EPS511

Lopez
National-Louis University
Erikson’s Theory
Erickson suggested that people experience eight
“crises” in the form of psychosocial stages as they
progress from birth to old age.
We’ll look at all 8 stages but ponder on the stages
that will most influence you as an educator.
The 8 stages of
Psychosocial development
Trust vs. mistrust (infancy)
Autonomy vs. Shame and doubt (toddler)
Initiative vs. guilt (preschool years)
Industry vs. inferiority (elementary school)
When children are praised for their accomplishments or not…
Identity vs. role confusion (adolescence)
Who am I? How do I fit into the adult world?
Intimacy vs. isolation (young adult)
Occurs after Identity has been formed
 Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle ages)
 Integrity vs. despair (retirement years)
Perspectives and challenges to Erickson’s
Theory
Stages are not completely accurate
When do we achieve a sense of identity and role?
Different throughout America and other cultures
Gender differences to the developmental stages
Underestimated just how differently cultural
groups think about particular assets and ages
levels
This thinking takes us into Barbara Rogoff’s research
As well as Margaret Mead’s research on low income
communities involving race and class.