Erikson’s Stages

Erikson's model of psychosocial of Psychosocial

development is a very significant, Development
highly regarded and meaningful
concept. "It is human to have a Theory
Life is a serious of lessons and long childhood; it is
challenges which help us to grow. civilized to have an
Erikson's wonderful theory helps
to tell us why. even longer childhood.
The theory is helpful for child
Long childhood makes
development, and adults too. a technical and mental
Erikson explained his use of the virtuoso out of man,
word 'epigenesis' thus: "...epi can but it also leaves a life-
mean 'above' in space as well as
'before' in time, and in connection
long residue of
with genesis can well represent emotional immaturity
the space-time nature of all in him."
development..." (from Vital
Involvement in Old Age, 1989). — Erik Homburger
In Erikson's theory, Epigenetic Erikson (1902-1994)
therefore does not refer to
individual genetic make-up and
its influence on individual
development. This was not
central to Erikson's ideas. SUBMITTED BY:
JAMES GARCIA
 THE EIGHT STAGES OF and feel a sense of shame or doubt in their explorations. This sense of who they are
own abilities. can be hindered, which results in a sense
HUMAN of confusion ("I don’t know what I want to
DEVELOPMENT Initiative vs. Guilt. Around age three and be when I grow up") about themselves and
continuing to age six, children assert their role in the world.
themselves more frequently. They begin to
Trust Versus Mistrust. From ages birth to plan activities, make up games, and initiate Intimacy vs. Isolation. Occurring in
one year, children begin to learn the ability activities with others. If given this Young adulthood, we begin to share
to trust others based upon the consistency opportunity, children develop a sense of ourselves more intimately with others. We
of their caregiver(s). If trust develops initiative, and feel secure in their ability to explore relationships leading toward longer
successfully, the child gains confidence lead others and make decisions. term commitments with someone other
and security in the world around him and is than a family member. Successful
able to feel secure even when threatened. Industry vs. Inferiority. From age six completion can lead to comfortable
Unsuccessful completion of this stage can years to puberty, children begin to develop relationships and a sense of commitment,
result in an inability to trust, and therefore a sense of pride in their accomplishments. safety, and care within a relationship.
an sense of fear about the inconsistent They initiate projects, see them through to Avoiding intimacy, fearing commitment and
world. It may result in anxiety, heightened completion, and feel good about what they relationships can lead to isolation,
insecurities, and an over feeling of mistrust have achieved. During this time, teachers loneliness, and sometimes depression.
in the world around them. play an increased role in the child’s
Generativity vs. Stagnation. During
development. If children are encouraged
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt. middle adulthood, we establish our
and reinforced for their initiative, they begin
Between the ages of one and three, careers, settle down within a relationship,
to feel industrious and feel confident in
children begin to assert their begin our own families and develop a
their ability to achieve goals. If this initiative
independence, by walking away from their sense of being a part of the bigger picture.
is not encouraged, if it is restricted by
mother, picking which toy to play with, and We give back to society through raising our
parents or teacher, then the child begins to
making choices about what they like to children, being productive at work, and
feel inferior, doubting his own abilities and
wear, to eat, etc. If children in this stage becoming involved in community activities
therefore may not reach his potential.
are encouraged and supported in their and organizations. By failing to achieve
increased independence, they become Identity vs. Role Confusion. During these objectives,
more confident and secure in their own adolescence, the transition from childhood
ability to survive in the world. If children are to adulthood is most important. Children Ego Integrity vs. Despair. As we grow
criticized, overly controlled, or not given the are becoming more independent, and older and become senior citizens, we tend
opportunity to assert themselves, they begin to look at the future in terms of to slow down our productivity, and explore
begin to feel inadequate in their ability to career, relationships, families, housing, etc. life as a retired person. It is during this time
survive, and may then become overly During this period, they explore that we contemplate our accomplishments
dependent upon others, lack self-esteem, possibilities and begin to form their own and are able to develop integrity if we see
identity based upon the outcome of their ourselves as leading a successful life. If we
see our lives as unproductive, feel guilt
about our pasts, or feel that we did not
accomplish our life goals, we become
dissatisfied with life and develop despair,
often leading to depression and
hopelessness.