Introduction
Erik Erikson (1902–1994) is a psychologist most well known for his model on psychosocial development. Erikson’s focus on the social aspects of development, and the impacts of social influences on our development, differentiated his model from others and provided a framework that would progress the field of psychology for decades to come. Erikson’s stages of development theory details eight distinct and consecutive stages one progresses through to develop a healthy sense of self.
Stages of Development
Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust (Birth – 18 Months)
During this stage, infants rely on their caregiver to provide adequate and consistent care. When these conditions are met, an infant will develop a sense of trust and security that will carry over into future relationships. When these conditions aren’t met, and the infant’s needs are not met, the infant may develop anxiety, mistrust, and a lack of trust in their ability to control and influence events around them.
Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (18 Months – 3 Years)
Children begin to develop a sense of independence. If children during this stage are supported in their increased independence, they develop confidence in their ability to survive independently in the world. However, if children are not supported and are overly controlled or criticized, they may become overly dependent on others and lack self-esteem.
Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (3 – 5 Years)
This stage focuses on a child’s engagement and interaction with other children as they begin to initiate play and activities. Success develops initiative and confidence in decision-making. If a child’s initiative is controlled, criticized, or punished, the child may develop guilt and inhibit creativity and initiative.
Stage 4: Industry (Competence) vs. Inferiority (5 – 12 Years)
Peers and outside influences gain a greater role in developing a child’s confidence. Children attempt to gain competency in goals and values idealized by society, such as education and athletics. Encouragement and reinforcement foster confidence and competence, while lack of support may lead to feelings of inferiority and self-doubt.
Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion (12 – 18 Years)
Adolescents seek to develop their identity and sense of self, including personal values, beliefs, and goals. Successful completion results in increased confidence in their identity and future. Unsuccessful completion or outside pressures may lead to confusion, unhappiness, and uncertainty in transitioning into adulthood.
Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation (18 – 40 Years)
Adults attempt to form intimate and loving relationships with others. Successful completion leads to positive relationships and commitment. Unsuccessful completion may lead to fear of commitment, isolation, and loneliness.
Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation (40 – 65 Years)
Adults reflect on their contributions to society and their communities. Successful completion leads to feelings of accomplishment, while failure may lead to feelings of uselessness and disconnection from others.
Stage 8: Ego Integrity vs. Despair (65+ Years)
This final stage involves reflecting back on life and accomplishments. Adults who feel they have not achieved their goals may experience despair. Those who believe they have lived successfully feel satisfied and complete.
Summary
Erikson’s stages of development theory provides a useful framework for observing and understanding an individual’s development throughout the lifespan. However, it is important to acknowledge that each stage is vague and generalized. “Completion” of these stages may look different for different people.
While successful completion of a stage may facilitate healthy psychosocial development, it does not guarantee it. Likewise, not “completing” a stage successfully does not necessarily mean you will experience the consequences Erikson described. Successful development often involves finding balance between both opposing outcomes. For example, in the “Initiative vs. Guilt” stage, some guilt is necessary for the child to develop self-control.
This model can be beneficial in reflecting on our own lives and mental health, but it should not be used to reach definitive conclusions about development and personality.
Works Cited:
McLeod, S. A. (2018, May 03). Erik erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. Simply Psychology. www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html
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