PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Erikson's Psychological Development
Trust v Mistrust - This is the first stage of development in Erikson's psychological development theory that begins at birth and lasts until approximately one year of age. This is the stage that the infants begin to experience being able to trust or mistrust their parents and/or caregivers. This is the stage that they need just their most basic needs met, and if they are not met that is when mistrust begins. Success in this stage leads to hope.
Autonomy v Shame -- This is stage two of the psychological development which begins around the age of a year and a half to approximately three years old. This is the stage that the child is discovering the abilities that they have that they can do on their own. This is a stage of experiencing independence away from the parents and it demands an environment that is full of love and guidance and that understands failing and that it is okay. This stage is critical to encouragement and love as the child needs reinforcement in things that they do correct and support when they are not successful with things. This can contribute to dependence and low self esteem if not properly handled. This will lead to the success of virtue.
Initiative v Guilt -- This is stage three of development that begins around age three and continues until around age five. This stage is mostly involved with playing and engaging in interpersonal skills through going to school and interacting with other children at school and other activities.This is when the children begin to initiate activities and games with other children. Children at this stage are told many times not to do things by the parents as a precaution against harm which can make the child feel guilty of things that they do. Too much of this can cause the child to slow down in interacting with others due to being nervous of failure. A balance between initiative and guilt can lead to purpose.
Industry v Inferiority -- The fourth stage of development occurs from age five to age twelve. Children are beginning school where they are learning to read and write amongst other things that they can do on their own. The peer group of children becomes greater with more impact on the way the children see themselves and the level of their self-esteem. They then feel the need to get approval and affirmation for the things that they do. If they are affirmed and encouraged for their initiative, they begin to feel competent. However, it is not encouraged than the child becomes to feel inferior and doubting themselves. If they cannot develop the specific skill that they feel is required by them then inferiority settles in. But, a balance between competence and inferiority will make children successful and reach competence.
Identity v Role Confusion - This stage begins at adolescence and lasts from around the age of twelve to eighteen. This is the stage that the adolescents begin to venture off on their own and begin to figure out who they are independently and what their own personal values, beliefs, and goals are. The children begin to recognize their identity their self independence and their role and worth as an adult. They begin to experience changes both mentally and physically that they do not necessarily understand. Their body image begins to develop and change and if they begin to grow into those changes they will succeed in fidelity. This is the “adventure” stage and they will begin to see themselves as important or they will be confused which can result in role confusion/rebellion.
Intimacy v Isolation -- This stage occurs at the young age of an adult which are the ages of 18 to 40 years old. This is the time we begin to explore love and intimacy with others. Relationships that begin to develop outside of direct family relationships and show commitment toward others. Success in this stage can lead to successful intimate relationships, feeling commitment, and love among other positive and secure emotions. Without encountering these relationships, this can result in loneliness and isolation. If the young adults experience the positives of intimacy leads to love.
Generativity v Stagnation -- This stage takes place in middle adulthood. This is the stage that people establish their careers, raise children, and become more active in the community (being productive). This is a stage where they become aware of others and their feelings and the care they can give to them. If the middle-aged adults do not accomplish this they feel as if they are stagnant and unproductive.
Ego Integrity v Despair
This is the eighth stage which begins around the age of 65. This is where the elderly begin to slow down and experience a new way of life of less productivity. They begin to look back on their lives and decide whether they are satisfied with how they lived their lives or if they are dissatisfied. Success in this stage is gaining wisdom knowing that they lived their life and they are now complete and accept that their lives are soon coming to an end.
