52.1 – Describe the social tasks and challenges of adolescence. Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development Erikson thought that at each stage in life we encounter a crisis. How each crisis is resolved has long-lasting implications on how we view the world as we develop. It is important to note that Erikson believed in the importance of early parental influence on personality, but he also believed that the environment itself affected this development, thus giving rise to his psychosocial theory of development. Erikson said that if an individual does not successfully resolve a particular crisis, it may make the following crisis/crises that much more challenging to resolve.

52.1 – Describe the social tasks and challenges of adolescence. Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development Stage and Age: One (0-12 months) Crises: Trust vs. Mistrust Example: Infant trusts that his or her needs (food, shelter, etc.) will be met. If they are not, the infant learns to mistrust the world.

52.1 – Describe the social tasks and challenges of adolescence. Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development Stage and Age: Two (1-2 years) Crises: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt Example: Child learns to control his or her environment as well as his or her biological functioning (going to the bathroom). If child is made to feel too much shame, he/she may lack self-confidence.

52.1 – Describe the social tasks and challenges of adolescence. Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development Stage and Age: Three (3-5 years) Crises: Initiative vs. Guild Example: Child is given more responsibility and independence and learns he or she can take charge. If the child is not allowed to try new tasks on his or her own, he or she may develop low self- esteem and feel guilty for acting independently.

52.1 – Describe the social tasks and challenges of adolescence. Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development Stage and Age: Four (6-puberty) Crises: Industry vs. Inferiority Example: Child wants to be productive and if given the chance will be eager to learn. If productivity is limited, child may develop a feeling of inferiority.

52.1 – Describe the social tasks and challenges of adolescence. Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development Stage and Age: Five (Adolescence) Crises: Identity vs. Role Confusion Example: Adolescents try to figure out exactly who they are and how they fit into society. They may change their social peer group often as they attempt to resolve this crisis. If the adolescents are unable to find their place in society, they may have difficulties identifying with a social group and experience role confusion.

52.1 – Describe the social tasks and challenges of adolescence. Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development Stage and Age: Seven (Middle Age) Crises: Generativity vs. Stagnation Example: Middle-aged adults attempt to give back to society, especially to members of the next generation. This may take the form of coaching a little league team or raising a family. If they feel their generosity is unwelcome, they may become uninterested and inactive (i.e. – stagnant).

52.1 – Describe the social tasks and challenges of adolescence. Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development Stage and Age: Eight (Old Age) Crises: Integrity vs. Despair Example: Older adults reflect on their lives. Knowing life has been meaningful and worthwhile leads them to develop a sense of integrity. However, if they feel they have not accomplished all they wanted to and dwell on what they were unable to complete, they may experience despair.

52.1 – Describe the social tasks and challenges of adolescence. Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development Identity versus Role Confusion (Stage 5) The premier challenge of adolescence is the struggle to form a clear sense of identity Stable concept of oneself as a unique individual Adoption of values that provide a sense of direction “Who am I?” “Where am I going in life?” Recognized that this struggle often extends beyond adolescence Forming an Identity Identity: our sense of self; according to Erikson, the adolescent’s task is to solidify a sense of self by testing and integrating various roles. Social Identity: the “we” aspect of our self-concept; the part of our answer to “Who am I?” that comes from our group membership. Intimacy: in Erikson’s theory, the ability to form close, loving relationships; a primary developmental task in late adolescence and early adulthood.

52.1 – Describe the social tasks and challenges of adolescence. James Marcia: Identity Statuses Crisis Present Absent Commitment Present Identity Achievement Successful achievement of a sense of identity Identity Foreclosure Unquestioning adoption of parental or societal values Absent Identity Moratorium Active struggling for a sense of identity Identity Diffusion Absence of struggle for identity, with no obvious concern about it

52.2 – Contrast parental and peer influences during adolescence. Parent and Peer Influences Although teens become independent of their parents as they grow older, they still relate to their parents on a number of things, including religiosity and career choices. Peer approval and relationships are also very important.

52.3 – Discuss the characteristics of emerging adulthood. Jeffrey Arnett, Emerging Adulthood A new transitional period? Ages 18-25; attributed to a variety of demographic trends Length of education; delay of education; delay of parenthood; increasing barriers to financial independence Characteristics Exploration and instability A feeling of “in-betweenness” “Age of possibilities” (Identity formation well into young-adulthood)

52.3 – Discuss the characteristics of emerging adulthood.