Understanding Erik Erikson’s Theory Developmental Theory Understanding Erik Erikson’s Theory

Learning Targets Identify the 8 stages of Erik Erikson’s theory. Explain the positive and negative outcomes of each stage of Erikson’s theory. Summarize Erik Erikson’s theory.

Who is Erik Erikson? A psychologist Developed a way of looking at personality and life-span development Was influenced by Sigmund Freud

Erikson’s Beliefs Personality develops in a predetermined order Saw personality as developing throughout the lifetime Believed that at each stage of development we face an identity crisis

Psychosocial Development Theory Eight distinct stages Each stage has two possible outcomes: Successful completion results in a healthy personality and positive interactions with others Failure to complete a stage can result in the inability to complete further stages and an unhealthy personality and sense of self Stages can be resolved successfully at a later time.

8 Stages Trust vs. Mistrust Autonomy vs. Shame or Doubt Initiative vs. Guilt Industry vs. Inferiority Identity vs. Role Confusion Intimacy vs. Isolation Generativity vs. Stagnation Integrity vs. Despair

1: Trust vs. Mistrust Birth – 1 year (Infancy) Stage Developments Learning the ability to trust based upon the consistency of caregivers Positive Outcome Trust that allows the child to gain confidence and security in the world Negative Outcome Inability to trust and a sense of fear about the inconsistent world

2: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt Ages 1-3 (Toddler) Stage Developments Asserting independence Positive Outcome If supported and encouraged, they become more confident and secure in their own ability to survive in the world Negative Outcome If criticized or not given the opportunity to assert themselves, they become overly dependent on others, lack self-esteem, and doubt their own abilities

3: Initiative vs. Guilt Ages 3-6 (Pre-School) Stage Developments Assert themselves by planning activities, making up games, etc. Positive Outcome Develop a sense of initiative and feel secure in their ability to lead others and make decisions Negative Outcome Develop a sense of guilt and feel like a nuisance to others and will be followers and lack self-initiative

4: Industry vs. Inferiority Age 6-Puberty (Elementary School) Stage Developments Developing pride in accomplishments Positive Outcome If encouraged and reinforced for initiative, they begin to feel industrious and feel confident in the ability to achieve goals Negative Outcome Feeling of inferiority, doubt own abilities, and may not reach potential

5: Identity vs. Role Confusion Ages 13-18 (Adolescence) Stage Developments Transition from childhood to adulthood; becoming more independent Positive Outcome Explore possibilities for the future and form an identity based on the outcome of their explorations Negative Outcome Hindered sense of self which results in confusion of self and their role in the world

6: Intimacy vs. Isolation Ages 19-30 (Young Adulthood) Stage Developments Sharing intimacy with others and exploring relationships Positive Outcome Comfortable relationships and sense of commitment, safety, and care within a relationship Negative Outcome Avoiding intimacy, fear of commitment, isolation, loneliness, and depression

7: Generativity vs. Stagnation Middle Adulthood Stage Developments Develop a sense of being a part of the bigger picture Positive Outcome Giving back to society by raising children, being productive at work, and involved in the community Negative Outcome Stagnant and unproductive

8: Ego Integrity vs. Despair Senior Citizens (Late Adulthood) Stage Developments Exploration of life as a retired person Positive Outcome Contemplate accomplishments and develop integrity if you view yourself as leading a successful life Negative Outcome If you view yourself as unproductive, feel guilt over your past, or feel you did not accomplish goals, you become dissatisfied with life and develop hopelessness and depression