Erikson’s Framework for psychosocial development

Erikson’s Framework for psychosocial development

According to Erikson, the ego develops as it successfully resolves crises that are distinctly social in nature. These involve establishing a sense of trust in others, developing a sense of identity in society, and helping the next generation prepare for the future.

Erik Erikson maintained that personality develops in a predetermined order, and builds upon each previous stage. This is called the epigenic principle.

Erikson assumes that a crisis occurs at each stage of development. For Erikson (1963), these crises are of a psychosocial nature because they involve psychological needs of the individual (i.e. psycho) conflicting with the needs of society (i.e. social).

Summary:

Infancy: Trust vs Mistrust

Toddler: Autonomy vs Shame (as we gain skills to move, feed ourselves etc embarrassment or shame can affect our development, need encouragement)

Play Age (3-5 yrs): Initiative vs Guilt When we misbehave, we can anticipate punishment and therefore begin to feel guilt.  Our struggle then becomes balancing our curiosity and initiative without feeling too much guilt to progress.

School Age (6-12) Industry vs Inferiority we are growing and learning new skills and we are making things (Industry). If we are rejected socially or feel inadequate it can affect our self-esteem.

Adolescence (12-18) Identity vs. Role Confusion If we cannot successfully resolve our identity question, we are likely to experience role confusion and experience identity crisis, which can lead to negative behaviors. It is important to note this as a middle or high school instructor because students will experience a period of withdrawal from their responsibilities and have a lack of motivation. It is necessary to help adolescents through this phase of their development in order to help them achieve in the classroom.

Young Adulthood (18-40 years) Intimacy vs. Isolation search for a partner

Middle Adulthood (40-65 years) Generativity vs. Self-absorption  The need to nurture and guide younger people and contribute to the next generation vs not. Work, Mid-life crisis
Late Adulthood (65-Death) Integrity vs. Despair a person who can reflect on their life with satisfaction and contentedness will feel integrity, where a person who does not feel accomplished or feel that they have not contributed will feel despair at their own failure.