Erik Erikson

Erik Erikson German-American developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst.

He had one of the greatest influences on the study of child development.

Erikson advocated for a new type of education for children based on self knowledge.

A strength of the psychosocial theory is that it provides a broad framework for child development across the entire lifespan.

His theory is that a person will pass through 8 stages in their lifespan. Each stage is interrelated.

Erikson’s theory focused on personality with an emphasis on social interactions and relationships and the role and impact they played in development and growth.

The theory placed early childhood at the core. A child develops in the context of society’s expectations, prohibitions, and prejudices.

Each stage of Erikson’s theory builds on the previous stage and paves the way for additional development.

Each stage in Erikson’s theory is connected with becoming competent in an area of life.

He considered that a sense of competence motivated behaviours and actions.

If a stage is handed well there generally will result in a sense of mastery. In contrast if a stage is managed poorly it will generally result in a feeling of inadequacy

Erikson believed, and often argued that a human develops according to a preset plan which he called ‘The Epigenetic Principle’.

Erikson’s theory is a theory of Psychosocial Stages.

1. A personality develops according to predetermined steps that are maturation-ally set
2. Society is structured so that it is to invite and encourage challenges that arise during these stages.

According the Erikson each individual progress through 8 stages in their development.

These stages go right throughout their life, from birth to death.

Stage 1: trust vs. mistrust

This stage is centered on the child developing a sense of trust in caregivers and the world.

The positive outcome of this stage is to develop trust.

He believed that if a child was cared for, all their needs met, loved and in a happy environment then they would develop a sense of trust.

However, if it was the reverse and they were cared for by nervous, anxious, angry or incapable carers who didn’t meet their needs then they would develop a sense of mistrust.

Trust was considered by Erikson as the cornerstone of the child’s attitude towards life.

Having developed a sense of trust would enable you to be more positive towards yourself and others.

If a child develops trust they will feel safe and secure in the world.

This stage is fundamentally key to all the stages.

Stage 2: autonomy vs. shame and doubt

The key element of this stage is gaining independence and personal control.

The positive outcome in this stage is a sense of independence, will and determination.

It is where they are able to practice their new skills and develop a sense of autonomy.

If they aren’t allowed to do something or are pushed into things they aren’t able to do then they develop a sense of doubt or shame about their own abilities and then develop poor self confidence.

Stage 3: initiative vs. guilt

The focus on this stage is the child exploring their environment more and exerting more control of their choices.

By the time a child has reached 4 years old they begin to have formulated a plan of action about ones desires and actions.

Therefore if a positive outcome is reached in this stage they have developed a sense of initiative.

If adults encourage them to share and try their own ideas then they will develop this.

By the end of this stage a child should have developed a sense of purpose.

Stage 4: industry vs. inferiority

This occurs during the middle childhood years and is focused on developing a sense of personal pride and accomplishment.

This is the period when they are learning academic skills such as reading writing and math’s, as well as their social skills.

They develop a sense of industry through a sense of confidence concerning their own accomplishments and self competence.

To not develop this is to have a sense of inadequacy and therefore a feeling of inferiority.

Stage 5: identity vs. role confusion

A child who is able to forge a healthy sense of identity will progress with a clear purpose of their role.

This is during the adolescence years and a positive outcome in this stage is the development of a sense of knowing who they are rather than a sense of worthlessness.

Those who not develop a sense of identity may drift aimlessly.

Those with a sense of identity are less likely to bow to peer pressure and are more in control of their own destiny and have a high level of self acceptance.

Stages 6: intimacy vs. isolation

This stage is in early adulthood.

Success during this stage results in the ability to develop healthy, lasting and nurturing relationships with others.

Stage 7: generatively vs. stagnation

During middle adulthood a person will look at their contribution to society. Two key aspects of this stage are having a family and a career.

Stage 8: integrity vs. despair

This is the final stage during late adulthood which involves reflecting on their life.