Journal #3: Erik Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development

Erik Erikson (1902-1994), like Piaget, focused on the development of children. However, Erikson believed that a child's personality develops over the course of their lifetime, not just during their first few years. He identifies a psychological struggle and a virtue associated with each of his stages.

1. Trust vs. Mistrust (0-1 year)

During infancy, the child is taught who will take care of them, and who or what will cause them harm. Children who are correctly nurtured will learn trust, and interdependence. However, a neglected child will learn to be fearful of the world and have a hard time relying on others.

2. Autonomy vs. Shame (1-3 years)

Autonomy is the ability to make decisions on one's own. In early childhood, a child who is encouraged to make their own decisions and learn from their mistakes will develop integration and a will. A good example of this is learning to put clothes on. The parent should let the child figure it out on their own, but offer assistance so constant failure is avoided. When a child constantly fails at this age, they will develop doubt in their abilities and will not learn the virtue in this stage.

3. Initiative vs. Guilt (3-6 years)

In the play age, children are learning how to interact with their peers. They begin to learn social ques. It is important for children to initiate group games and activities. A child who becomes comfortable with this will develop a sense of purpose. On the flip side, a child can develop guilt in this stage. If they are shot down by their peers, they will feel like a nuisance and unsuccessful.

4. Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12 years)

School age children learn their role and how they fit in society. They feel the need to show their worth through accomplishment, such as academics and sports. This feeling of accomplishment is often received from their peer group. If the child continues to feel successful, they will develop a sense of industry and purpose. However, if a child's abilities are restricted, they will feel inferior in a group. Another source of inferiority can come from not developing a skill they feel they should develop, such as being good at sports.

5. Identity vs. Confusion (12-19 years)

The individual begins to discover who they are during adolescence. This includes morals, identity, occupations, etc. The individual begins to question the reality they once accepted blindly, and really question the things they believe. If a person makes it through this stage successfully, they will gain the virtue of fidelity. Fidelity is being comfortable and committed to yourself. Another thing that can happen during this period is what is called an identity crisis. A person going through an identity crisis will often experiment with lifestyles that are much different from the ones they previously participated in.

6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (20-25 years)

Early adulthood is the time when many people begin to settle down and commit to a long term relationship. They being to share themselves more deeply and intimately with others. Avoidance of this intimacy can lead to isolation and depression. The virtue for this stage is love.

7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (26-64 years)

Upon reaching adulthood, many people begin to raise a family and prepare for the future of their children. They learn tenderness, to nurture, and empathy. Some adults choose to commit to their careers, and become stagnate in their ways. They care only for themselves, and miss out on the development of that tenderness.

8. Integrity vs. Despair (65- death)

When the individual reaches old age, it is natural for individuals to feel despair and uneasiness. They are close to the end of their lives, and thought may terrify some of them. Other find this knowledge to be calming. They are comfortable with their contribution in life and who they've become. They pass their wisdom on to the younger generation and continue to prepare the future generations.

Sources Used

• http://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html

• http://www.erikson.edu/about/history/erik-erikson/

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxwWr6T_O6s