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:

The first of these stages is “Trust vs. Mistrust” that lasts from birth to around 18 months of age. 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 care 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.

The second stage of Erickson’s model is “Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt”. During this stage, which lasts from approximately 18 months until 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 overly controlled or criticized, they may become overly dependent on others and lack self-esteem.

Erikson’s third stage, “Initiative vs. Guilt”, occurs between the ages of three and five and focuses on a child’s engagement and interaction with other children as they begin to initiate play and activities. Success in this stage develops initiative and confidence in their ability to make decisions, while if the child’s initiative is controlled, criticized or punished, the child may develop guilt and inhibit creativity and initiative.

The fourth stage of Erikson’s model “Industry (competence) vs. Inferiority” takes place between the ages of five and twelve. During this stage, peers and outside influences gain a greater role in developing a child’s confidence. Children will attempt to gain competency in goals and values idealized by society, for example, education and athletics. If a child’s attempts are reinforced and encouraged, they gain confidence and feel more competent in their efforts. If a child’s efforts are not encouraged, they may develop a sense of inferiority and doubt their abilities.

During the fifth stage, “Identity vs. Role Confusion”, adolescents from ages of 12 to 18 seek to develop their identity and sense of self, including their personal values, beliefs and goals. Adolescents reflect on these areas and attempt to establish a solidified sense of self and their role in society, with successful completion of this stage leading to increased confidence in who they are and their future. Unsuccessful completion, or outside pressures, may lead to unhappiness and confusion about their identity, role in society and uncertainty about their transition into adulthood.

From age 18 until 40, adults enter the “Intimacy vs. Isolation” stage of development in which they attempt to form intimate and loving relationships with others. Completion of this stage results in positive relationships and commitment while unsuccessful completion may lead to a fear of commitment, isolation and loneliness. During the seventh stage, “Generativity vs. Stagnation”, which takes place from ages 40 to 65, adults identify and reflect on their contributions to society and the community with completion of this stage leading to feelings of accomplishment and failure leading to feelings of uselessness and disconnection from our community. The final stage of Erikson’s model of development is “Ego Integrity vs. Despair” which begins at age 65 and involves reflecting back on our lives and accomplishments. Adults who believe they have not achieved their goals may experience despair while those who believe they have had a successful life feel satisfied and complete.

Summary:

Erikson’s stages of development theory provides a useful framework for observing and understanding an individual’s development throughout one’s lifespan. However, it is important to acknowledge and recognize that each stage is vague and generalized. “Completion” of these stages may look different for different people. Additionally, 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 completion of several, but not all, stages also involve meeting in the middle of the two contradicting outcomes. For example, in the “Initiative vs. Guilt” stage, some guilt is necessary for the child to develop self-control. This model of development can be beneficial in reflecting on our own lives and our mental health, but should not be used to reach any definitive conclusions on our own development and personalities.

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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