Psychosocial Development Theory

Erik Erikson (1904-1994)
Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development

Who is Erik Erikson?

• German-American Psychologist
• Focused on developmental psychology
• Spent years doing clinical observations of children
• Created a theory to explain the ways that individuals develop their identity and societies impact on their identity.
• Won the Pulitzer Prize in 1970

How Do People Develop Their Identity?

Stage 1--Birth to 12 Months
Trust and Mistrust: "Who can I trust?"
Key Relationship: Maternal Caregiver
Task: Feeding

Stage 2 - Ages 1-3
Autonomy vs.Shame/Doubt: "Is it okay to be me?"
Key Relationships: Parents
Task: Toilet Training

Stage 3 - Ages 3-6
Initiative vs. Guilt: "Is it okay for me to do and move?"
Key Relationships: Family
Tasks: Creating Art

Stage 4 - Ages 6-12
Industry vs. Inferiority: "Can I make it in the world?"
Key Relationships: School and Neighborhood
Tasks: School and Sports

Stage 5 - Ages 12-18
Identity vs. Role Confusion: "Who Am I?"
Key Relationships: Peers
Tasks: Social Relationships

Stage 6 - 20's- 40's
Intimacy vs. Isolation: "Can I love?"
Key Relationships: Friends and Partners
Task: Romantic Relationships

Stage 7: Mid 40's - Mid 60's
Generativity vs. Stagnation: "Can I make my life count?"
Relationships: Household and Work
Task: Work and Parenting

Stage 8 - Mid 60's - End of Life
Integrity vs. Despair: "Is it okay to have been me?"
Key Relationship: Mankind
Task: Reflection on life

Bibliography
Dewhurt, M. (2014, April 17). Erik Erikson's Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development: Conflicts &Growth. Retrieved from Study.com: http://study.com/academy/lesson/erik-eriksons-eight-stages-of-psychosocial-...

Hutchison, E. D. (2019). Dimensions of Human Behavior: Person and Environment. Thousand Oaks, California : SAGE Publications.

Ramkumar, S. (2020). Erik Erikson's Theory of Development: A Teacher's Observations. Retrieved from Journal of the Krishnamutri Schools: journal.kfionline.org/issue-6/erik-eriksons-theory-of-development