Developmental”.
- Erikson’s theory consists of eight (8) stages of development. Each stage is characterized by a
different conflict that must be solved by the individual.

ELEMENTS

Ego Identity – is developed by human interaction and how an individual becomes more
conscious of themselves and their surroundings.

Ego Strength – deals with an individual becoming competent in different areas of life, by
becoming competent in life they feel more important.

Conflict – is a turning point during which individual struggles to attain some Psychological
quality. Sometimes, it is referred to as a psychosocial crisis, this can be a time of both
vulnerability and strength, as the individual works towards success or failure.

8 Stages of Psychosocial Development

- Best known theories of personality and development
- Personality develops in a series of predetermined stages.
- Psychosocial, and not Psychosexual.