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Theory of psychosocial development
Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development outlines eight stages through which individuals progress from infancy to late adulthood, each characterized by a specific psychosocial crisis that must be resolved to achieve healthy personality development (Erikson, 1950; Erikson & Erikson, 1997).
The Eight Stages
Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy, 0–18 months): The infant learns to trust or mistrust their caregivers based on the reliability of care and affection received. Successful resolution leads to hope and a sense of security (Erikson, 1950).
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood, 18 months–3 years): Children develop a sense of personal control and independence. Encouragement leads to autonomy, while criticism or control fosters shame and doubt (Erikson, 1950).
Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool, 3–5 years): Children begin to assert control and power over their environment. Success leads to a sense of purpose, while failure results in guilt (Erikson, 1950).
Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age, 6–11 years): Children develop a sense of competence through social and academic achievements. Success leads to confidence, while failure results in feelings of inferiority (Erikson, 1950).
Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence, 12–18 years): Adolescents explore their independence and develop a sense of self. Success leads to a strong identity, while failure results in role confusion (Erikson, 1950).
Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood, 19–40 years): Young adults seek to form intimate relationships. Success leads to strong relationships, while failure results in isolation (Erikson, 1950).
Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood, 40–65 years): Adults focus on contributing to society and guiding the next generation. Success leads to feelings of usefulness, while failure results in stagnation (Erikson, 1950).
Ego Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood, 65+ years): Older adults reflect on their lives. Success leads to a sense of integrity and wisdom, while failure results in regret and despair (Erikson, 1950).
Key Concepts
Psychosocial Crisis: Each stage presents a conflict that must be resolved to progress to the next stage (Erikson, 1950).
Virtues: Successful resolution of each crisis leads to the development of a specific virtue, such as hope, will, purpose, competence, fidelity, love, care, and wisdom (Erikson, 1950).
Epigenetic Principle: Development occurs in a predetermined order, with each stage building on the previous one (Erikson, 1950).
How Erikson’s eight stages map to age ranges and virtues
Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development map to specific age ranges and are associated with the development of particular virtues when each stage is successfully navigated (Erikson, 1950; Erikson & Erikson, 1997; Verywell Mind, 2005).
Erikson’s Stages: Age Ranges and Virtues
| Stage | Age Range | Psychosocial Crisis | Virtue Developed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust vs. Mistrust | 0–18 months | Trust vs. Mistrust | Hope |
| Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt | 18 months–3 years | Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt | Will |
| Initiative vs. Guilt | 3–5 years | Initiative vs. Guilt | Purpose |
| Industry vs. Inferiority | 6–11 years | Industry vs. Inferiority | Competence |
| Identity vs. Role Confusion | 12–18 years | Identity vs. Role Confusion | Fidelity |
| Intimacy vs. Isolation | 19–40 years | Intimacy vs. Isolation | Love |
| Generativity vs. Stagnation | 40–65 years | Generativity vs. Stagnation | Care |
| Ego Integrity vs. Despair | 65+ years | Ego Integrity vs. Despair | Wisdom |
Erikson’s stages compared with with Piaget’s developmental stages
Erikson’s psychosocial stages and Piaget’s cognitive stages both describe developmental progressions across the lifespan, but they focus on different aspects of development and are structured differently (Erikson, 1950; Piaget, 1952).
Focus and Structure
Erikson’s Stages: Erikson’s theory is psychosocial, emphasizing social and emotional development. Each stage presents a psychosocial crisis that must be resolved to progress, and the resolution leads to the development of a specific virtue (Erikson, 1950).
Piaget’s Stages: Piaget’s theory is cognitive, focusing on the development of thinking and reasoning. Each stage represents a distinct way of understanding the world, with cognitive structures changing as children grow (Piaget, 1952).
Age Ranges and Overlap
Erikson’s Stages cover the entire lifespan, from infancy to late adulthood, with each stage tied to a specific age range and psychosocial challenge (Erikson, 1950).
Piaget’s Stages are limited to childhood and adolescence, with four stages that describe cognitive growth from birth to adolescence (Piaget, 1952).
Key Differences
Nature of Development: Erikson’s stages are sequential and cumulative, with each stage building on the previous one. Piaget’s stages are also sequential but focus on cognitive milestones (Erikson, 1950; Piaget, 1952).
Outcome: Erikson’s stages result in the development of virtues (e.g., hope, will, purpose), while Piaget’s stages result in the development of cognitive abilities (e.g., object permanence, logical thinking) (Erikson, 1950; Piaget, 1952).
Similarities
Both theories propose that development occurs in stages and that each stage must be successfully navigated to progress to the next (Erikson, 1950; Piaget, 1952).
Both theories have had a significant impact on developmental psychology and education (Erikson, 1950; Piaget, 1952).
References
Erikson, E. H. (1950) Childhood and society. Norton.
Erikson, E. H., & Erikson, J. M. (1997) The life cycle completed: Extended version. W. W. Norton & Company.
Piaget, J. (1952) The origins of intelligence in children. International Universities Press.
Verywell Mind, 2005. Erikson’s Stages of Development.
https://www.simplypsychology.org/erik-erikson.html
https://www.verywellmind.com/erik-eriksons-stages-of-psychosocial-development-2795740
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556096/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erikson’s_stages_of_psychosocial_development
https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/erikson-stages
https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/child-development/erickson/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYCBdZLCDBQ&vl=en
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