Eriksons psychosocial

theory

Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Erik Erikson
Father abandoned
before born.
Irregular work in Europe
without an identity.
Took a job as a teacher
for children of Freuds
patients.
Trained in
psychoanalysis (i.e.
Freud).
Took name as Erikson
(son of himself)
symbolizing full
attainment of sense of
identity.
Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Psychosocial Development
Psychosocial: Development of self in
relationship to society
Psycho: Mental processes
Social: Relating to society

Developmental changes in behavior result

from the interaction between internal
drives and cultural demands
Psychosocial development is culturally relative:
Children in all cultures go through the same
sequence of stages, but each culture has its own
way of directing the childs behavior
Social demands change within each culture over
time
Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Eriksons Stages of
Psychosocial Development
Maturation and cultures expectations create
eight crises that the individual must resolve
for healthy development
Cultural demands change as a child ages

Development continues throughout the

lifespan
Main goal in life is the search for identity
Identity: Understanding and accepting ones self and
society

Eight psychosocial stages throughout the

lifespan influences identity
Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Eriksons Stages of
Psychosocial Development
Each stage is characterized by a crisis
Crisis: a psychosocial challenge that
presents opportunities for development
Positive resolution of crisis leads to growth
but negative resolution (or no resolution)
leads to maladjustment
Positive resolution: Constructive orientation
toward future events related to that conflict
Negative resolution: Problems resolving
future crises
Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Eriksons Stages of
Psychosocial Development
Stage

Age

Crisis

(years)

Infancy

0-1

Trust vs. Mistrust*

Early Childhood

2-3

Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt

Preschool

3-5

Initiative vs. Guilt

School Age

6-11

Industry vs. Inferiority

Adolescence

12-20

Identity vs. Role Confusion*

Young Adults

Mid-20s

Intimacy vs. Isolation*

Adulthood

25-60

Generativity vs. Stagnation*

Old Age

60+

Ego Integrity vs. Despair

Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Age: 0-1 years

Primary Event: Feedin

Stage 1:
Trust vs. Mistrust

Newborns cannot meet their own needs

Have to trust that their mother meets their
needs
Trust: Essential trustfulness of others and
sense of ones own trustworthiness

Positive Resolution: Trust in the

world based on basic needs being met
Parents Role: Provide warmth and
responsiveness to childs needs to
foster a secure attachment
Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Age: 2-3 years

Primary Event: Toilet Train

Stage 2:
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Failing at toilet training leads to shame and doubt

in abilities
Autonomy: Determination to exercise free will
Shame and doubt about ones self-control and
independence results if:
Trust crisis was not resolved
Toilet training was too harsh
Childs will is broken by over-controlling parents

Positive Resolution: Development of selfconfidence based on encouragement and limit

setting
Parents Role: Balance the childs desire for
autonomy and parents need to control the childs
behavior
Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Age: 3-5 years

Primary Event: Independen

Stage 3:
Initiative vs. Guilt

Initiative: Actively seek to impose sense

of will on surroundings
Must learn balance between acting and controlling
impulses

Guilt results if initiative frequently leads to

punishment or disapproval
Positive Resolution: Explore the
environment with a sense of purpose
Parents Role: Support the childs
initiative in appropriate situations
Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Age: 6-11 years

Primary Event: School

Stage 4:
Industry vs. Inferiority

Industry: Doing things that others value

Successful experiences give sense of
industry, competence, and mastery
Unsuccessful experiences leads to feelings
of inadequacy, inferiority, and no self-worth

Positive Resolution: Productive work,

success experiences, and understanding
of progress
Parents Role: Help children participate
in activities where they are successful
Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Age: 12-20 years

Primary Event: Peer Relationsh

Stage 5:
Identity vs. Role Confusion
Identity: Integrated sense of self

Answering: Who am I?
Integrate beliefs in politics, religion, career, life
purpose, family, etc.

Identity crisis is the most significant conflict

Role confusion: Inability to integrate
beliefs, leaving a fragmented personality
Positive Resolution: Strong sense of
identity and plans for the future
Parents Role: Help the child learn about
options for their identity
Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

James Marcias Identity States

Committed to Identity?

Searching
for Identity?

Yes

Yes
Identity
Achievement

No
Identity
Moratorium

No

Identity
Foreclosure

Identity
Diffusion

Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Age: mid-20s
Primary Event: Loving Relation

Stage 6:
Intimacy vs. Isolation
Intimacy: Close committed
relationship with someone

Identity is necessary for intimacy with

others

Positive Resolution: Ability to selfdisclose with another person

Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Age: 25-60 years

Primary Event: Parenti

Stage 7:
Generativity vs. Stagnation

Generativity: Desire to create

things in the world that will outlive
you
Stagnation: Self-absorption
Positive Resolution: Acts of caring
beyond the self

Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Age: 60+ years

Primary Event: Reflection on L

Stage 8:
Ego Integrity vs. Despair

Ego Integrity: View that ones life

has had meaning and acceptance of
ones choices.
Despair: Regret for what one has or
has not done with their life
Positive Resolution: Satisfaction
about the past

Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Comparing Developmental
Theories
Active/Passi
ve

Nature/Nurtur
e

Stage/Continuo
us

Piaget

Active

Both

Stage

Information
Processing

Active

Both

Both

Sociocultural

Active

Both

Continuous

Neo-Piagetians

Active

Both

Stage

Social Learning

Both

Nurture

Continuous

Psychosocial

Passive

Both

Stage

Attachment
Ecological Systems

Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Critique of Psychosocial
Theory
Strengths
One of first developmental theories to
focus on development across the
lifespan
Logical progression of life stages

Weakness
The theory does not explain why
development occurs
Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Implications for Education

Importance of early relationships
with caregivers
Illustrates the significance of
successful experiences in school
Explains that children of different
ages have different social needs

Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos

Revision
Describe Eriksons eight stages.
Explain what a teacher/parent can do
to support development in each of
the childhood stages

Dr. K. A. Korb
University of Jos