Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial
Development
艾里克森的心理社会发展阶段理论
What is Psychosocial
Development?
Erik Erikson’s theory of
psychosocial development is one of the best-known theories of
personality in psychology. Much like Sigmund Freud, Erikson
believed that personality develops in a series of stages. Unlike
Freud’s theory of psychosexual stages, Erikson’s theory describes
the impact of social experience across the whole
lifespan.
One of the main elements of
Erikson’s psychosocial stage theory is the development of ego
identity.1 Ego identity is the conscious sense of self that we
develop through social interaction. According to Erikson, our ego
identity is constantly changing due to new experience and
information we acquire in our daily interactions with others. In
addition to ego identity, Erikson also believed that a sense of
competence also motivates behaviors and actions. Each stage in
Erikson’s theory is concerned with becoming competent in an area of
life. If the stage is handled well, the person will feel a sense of
mastery, which he sometimes referred to as ego strength or ego
quality.2 If the stage is managed poorly, the person will emerge
with a sense of inadequacy.
In each stage, Erikson
believed people experience a conflict that serves as a turning
point in development. In Erikson’s view, these conflicts are
centered on either developing a psychological quality or failing to
develop that quality. During these times, the potential for
personal growth is high, but so is the potential for
failure.
Psychosocial Stage 1 - Trust
vs. Mistrust
•
The first stage of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development
occurs between birth and one year of age and is the most
fundamental stage in life.2
•
Because an infant is utterly dependent, the development of trust is
based on the dependability and quality of the child’s
caregivers.
•
If a child successfully develops trust, he or she will feel safe
and secure in the world. Caregivers who are inconsistent,
emotionally unavailable, or rejecting contribute to feelings of
mistrust in the children they care for. Failure to develop trust
will result in fear and a belief that the world is inconsistent and
unpredictable.
Psychosocial Stage 2 -
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
•
The second stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development
takes place during early childhood and is focused on children
developing a greater sense of personal control.2
•
Like Freud, Erikson believed that toilet training was a vital part
of this process. However, Erikson's reasoning was quite different
then that of Freud's. Erikson believe that learning to control
one’s body functions leads to a feeling of control and a sense of
independence.
•
Other important events include gaining more control over food
choices, toy preferences, and clothing selection.
•
Children who successfully complete this stage feel secure and
confident, while those who do not are left with a sense of
inadequacy and self-doubt.
Psychosocial Stage 3 -
Initiative vs. Guilt
•
During the preschool years, children begin to assert their power
and control over the world through directing play and other social
interaction.
•
Children who are successful at this stage feel capable and able to
lead others. Those who fail to acquire these skills are left with a
sense of guilt, self-doubt and lack of
initiative.
Psychosocial Stage 4 -
Industry vs. Inferiority
•
This stage covers the early school years from approximately age 5
to 11.
•
Through social interactions, children begin to develop a sense of
pride in their accomplishments and abilities.
•
Children who are encouraged and commended by parents and teachers
develop a feeling of competence and belief in their skills. Those
who receive little or no encouragement from parents, teachers, or
peers will doubt their ability to be successful.
Psychosocial Stage 5 -
Identity vs. Confusion
•
During adolescence, children are exploring their independence and
developing a sense of self.
•
Those who receive proper encouragement and reinforcement through
personal exploration will emerge from this stage with a strong
sense of self and a feeling of independence and control. Those who
remain unsure of their beliefs and desires will insecure and
confused about themselves and the futur
Psychosocial Stage 6 -
Intimacy vs. Isolation
•
This stage covers the period of early adulthood when people are
exploring personal relationships.
•
Erikson believed it was vital that people develop close, committed
relationships with other people. Those who are successful at this
step will develop relationships that are committed and
secure.
•
Remember that each step builds on skills learned in previous steps.
Erikson believed that a strong sense of personal identity was
important to developing intimate relationships. Studies have
demonstrated that those with a poor sense of self tend to have less
committed relationships and are more likely to suffer emotional
isolation, loneliness, and depression.
Psychosocial Stage 7 -
Generativity vs. Stagnation
•
During adulthood, we continue to build our lives, focusing on our
career and family.
•
Those who are successful during this phase will feel that they are
contributing to the world by being active in their home and
community. Those who fail to attain this skill will feel
unproductive and uninvolved in the world.
Psychosocial Stage 8 -
Integrity vs. Despair
•
This phase occurs during old age and is focused on reflecting back
on life.
•
Those who are unsuccessful during this phase will feel that their
life has been wasted and will experience many regrets. The
individual will be left with feelings of bitterness and
despair.
•
Those who feel proud of their accomplishments will feel a sense of
integrity. Successfully completing this phase means looking back
with few regrets and a general feeling of satisfaction. These
individuals will attain wisdom, even when confronting
death.
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