Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development

 

Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development was developed in the 1950s. This can be considered as an extension of Freud’s theory on psychosexual development. Erikson’s attention was directed to conflicts people experience throughout their total lifespan. 

 

 

 

In his theory there are 8 stages of life and people face personality developmental challenges/conflicts at each stage. The person is presented with a crisis of two opposing concepts (one positive and one negative) at each stage and how the person can deal with this crisis determines how the person will cope with the next stage.

This crisis arises from the difference between the individual’s needs and the demands of society. Successful resolution of each stage will result in a healthy personality. If the conflict is not resolved appropriately the person will have difficulties in later life. These inner experiences relate to the person’s socialisation experiences. In his theory the social aspect has more significance and the person can progress to the next stage without resolving the previous stage successfully. Ego boundary growth is also included in the theory.

The first stage is called Infancy and it refers to the period from birth till about the age of 1.5. Social interaction takes place between the baby and the caregiver. The two opposing concepts that cause conflict are Trust vs. Mistrust. If the primary caregiver provides reliable and consistent care and affection the baby will develop a sense of trust and the lack of it will lead to mistrust. This concept is also called the secure base. Dependence on the caregiver is appreciated at this stage. If the caregiver neglects the needs of the infant, they will feel unsafe.

The second stage is the Toddler stage, roughly from the age of 1-3. The two opposing concepts are Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt. With stronger muscles children become more mobile, eventually they learn to walk and muscular control of urination and defecation is a significant achievement. They are valued for what they do now, not for who they are. They learn a bit more about their environment but they’re still mostly surrounded by family members. If negotiated well, e.g. exploration is encouraged during this stage the child learns how to become independent, confident and take risks. If the opposite happens and the caregivers fosters dependence the child can feel doubt in their abilities, they might feel shame as well.

The third stage is the Preschool stage between the ages of 3-6, their social world expands now. The two opposing concepts are Initiative vs. Guilt. Children begin to assert power and control over the environment. They want to do things themselves and establish their own goals. If this stage is negotiated well and the caregivers nurture these tendencies, children will grow into ambitious adults who have a sense of purpose. On the other hand, as a result of critical, ignorant or controlling caregiving children can experience guilt.

The fourth stage is the elementary school age between the ages of 6-12. Their social world broadens even more, peers become more and more significant, they also become more aware of themselves as individuals and compare themselves to others. The two opposing concepts are Industry vs. Inferiority. Success leads to a sense of competence, they can experience self-confidence and pride. They can get a sense of what they are good at. However, failure or being criticised can result in feeling inferior.

The fifth stage is Adolescence and the two opposing concepts are Identity vs. Role confusion.

The next stages and concepts are : 6: young adult, 20-25 Intimacy vs Isolation, 7: adulthood, 26-64, Generativity vs Stagnation and 8: old age, 65+, Integrity vs Despair.)

Erikson is a significant theorist because he expanded the personality development stages across the whole human lifespan. Because of him, adulthood is also considered an active and significant part of personal growth. Erikson acknowledged that this is a descriptive overview of human development.

Bibliography: 

Jacobs, M. (2012) The Presenting Past: The Core Of Psychodynamic Counselling And Therapy, Open University Press

Hough, M. (2014) Counselling Skills and Theory Hodder Education

Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development:

https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/erikson-eight-stages-development

https://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html