ERIK ERIKSON’S Stages of Development Ch. 8, 9 & 10

Erik Erickson 1902-1994

Erikson’s Contributions Personality develops throughout the lifetime Credited with coining the term “Lifespan Development”. Other major theorists believe that at the onset of adulthood, development was somewhat fixed. Identity crisis in adolescence Impact of social, cultural, personal and situational forces in forming personality

Who is in charge? Stages 1-4 Stages 5-8 Largely determined by others (parents, teachers) Stages 5-8 Individual has more control over environment Ultimately, the Individual is responsible for crisis resolution in each stage

I. Stage 1- Infancy Ages: Birth to 1 ½ years Fastest growth period in life Developmental Tasks 1. learn to eat solid food 2. begin to walk 3. begin to talk 4. developing trust Basic Trust vs. Mistrust

Stage 1: Basic Trust vs. Mistrust Totally dependent on others Caregiver meets needs: child develops trust Caregiver does not meet needs: child develops mistrust Basic strength: Hope Belief our desires will be satisfied Feeling of confidence/ Trust

II. Stage 2 - Early Childhood Ages: 2-3 Developmental tasks 1. walk and talk more 2. potty trained 3. social independence develops 4. Sense of autonomy- need to control impulses, body, environment. Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt

Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt Child able to exercise some degree of choice If the child’s independence is thwarted: child develops feelings of self-doubt, or shame in dealing with others Basic Strength: Will Determination to exercise freedom of choice in face of society’s demands

III. Stage 3 – Play Age Ages: 4-5 years Developmental tasks 1. initiate play with other kids 2. make-believe 3. ask questions 4. Learn initiative- the ability to start something on their own. Initiative vs. Guilt

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt Child expresses desire to take initiative in activities If parents or teachers punish child for initiative: child develops feelings of guilt that will affect self-directed activity throughout life Basic strength: Purpose Courage to envision and pursue goals

IV. Stage 4 – School Age Ages: 6 to 11 years Developmental Tasks 1. learn physical skills for sports, games, etc. 2. intellectually- learn to read, write, do math 3. learn right from wrong 4. develop attitudes towards themselves and others. 5. develop sense of industry- make things- cookies, models, etc. Industry vs. Inferiority

Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority Child develops cognitive abilities to enable in task completion (school work, play) Parents/teachers do not support child’s efforts: child develops feelings of inferiority and inadequacy Basic strength: Competence Applying skill and intelligence to pursue goals and comple tasks

V. Stage 5 – Puberty/Adolescence Learning Identity vs V. Stage 5 – Puberty/Adolescence Learning Identity vs. Identity Confusion Ages: 9 – 13 & 14-17 Beginning of adolescence Become capable of reproducing Secondary sex characteristics begin to develop Hormones develop- estrogen & progesterone-girls & testosterone-boys Life’s Second fastest period of growth

Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion Ages 12-18 Form ego identity: self-image Strong sense of identity: face adulthood with certainty and confidence Identity crisis: confusion of ego identity Basic strength: Fidelity Emerges from cohesive ego identity Sincerity, genuineness, sense of duty in relationships with others

Developmental Tasks in Adolescence: 1. Form mature relationships 2. achieve a masculine or feminine social role 3. accept one’s physique and use one’s body effectively 4. Achieve emotional independence from parents and other adults 5. prepare for marriage and family life 6. prepare for career 7. acquire personal standards 8. develop social intelligence-aware of human needs-helping others 9. develop conceptual and problem-solving skills

VI. Stage 6- Young Adulthood Ages: Generally age 20 to early 30’s- can start as young as 17. Financially independent from parents Can deal with everyday life trials with maturity At peak of physical abilities- strength, quickness, alertness Crucial life decisions made- marriage, career, children Intimacy vs. Isolation

Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation Undertake productive work and establish intimate relationships Inability to establish intimacy leads to social isolation Basic strength: Love Mutual devotion in a shared identity Fusing of oneself with another person

VII. Stage 7- Middle Adulthood Learning Generativity vs VII. Stage 7- Middle Adulthood Learning Generativity vs. Self- Absorbtion Ages: 35-65 years Start thinking in terms of what to do with the rest of their lives. Feeling that time is running out Start to face death of parents Mid-life crisis common- divorce, career change, remarriage 1. some have not accepted middle age- can lead to problems adjusting 2. Their children may be going through adolescence, during this time which can add to conflict.

Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation /Self-Absorbtion Generativity: Active involvement in teaching/guiding the next generation Stagnation involves not seeking outlets for generativity Basic strength: Care Broad concern for others Need to teach others

VIII. Stage 8- Late Adulthood Integrity vs. Despair 65 and older Retirement common Senior citizen does not equate to old anymore. Longer life expectancy- 85 and older common. Better health practices than in the past. Measures of Age 1. Chronological- How old you actually are 2. Biological- how well your body is holding up influenced by diet, exercise, lifestyle, heredity 3. Social- a person’s lifestyle Grandchildren become important Must face death

Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair Evaluation of entire life Integrity: Look back with satisfaction Despair: Review with anger, frustration or regret Basic strength: Wisdom Detached concern with the whole of life

Stages of Acceptance about Death 1. Denial- “No not me”- can’t accept news of a death or their own imminent death. 2. Anger- “Why me?” Stage-resentment, sometimes leads to isolation, rejection 3. Bargaining- begins to accept reality, but bargains for more time by praying, other medical treatments, etc. 4. Depression-time of grieving for what the patient has already lost and will lose. Worries about family, money, fells sense of great loss.-Encourage him or her to grieve 5. Acceptance – Allows for action and facing reality in a constructive way. Closure is important. Not a happy stage, but not helpless either.

Criticisms of Erickson’s Work Ambiguous terms and concepts Lack of precision Some terms are not easily measured empirically Experiences in stage may only apply to males Identity crisis may only apply to those affluent enough to explore identities

References http://www.slideshare.net/drburwell/erik-erikson-312257 - retrieved April 14, 2014