Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development
Erikson's eight stages
are:
·
Stage 1: Trust versus mistrust (birth to 1 year)
·
Stage 2: Autonomy versus shame and doubt (1 to 2 years)
·
Stage 3: Initiative versus guilt (3 to 5 years)
·
Stage 4: Industry versus inferiority (6 to 11 years)
·
Stage 5: Identity versus role confusion (12 to 18 years)
·
Stage 6: Intimacy versus isolation (19 to 40 years)
·
Stage 7: Generativity versus stagnation (41 to 64 years)
·
Stage 8: Integrity versus despair (65 years to death)
1. Trust vs. Mistrust
Trust vs.
mistrust is the first stage in Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial
development. This stage begins at birth continues to approximately 18 months of age. During this stage, the infant
is uncertain about the world in which they live, and looks towards their
primary caregiver for stability and consistency of care.
If the care the infant receives is consistent,
predictable and reliable, they will develop a sense of trust which will carry
with them to other relationships, and they will be able to feel secure even
when threatened.
If the care has been inconsistent,
unpredictable and unreliable, then the infant may develop a sense of mistrust,
suspicion, and anxiety. In this situation the infant will not have confidence
in the world around them or in their abilities to influence events.
2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Autonomy versus shame and
doubt is the second stage of Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development.
This stage occurs between the ages of 18 months to
approximately 3 years. According to Erikson, children at this stage
are focused on developing a sense of personal control over physical skills and
a sense of independence.
If children are criticized, overly controlled, or not
given the opportunity to assert themselves, they begin to feel inadequate in
their ability to survive, and may then become overly dependent upon others, lack
self-esteem, and feel a sense of shame or doubt in their abilities.
3. Initiative vs. Guilt(3 to 5 years)
Initiative
versus guilt is the third stage of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial
development. During the initiative versus guilt stage, children assert
themselves more frequently through directing play and other social interaction.
During this period the primary feature involves the child
regularly interacting with other children at school. Central to this stage is
play, as it provides children with the opportunity to explore their
interpersonal skills through initiating activities. The children develop a sense of initiative and feel secure in
their ability to lead others and make decisions.
4. Industry vs. Inferiority(6 to 11 years)
Erikson's fourth psychosocial crisis, involving industry
(competence) vs. Inferiority occurs during childhood between
the ages of five and twelve.
Children are at the stage where they will be learning to
read and write, to do sums, to do things on their own. It is at this stage that
the child’s peer group will gain greater significance and will become a major
source of the child’s self-esteem. Some failure may be necessary so that the
child can develop some modesty. Again, a balance between competence and modesty
is necessary. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of competence.
5.
Identity vs. Role Confusion (12 to 18 years)
During this stage, adolescents search for a sense of self
and personal identity, through an intense exploration of personal values,
beliefs, and goals. During adolescence, the transition from childhood to
adulthood is most important. Children are becoming more independent, and begin
to look at the future in terms of career, relationships, families, housing,
etc. The individual wants to belong to a society and fit in.This is a major
stage of development where the child has to learn the roles he will occupy as an adult.
.
Erikson claims that the adolescent may feel uncomfortable
about their body for a while until they can adapt and “grow into” the changes.
Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of reliability. Fidelity
involves being able to commit one's self to others on the basis of accepting
others, even when there may be ideological differences.
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation(19 to 40 years)
Intimacy versus isolation is the sixth stage of Erik
Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This stage takes place during
young adulthood between the ages of approximately 18 to 40 yrs. During this
stage, the major conflict centers on forming intimate, loving relationships with
other people.
During this stage, we
begin to share ourselves more intimately with others. Successful completion of
this stage can result in happy relationships and a sense of commitment, safety,
and care within a relationship. Avoiding intimacy, fearing commitment and
relationships can lead to isolation, loneliness, and sometimes depression.
Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of love.
7. Generativity vs.
Stagnation
This stage takes
place during during middle adulthood (ages 40 to 65
yrs).
Psychologically,
generativity refers to "making your mark" on the world through
creating or nurturing things that will outlast an individual. During middle age
individuals experience a need to create or nurture things that will outlast
them, often having mentees or creating positive changes that will benefit other
people.
At this stage of life, individuals are pulled in all directions with work, family obligations, and children. Depending on their individual situation, they may be taking care of ailing or elderly parents, still raising children, or facing an empty nest. These are moments of great change and transformation. This stage of life can open doors to individuals’ sense of belonging and contribution to the next generation.”.
8.
Ego Integrity vs. Despair(65 years to death)
Ego integrity versus despair is the final stage of Erik
Erikson’s stage theory of psychosocial development. This stage begins at
approximately age 65 and ends at death. Individuals who reflect on their life
and regret not achieving their goals will experience feelings of bitterness and
despair.
As
we grow older (65+ yrs) and become seniour citizens, we tend to slow down our
productivity and explore life as a retired person.
Wise people are not characterized by a continuous state
of ego integrity, but they experience both ego integrity and despair. Thus,
late life is characterized by both integrity and despair as alternating states
that need to be balanced.
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