Stages of Psychosocial Development

1. Erik Erikson – Stages of
Psychosocial Development

2. Erik Erikson
 A neo-Freudian
 Adheres to some of Freud’s ideas, but
focuses more on social influences.
 Stage Theorist
 Focus on Crisis Resolution
 At each stage a crisis must be resolved
 If the crisis is not resolved, the individual may
lack the positive characteristic in the stage.

3. TRUST vs. MISTRUST
 Birth – 1yr.
 Needs being met
 Basic trust develops when needs are met
(Attachment)
 Loving relationship is formed with caregiver
 Important event: Feeding

4. AUTONOMY vs. SHAME AND
DOUBT
 1 – 2 years
 Learning to do things for oneself
 Development of physical activities
(ex. walking)
 Q Favorite Word?
 Important event: toilet training

5. INITIATIVE vs. GUILT
 3 – 5 years
 Preschoolers learn to initiate tasks
 Q Favorite word?
 One becomes more independent

6. COMPETENCE/ INDUSTRY vs.
INFERIORITY
 6 years – puberty
 Child completes tasks themselves
 Learning on your own
 Important Event:
school
 Q What is an inferiority
complex?

7. IDENTITY vs. ROLE CONFUSION
 Teens – early 20s
 Teens refine sense of self
 Test new roles and incorporate them into
an identity
 Q Know anyone that is very different now
vs. when they were pre teen 10,11 and 12?
 Important events: forming relationships with
friends

8. INTIMACY vs. ISOLATION
 20s – 40s
 Young adults develop intimate relationships
 Gaining the capacity for intimate love
 Important event: forming love and/or
strong relationships

9. GENERATIVITY vs. STAGNATION
 40s – 60s
 Middle-aged discover a sense of
contribution to this world
 Family and work oftentimes satisfy this
desire
 Supporting and satisfying future generation
 Important event: Parenting

10. INTEGRITY vs. DESPAIR
 60s +
 Reflection on entire life
 Did I contribute to this world?
 Sense of fulfillment

11. Evaluation of Erikson’s Theory
 Theory does attempt to show
development throughout life span
 Children and adults may overcome
problems that occur during development
 Stages are more descriptive than
explanatory