Stages in Self-Development By: Rebecca Pyrah, Jimmy Hawley, Jonny Gomes, Rachelle Noel

The Psychological Development Theory Erik Erikson ( ) was a German-American psychologist. Wrote a book called Childhood and Society written in It included theories about the development of the self. He divided the life into eight stages, where each subject faces a different conflict. In each stage, the subject will show to be successful or unsuccessful. Each subject that is successful will be prepared to move to the next stage. The subject who completes all the stages will feel complete in life. The same goes for those who have not completed each stage, as they will feel like they have lost opportunities.

The Psychological Development Theory The model has been called too rigid from certain critics. Individuals do not move at the same pace through all the stages in their life. Erik Erikson ( )

Erikson’s Stages of Psychological Development StageAgePositive Experiences Negative Experiences 1. Trust vs. Mistrust Birth – 1 yearParental care of physical and psychological needs. Lack of physical care, uncertain of parental love. Trust in infancy allows child to believe that later in life, that the world is a good and pleasant place to live. If the child does not experience trust as an infant, it will be hard to learn how to trust later in life. TRUST VS. <- MISTRUST ->

Erikson’s Stages of Psychological Development StageAgePositive Experiences Negative Experiences 2. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt 2 yearsEncouragement of independence, clear discipline Criticism, lack of encouragement, overprotective discipline If parents are patient and encouraging with their toddler as they learn, they will be more independent. If toddlers are punished too harshly while learning, they will develop a sense of shame and doubt as they grow older. AUTONOMY VS. <- SHAME AND DOUBT ->

Erikson’s Stages of Psychological Development StageAgePositive Experiences Negative Experiences 3. Initiative vs. guilt 3-5 yearsEncouragement of child's interests, parental pride and confidence. Criticism of child’s failures. When children start preschool they are introduced to new challenges. If the child acts responsibly, they will act more purposely and actively. If the child feels to much anxiety about new challenges, they will act more irresponsible and feelings of guilt will arise. INITIATIVE VS. <- GUILT ->

Erikson’s Stages of Psychological Development StageAgePositive Experiences Negative Experiences 4. Industry vs. inferiority 6-12 yearsGuidance and praise of academic and social development. Too high or too low expectations for success in schools. During elementary school years, children to learn to master their knowledge and intellectual skills. If the child does not master their knowledge, they can begin to feel incompetent and unproductive. INDUSTRY VS. <- INFERIORITY ->

Erikson’s Stages of Psychological Development StageAgePositive Experiences Negative Experiences 5. Identity vs. Diffusion AdolescenceStrong role models to promote self- esteem and life goals. Lack of role models, social demands causing inner turmoil. If adolescence explore new roles in a healthy and positive manner, then they will soon develop their identity. If the adolescence does not explore new roles in a healthy and positive manner, they will experience identity confusion. IDENTITY VS. <- DIFFUSION ->

Erikson’s Stages of Psychological Development StageAgePositive Experiences Negative Experiences 6. Intimacy vs. isolation Young adulthoodHealthy identity, concern for others, involvement in caring relationships. Overemphasis on self over others, fear of being hurt through bad relationships. If adults form healthy and meaningful relationships with others, they will experience intimacy. If adults do not form healthy and meaningful relationships with others, they will experience isolation. INTIMACY VS. <- ISOLATION ->

Erikson’s Stages of Psychological Development StageAgePositive ExperiencesNegative Experiences 7. Generativity vs. isolation AdulthoodMaking good person decisions, success, enjoyment of work, concerned for growth of others. Lack of concern for others, being self centered, becoming despairing. In middle adulthood, if the adult wants to help the younger generation succeed, then they will experience generativity. If the adult feels they can nothing to help the younger generation, they experience isolation. GENERATITIVTY VS. <- ISOLATION ->

Erikson’s Stages of Psychological Development StageAgePositive Experiences Negative Experiences 8. Integrity vs. despair Old ageSelf-confidence, having led a complete life, sense of satisfaction. Depression, lack in fulfillment, and sense of failure. At the end of life, if the person looks back and feels as their life was well spent, they will experience integrity. If the person looks back at their life and feels doubt and gloom, they will experience despair. INTEGRITY VS. <- DESPAIR ->

Conclusion Erikson’s theory emphasizes our desire to fit in with others and have a social life. In his theory, development if life long, and at each stage in life, a person is faced with new challenges that they can face in two different ways. Each stage is a turning point in a persons life and taking a turn in a positive way will lead to a healthier life.

References Colyer, J., & Bain, C. M. (2001). Socilization. The Human Way - Introducting Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology (pp ). Don Mills, Ont.: Oxford University Press. Harder, A. (n.d.). Erik Erikson Stages of Development. Learning Place Online. Retrieved May 3, 2011, from YouTube - Eriksons psyhcosocial theory of development. (2010, August 13). YouTube. Retrieved May 3, 2011, from ersist_safety_mode=1

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