1. Understanding Erik Erikson’s Theory
Developmental Theory
Understanding Erik Erikson’s Theory

2. 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.

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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion
Ages (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

12. 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation
Ages (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

13. 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

14. 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