PYSCHO

SOCIAL
THEORY
Erik Erikson
The epigenetic principle.
As Boeree explains, ‘This principle says that we develop
through a predetermined unfolding of our personalities in
eight stages…A little like the unfolding of a rose bud, each
petal opens up at a certain time, in a certain order, which
nature, through its genetics, has determined. If we
interfere in the natural order of development by pulling a
petal forward prematurely or out of order, we ruin the
development of the entire flower.
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 STAGES CRISIS Significant Maladaptation Malignancy Virtue
Person

1. Infancy Trust 1 to 1 and a Sensory Withdrawal Hope

vs half years maladjusment
Mistrust old
2. Toddler Autonomy 18 months Impulsiveness Compulsivenes Will
vs to 4 years s
Shame/Doub old
t
3. Preschooler Initiative 4 to 6 years Ruthlessness Inhibition Purpose/
vs old Courage
Guilt
4. Elementary Industry 6 to 12 years Narrow Inertia Competency
vs old virtuousity
Inferiority
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 STAGES CRISIS Significant Maladaptation Malignancy Virtue
Person

5. Adolescence Identity Puberty to 20 Fanaticism Repudiation Fidelity

vs years old
Confusion
2. Early Intimacy 20 to 30 years Promiscuity Exclusion Love
adulthood vs old
Isolation
3. Middle Generativity Middle 20s to Overextension Rejectively Care
Adulthood vs Late 50s
Stagnation
4. Late Integrity 60 years and Presumption Disdain Wisdom
Adulthood vs beyond
Despair