1. Psychology 3051 Psychology 305: Theories of Personality Lecture 12

2. Psychology 3052 Questions That Will be Answered in Today’s Lecture Neoanalytic Perspective on Personality, continued 5. What are the 8 stages of personality development proposed by Erik Erikson? 6. How are Erikson’s 8 stages exemplified in the film Wild Strawberries? Lecture 12

3. Psychology 3053 1. In contrast to Freud who emphasized the role of unconscious conflicts in personality development, Erikson emphasized the role of interpersonal conflicts in personality development. Consistent with his emphasis on interpersonal conflicts, Erikson referred to his stages of personality development as stages of “psychosocial development.” What are the 8 stages of personality development proposed by Erik Erikson? Erikson’s view of personality development differs from Freud’s view in 2 broad ways:

4. Psychology 3054 2. In contrast to Freud who believed that personality development is largely complete by the age of 5, Erikson believed that personality development continues across the lifespan, through to death.

5. Psychology 3055 Erikson believed that at each stage of personality development, we experience a conflict or “crisis.” He maintained that the potential for each crisis is innate, and that each crisis emerges only when specific environmental demands are encountered.

6. Psychology 3056 Erikson maintained that successful resolution of the crisis at a given stage results in the acquisition of a “basic strength” that is needed to proceed to the next stage of development. In contrast, unsuccessful resolution of the crisis at a given stage prevents the acquisition of the basic strength that is needed to proceed to the next stage of development, resulting in stagnation or “fixation.” In his theory of personality development, Erikson identified 4 childhood stages, 1 adolescent stage, and 3 adult stages:

7. Psychology 3057 1. Infancy  First year of life.  Crisis: Basic trust vs. mistrust.  Successful resolution: Occurs when infants develop confidence in their caregivers to consistently meet their basic needs.  Basic strength: Hope (the enduring belief that one’s needs, desires, and wishes will be satisfied).

8. Psychology 3058 2. Early Childhood  Second year of life.  Crisis: Autonomy vs. shame and doubt.  Successful resolution: Occurs when toddlers acquire a sense of independence stemming from their self- control.  Basic strength: Willpower (the determination to exercise free choice as well as self-restraint).

9. Psychology 3059 3. Preschool  3 – 5 years of age.  Crisis: Initiative vs. guilt.  Successful resolution: Occurs when young children feel that they can take action to pursue their desires or urges.  Basic strength: Purpose (the courage to pursue valued goals without fear of punishment).

10. Psychology 30510 4. School Age  6 – 11 years of age.  Crisis: Industry vs. inferiority.  Successful resolution: Occurs when children feel that they can master tasks of the “tool world” (i.e., tasks associated with the practical work-related world, including tasks at school).  Basic strength: Competence (the belief that one has the dexterity and intelligence required to complete meaningful tasks).

11. Psychology 30511 5. Adolescence  12 – 19 years of age.  Crisis: Identity vs. identity confusion.  Successful resolution: Occurs when adolescents develop an integrated and consistent self-view (i.e., one that is seen similarly by oneself and others).  Basic strength: Fidelity (the ability to be true to oneself and to significant others despite contradictions in value systems across roles and relationships).

12. Psychology 30512 6. Young Adulthood  20 – 35 years of age.  Crisis: Intimacy vs. isolation.  Successful resolution: Occurs when young adults feel that they can merge with another individual without losing their personal identity.  Basic strength: Love (a mutual devotion with another individual that is greater than any antagonism between the identities of each individual in the partnership).

13. Psychology 30513 7. Adulthood  36 – 60 years of age.  Crisis: Generativity vs. stagnation.  Successful resolution: Occurs when adults feel that they are able to guide, nurture, and contribute to the development of the next generation.  Basic strength: Care (a broad concern for others that extends beyond the narrowness of self-concern).

14. Psychology 30514 8. Old Age  61 years of age – death.  Crisis: Integrity vs. despair.  Successful resolution: Occurs when older adults feel a sense of emotional integration or satisfaction with the choices they have made and the life experiences they have had.  Basic strength: Wisdom (a detached but active concern with life in the face of death).

15. Psychology 30515 How are Erikson’s 8 stages exemplified in the film Wild Strawberries? Erikson wrote extensively about the film Wild Strawberries. He believed that it effectively portrays the 8 stages of psychosocial development that he proposed. While watching the film, try to identify the stages of psychosocial development that Erikson proposed.

16. Psychology 30516 Questions That Were Answered in Today’s Lecture Neoanalytic Perspective on Personality, continued 5. What are the 8 stages of personality development proposed by Erik Erikson? 6. How are Erikson’s 8 stages exemplified in the film Wild Strawberries?