Erickson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development

Origin of Theory Erikson studied Freud’s Psychoanalysis Theory under Freud’s daughter, Anna Expansion of Freud’s concept of ego Only developmental theory that extends from childhood through adulthood Sources: London, Ladewig, Ball, Bindler, & Cowen, 2011 McEwen & Wills, 2007

Theory Overview Eight stages of psychosocial development with an identified challenge to be mastered As each challenge is mastered strengths are gained contributing to character and health Development is primarily qualitative - occurring in stages Also quantitative because one’s identity becomes stronger with mastery of challenges Nature determines the sequence of stages Must pass through one stage prior to entering next stage Sources: Sharkey, 1997 Tomey-Marriner, 1989

Erikson’s Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development Stage (Age) Crisis I Infancy (0-1 ) II Toddler (2-3) III Preschooler (3-6) IV School-age (7-12) V Adolescence (12-18) VI Young Adult (20’s) VII Middle Adult (up to 50) VIII Old Adult (≥ 50) Trust vs.. Mistrust Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt Initiative vs. Guilt Industry vs. Inferiority Ego Identity vs. Role Confusion Intimacy vs. Isolation Generativity vs. Self-absorption Integrity vs. Despair Source: Boeree, 2006

Application to Nursing Practice Directly applicable to nursing care of children Health promotion & maintenance visits help caregivers meet child’s needs Educate parents to identify normal tasks Educate parents to encourage healthy development Provides framework to assess hospitalized child & provide care to ensure progression through the developmental stages Source: London, et al., 2011

Application to Nursing Practice Integral to holistic nursing Essential in assessment to determine age appropriateness or arrested development of patients Results of ego strengths evaluation used by nurses for assessment and treatment outcomes Ego strengths used by nurses to empower patients to take control of their lives Source: McEwen & Wills, 2007

Application to Research Research studies were conducted in the following areas: Impact of diabetes on the development of psychosocial maturity and the older adult How school age children deal with disaster Self-care practices of adolescents Concept of generativity in middle-aged women attending graduate school Source: McEwen & Wills, 2007

Application to Personal Nursing Practice I personally use Erickson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development each time I am in the clinical area with students. A section of the assessment tool that we use is devoted to assessing the psychosocial issues of the assigned patient. I use this information to identify the patient’s strengths & weaknesses. When planning care, I capitalize on the strengths to assist the patient promote recovery/health maintenance and promotion.

Application to Personal Nursing Practice I use Erikson’s Theory during patient and family education. I have to assess where the patients are mentally and their ability to understand information provided. The case managers are requested to assess how well information is understood by requesting the patients provide feedback; asking questions to assess patient understanding of disease process and the discharge planning needs. My experience as an RN Case Manager has allowed me to care for many patients at all stages of Erikson’s Psychosocial Development scale.