ERIC ERIKSON PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT THEORY
Erik Erikson was an ego psychologist who developed one of the most popular and influential theories of
development. While his theory was impacted by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud’s work, Erikson’s theory
centered on psychosocial development rather than psychosexual development.
ERIKSON’S EIGHT STAGES OF PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
INFANCY (from birth -12 months of age ): Trust vs. Mistrust
Infancy is the MOST fundamental stage in life
The infant is utterly dependent on the parents , especially the mother, on the parents, for sustenance
and comfort.
IF THE PARENTS ARE CONSISTENT IN PROVIDING THE INFANT WITH A SECURE ENVIRONMENT
INCLUDING THE SATISFACTION OF THE INFANT’S BASIC NEEDS, SUCH AS FOOD, LOVE, AND SAFETY. THE
INFANT DEVELOPS A SENSE OF TRUST .Mistrust will lead to feelings of frustration, withdrawal,
suspicion, and a lack of confidence.
EARLY CHILDHOOD (ages 1~3 years):Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
The child begins to explore the world and learns that she can control her actions and eventually acts on
her environment to get results. The child begins to show strong and clear preferences over things of
interest, such as food, toys, and clothing.
IT IS IN THIS STAGE THAT THE CHILD DEVELOPS A SENSE OF PERSONAL CONTROL AND STARTS TO GAIN A
LITTLE INDEPENDENCE.
If parents allow their children to make choices of their own, which in turn allows them to personal
control and gain independence, children will develop a sense of AUTONOMY.
CHILDREN WILL FEEL SECURE AND CONFIDENT!
Those who do not are left with a sense of INADEQUACY, which in turn results in a feeling of SHAME and
Self - doubt
PRESCHOOL. (ages 3~6 years) Initiative vs. Guilt
Children are now capable of initiating activities and begin to assert control over their environment
through social interactions and play.
Children who are successful in this stage feel CAPABLE and able to LEAD others.
Children are now capable of initiating activities and begin to assert control over their environment
through social interactions and play.
Children who are successful in this stage feel CAPABLE and able to LEAD others.
Children want to begin and complete their own actions for a specific purpose.
When such initiatives DO NOT yield the desired results, children may feel GUILT.
If children are not successful in this stage, that is, when their initiatives are stifled by their parents,
They develop a sense of GUILT.
SCHOOL-AGE (ages 6-12 years) Industry vs. Inferiority
Through social interactions, children begin to develop a sense of PRIDE in their abilities and school
works, sports, socials, particularly in and family life.
If children DON’T get the support of parents and teachers in the form of encouragement and
appreciation will DOUBT their abilities to be successful. It can cause Inferiority Complex.
ADOLESCENCE (ages 12~18) Identity vs. Role Confusion
Plays a CRUCIAL role in the development of a sense of PERSONAL IDENTITY .It is in this stage that the
adolescents explore their INDEPENDENCE and develop a SENSE OF SELF.
THE ADOLESCENT’S MAIN TASK IS TO DEVELOP A SENSE OF SELF!
When adolescents receive proper ENCOURAGEMENT and REINFORCEMENT in their personal
exploration. They will emerge from this stage
With a STRONG sense of INDENTITY and are able to remain TRUE to their values and beliefs when faced
with problems.
Those who do NOT receive proper encouragement and reinforcement will develop a WEAK sense of
identity and experience ROLE PS CONFUSION- confusion not only about themselves but also their future.
YOUNG ADULTHOOD (20s~ early 40s) Intimacy vs. Isolation
After the person developed a sense of self in adolescence, he is now ready to share h life with others.
Young adults want to blend with their friends and peers. They want to fit in!
They want to develop an INTIMATE relationship with other people. In fact, they want to make LONG-
TERM COMMITMENTS to others…
Those who are SUCCESSFUL in this stage are able to establish INTIMATE relationships, one that is
enduring and secure and which may ultimately result in the development of a virtue known as “LOVE”.
They are even willing to make compromises and sacrifices!
If people FAILED to establish intimate relationships with others, they may develop a sense of ISOLATION.
If the crises in the previous stage have NOT been resolved, young adults may find it DIFFICULT to
develop other people.
And maintain intimate PEOPLE MUST DEVELOP relationships with A STRONG SENSE OF SELF SO THEY
CAN DEVELOP INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS.
MIDDLE ADULTHOOD(40s~ mid 60s) Generativity vs. Stagnation
When a person makes a SIGNIFICANT contribution during this stage, for example, by RAISING A FAMILY
or ENGAGING IN PRODUCTIVE WORK that contributes positively to society, a sense Of GENERATIVITY or
a sense of PRODUCTIVITY and ACCOMPLISHMENT ensues. Those who failed to fulfill this task may
experience STAGNATION and feel UNPRODUCTIVE and UNINVOLVED…
MATURITY (from mid-60s to end of life) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
LATE adulthood stage
As people get older their productivity slows down and begin to explore life as retired individuals.
They contemplate on their accomplishments, and when they are PROUD of them, they feel a sense of
INTEGRITY!
They look back on their life with LITTLE regrets… Those who FAILED to fulfill their task during this stage,
may feel that their life has been WASTED and look back on their life with MANY REGRETS.
They face the end of their life with feelings of DEPRESSION and BITTERNESS.
RESULTS IN DESPAIR.
Thank you and God BLESS
