ERIK ERIKSON’S THEORY

PSYCHOSOCIAL
STAGES
 Introduction
 Erick Erikson was an ego psychologist
who emphasized the role of culture and
society and the conflicts that can take
place within the ego itself.
 He maintained that personality develops
in a predetermined order, and builds
upon each previous stage. This is called
the epigenic principle.

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 Introduction
 Much like psychoanalyst Sigmund
Freud, Erikson believed that personality
develops in a series of stages.
 He assumes the crisis occurs at each
stage of development and they are of the
psychosocial nature.

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 Introduction
 Successful completion of each stage
leads to a healthy personality and
acquisition of basic virtues.
 Failure to complete the stage
successfully lead to inhibition in
completion of other stage and unhealthy
personality.

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PSYCHOSOCIAL STAGES
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“ TRUST VS. MISTRUST
”
 Birth to 18 months

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 Overview
The first stage of psychosocial development consists of:
 Psychosocial conflict : Trust Vs. Mistrust
 Major Question : “Can I trust the people around me?”
 Basic Virtue : Hope
 Important Event : Feeding

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 Trust Vs. Mistrust
 This is the stage that takes place during the first year of life or so.
 The infant looks toward the caregiver for stability as he/she is unaware of
the world.
 If the infant receives care which is reliable and consistent then a sense of
trust is available. However, if the infant receives harsh and inconsistent
care then mistrust will develop.
 Success in this stage will lead to a virtue of hope.

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“ ”
AUTONOMY VS. SHAME & DOUBT
 18 months to 3 years

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 Overview
The first stage of psychosocial development consists of:
 Psychosocial conflict : Autonomy Vs. Shame and Doubt
 Major Question : “Can I do things myself or am I on the help of others?”
 Basic Virtue : Will
 Important Event : Toilet training

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 Autonomy Vs. Shame & Doubt
 This is a stage which lasts between the ages of 18 months and 3 years.
 The child learns to play with toys, wear their clothes themselves, etc. however, it
is important for young children to begin a sense of personal independence and
control.
 If the children are encouraged in this stage, they become confident and secure in
their ability but if they are discouraged, they will lack self-esteem and feel a
sense of shame.
 Success in this stage will lead to the virtue if will.

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“ INITIATIVE VS. GUILT
”
 3 to 5 years old

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 Overview
The first stage of psychosocial development consists of:
 Psychosocial conflict : Initiative Vs. Guilt
 Major Question : “Am I good or bad?”
 Basic Virtue : Purpose
 Important Event : Exploration, play

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 Initiative Vs. Guilt
 Children make friends, plan activities allowing them to develop a sense of
initiative and developing their abilities to lead others.
 If the children are criticized and controlled they make become followers
and develop sense of guilt and may feel like nuisance to others.
 Success in this stage will lead to a virtue of purpose.

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EDUCATION
“
INDUSTRY VS. INFERIORITY
”
 6 to 11 years old

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 Overview
The first stage of psychosocial development consists of:
 Psychosocial conflict : Industry Vs. Inferiority
 Major Question : “How can I be good?”
 Basic Virtue : Competence
 Important Event : School

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 Industry Vs. Inferiority
 Children at this stage are learning to read, write, do sums, etc.
 The child’s peer group creates a significant course of the child’s self-esteem.
 If they are encouraged or their initiative, they feel industrious and competent
to achieve their goals.
 However, if the opposites happen, they begin to feel inferior and doubt their
own abilities and not reach their potential,
 Success in this stage will lead to competence.

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“ IDENTITY VS. ROLE CONFUSION
”
 12 to 18 years old

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 Overview
The first stage of psychosocial development consists of:
 Psychosocial conflict : Identity Vs. Role Confusion
 Major Question : “Who am i?”
 Basic Virtue : Fidelity
 Important Event : Social Relationships

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 Identity Vs. Role Confusion
 Children begin to look at future in terms of career, relationships, family,
etc.. The adolescent re-examines their identity to figure out who they are.
 Erikson said that the adolescent may feel uncomfortable about their body
until they can adapt the changes.
 Role confusion involves the individual not sure about themselves or their
place in the society.
 Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of fidelity.

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“ INTIMACY VS. ISOLATION
”
 19 to 40 years old

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 Overview
The first stage of psychosocial development consists of:
 Psychosocial conflict : Intimacy Vs. Isolation
 Major Question : “Will I be loved or will I be alone?”
 Basic Virtue : Love
 Important Event : Romantic Relationships

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 Intimacy Vs. Isolation
 This stage occurs during young adulthood, where they begin to share their
selves more intimately with others.
 Successful completion in this stage can lead to a comfortable relationship,
a sense of commitment, safety and care, etc.. However, avoiding this can
lead to isolation, loneliness and sometimes depression.
 Success on this stage will lead to the virtue of love.

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“ ”
GENERATIVITY VS. STAGNATION
 40 to 65 years old

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 Overview
The first stage of psychosocial development consists of:
 Psychosocial conflict : Generativity Vs. Stagnation
 Major Question : “How can I contribute to the world?”
 Basic Virtue : Care
 Important Event : Parenthood and work

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 Generativity Vs. Stagnation
 This stage occur during middle adulthood.
 Establish a career develop relationships and start to have families.
 They give back to the society by raising their children, being productive at
work, and becoming involved in the community service.
 Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of care.

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“ INTEGRITY VS. DESPAIR
”
 65 years old and beyond

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 Overview
The first stage of psychosocial development consists of:
 Psychosocial conflict : Integrity Vs. Despair
 Major Question : “Did I live a meaningful life?”
 Basic Virtue : Wisdom
 Important Event : Reflecting back on life

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 Integrity Vs. Despair
 This occurs at the age of 65 and beyond, where they become senior citizens
and tend to slow down their productivity and explore life as a retired person.
 If they see their life as productive, they will be able to develop integrity
successfully.
 If they see their lives unhappy and are dissatisfied with the goals they have
achieved, they develop despair, hopelessness and can become depressed.
 Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of wisdom.

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 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development

TRUST VS. MISTRUST AUTONOMY VS. INITIATIVE VS. GUILT INDUSTRY VS.
birth to 18 months SHAME AND DOUBT 3 to 5 years INFERIORITY
18 months to 3 years 6 to 11 years

INTEGRITY VS. GENERATIVITY VS. INTIMACY VS. IDENTITY VS.

DESPAIR STAGNATION ISOLATION CONFUSION
65 years to death 40 to 65 years 19 to 40 years 12 to 18 years

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 Importance of Erikson’s Theory

 Psychosocial theory is important because it emphasizes the role of

social and cultural factors in shaping personality development.
 This theory suggests that individuals go through a series of stages
throughout their lives, each of which involves a different conflict that
must be resolved in order to move on to the next stage.
 By understanding these stages and conflicts, individuals can gain
insight into their own development and better understand the
challenges they may face at different points in their lives.
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 Importance of Erikson’s Theory

• Additionally, psychosocial theory highlights the importance of

relationships and social support in promoting healthy development.
According to this theory, individuals who have strong relationships
with others are more likely to develop a sense of trust, autonomy, and
competence, which can help them navigate future challenges.
• On the other hand, individuals who lack social support may struggle to
develop these skills and may be more vulnerable to negative outcomes
such as depression or anxiety.
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 Importance of Erikson’s Theory

• Overall, psychosocial theory provides a framework for understanding

how social and cultural factors shape personality development over
time. By recognizing the importance of relationships and social
support, individuals can work to promote healthy development and
navigate the challenges they may face at different points in their lives

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 Reported by:

Mr. Jerry Hornada

Thank you
Ms. Karen Clare
Guion