Erikson’s Stages of Psychological Development PDF

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Erikson’s Stages of Psychological Development Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development explain the developmental tasks that individuals are faced with at different ages in their lives. The first stage of psychosocial development, according to Erik Erikson, is the trust versus mistrust stage. Between birth and age one caregivers should provide care that is consistent and nurturing in order for the infant to develop a sense of trust instead of mistrust (Santrock, 2019). For example, infants that are hungry and are not soothed by their caregivers when they are upset are likely to feel unsafe in their environments. On the other hand, infants that are fed when they are hungry and are comforted when they are upset are likely to feel safe and trust their environments. Erikson explains that autonomy versus shame and doubt, the second stage of development, is typically in the age range of one to three. In this stage, toddlers begin to discover their independence, skills, and abilities (McLeod, 2013). Toddlers may try to get dressed by themselves and parents will wait to help until they are asked. If toddlers are restrained too much they are likely to develop a sense of shame and doubt, but if toddlers are supported and encouraged to be more independent, they are more likely to develop a sense of autonomy. According to Erikson, the third stage of development, initiative versus guilt, usually ranges from age three to age five. In this stage, children begin to interact with others and initiate activities more and make decisions, such as choosing a game to play. If parents criticize a child and restrict their initiative too much, the child will likely feel a sense of guilt. McLeod (2013) explains that it is important to find a healthy balance between initiative and guilt and “success in this stage will lead to the virtue of purpose” (p. 3).

Industry versus inferiority is the fourth stage of development that Erikson explains. This stage usually happens from age six to puberty and is associated with increasing knowledge and intellectual skills (Santrock, 2011). Children in this stage are likely to feel a sense of industry when they reach their goals and are encouraged. However, if children fail to reach their goals and are not encouraged they are likely to feel a sense of inferiority (McLeod, 2013). Between ages ten and twenty, adolescents experience Erikson’s fifth stage of development of identity versus identity confusion. Adolescents learn more about who they are and what they want to do in life. In this stage, adolescents that make healthy choices and follow a positive path in life achieve a positive identity, but if they do not, they will experience identity confusion (Santrock, 2013). In Erikson’s sixth stage of development, intimacy versus isolation, young adults will begin to form intimate relationships. Usually in a young adult’s twenties and thirties, they will form friendships that are healthy and an intimate relationship with another person and achieve intimacy (Santrock, 2013). If they do not achieve this then they will experience isolation. Generativity versus stagnation is Erikson’s seventh stage of psychosocial development. Middle adults, typically in their forties and fifties, will expand their care from intimate relationships to concerns about contributing to younger generations (Slater, 2003). Helping the future generation to develop is generativity. If a middle adult feels that they have done nothing to contribute to the younger generation they feel stagnation (Santrock, 2013). Erikson’s eighth and final stage of psychosocial development is integrity versus despair. People in this stage during late adulthood, ages sixty and up, reflect on their past. If they have lived a life that they believe was well spent, they will feel a sense of integrity, but if they do not

believe this, they will feel a sense of despair (Santrock, 2013). Successfully completing the tasks individuals face in Erikson’s psychosocial theory will lead to a healthier development and a sense of integrity in late adulthood.

References McLeod, S. (2013). Erik Erikson. Retrieved August , 9, 2013. Santrock, J. W. (2011). Life-span development. New York: McGraw-Hill. Slater, C. L. (2003). Generativity versus stagnation: An elaboration of Erikson's adult stage of human development. Journal of Adult Development , 10( 1), 53-65....