Erik Erikson – Stages of

Psychosocial Development
CHAPTER 4
 Erik Erikson

 A neo-Freudian
 Adheres to some of Freud’s ideas, but focuses more on social
influences.
 Stage Theorist

 Focus on Crisis Resolution

 At each stage a crisis must be resolved
 If the crisis is not resolved, the individual may lack the positive
characteristic in the stage.
 TRUST vs. MISTRUST

 Birth – 1yr.
 Needs being met

 Basic trust develops when needs are met (Attachment)

 Loving relationship is formed with caregiver

 Important event: Feeding

 AUTONOMY vs. SHAME AND DOUBT

 1 – 2 years
 Learning to do things for oneself

 Development of physical activities (ex. walking)

 Q Favorite Word?

 Important event: toilet training

 INITIATIVE vs. GUILT

 3 – 5 years
 Preschoolers learn to initiate tasks

 Q Favorite word?

 One becomes more independent

 COMPETENCE/ INDUSTRY vs. INFERIORITY

 6 years – puberty
 Child completes tasks themselves

 Learning on your own

 Important Event: school

 Q What is an inferiority complex?

 IDENTITY vs. ROLE CONFUSION

 Teens – early 20s

 Teens refine sense of self

 Test new roles and incorporate them into an identity

 Q Know anyone that is very different now vs. when they were
pre teen 10,11 and 12?
 Important events: forming relationships with friends
 INTIMACY vs. ISOLATION

 20s – 40s
 Young adults develop intimate relationships

 Gaining the capacity for intimate love

 Important event: forming love and/or strong relationships

 GENERATIVITY vs. STAGNATION

 40s – 60s
 Middle-aged discover a sense of contribution to this world

 Family and work oftentimes satisfy this desire

 Supporting and satisfying future generation

 Important event: Parenting

 INTEGRITY vs. DESPAIR

 60s +
 Reflection on entire life

 Did I contribute to this world?

 Sense of fulfillment

 EVERYBODY RIDES THE CAROUSEL intro - YouTube

 Evaluation of Erikson’s Theory

 Theory does attempt to show development

throughout life span
 Children and adults may overcome problems that
occur during development
 Stages are more descriptive than explanatory
Meryl Streep - Everybody Rides The Carousel (1976) -
YouTube
2. Erickson's stages of psychosocial development –
YouTube
1. Erikson's theory of psychosocial development -
YouTube