Back to: Psychological Foundations of Education B.ed Notes, M.A Notes, IGNOU Notes and Graduation Notes
Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development
Throughout infancy to maturity, Erikson argued that personality develops via eight stages of psychosocial development in a specified order. The individual goes through a psychological crisis at each level, which may or may not affect how their personality develops.
The theory holds that once each step is successfully completed, a healthy personality and the attainment of fundamental qualities ensue. Basic characteristics are defining qualities that the ego may draw upon to get through later crises.
A lessened capacity to accomplish subsequent stages and, thus, a more disordered personality and sense of self might come from failing to finish a stage effectively. Nevertheless, these phases can be effectively handled in the future.
Stages of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development
A leading and important theory of development was created by the ego psychologist Erik Erikson. Erikson’s theory focused more on psychosocial than psychosexual development.
The eight stages are:
- Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust
- Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
- Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt
- Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority
- Stage 5: Identity vs. Confusion
- Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation
- Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation
- Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair
Erikson thought that personality changed during time in a number of stages. Erikson’s theory, meanwhile, addressed the effects of social interaction throughout the entire life cycle, in contrast to Freud’s conception of psychosexual phases. Erikson was concerned with the function that social ties and engagement had in the maturation and progress of people.
Conflicts
In Erikson’s opinion, these conflicts are primarily caused by either attaining or failing to attain a particular psychological trait. Both the possibility of failure and the possibility of personal progress are great at this moment.
According to Erikson’s theory, every stage builds on the ones that came before it and prepares the way for the phases of growth that follow. Erikson thought that at each stage, humans go through a struggle that marks a significant shift in their growth. People leave the stage with psychological strengths that will benefit them for the rest of their lives if they are able to resolve the issue. They might not acquire the critical abilities required for a strong sense of self if they are unable to resolve these conflicts successfully.
stage 1 trust vs. mistrust
One of the most fundamental periods of life is represented by the first stage in Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, which takes place between birth and one year of age. Since a baby is completely reliant, the trustworthiness and calibre of the child’s carers are the foundation for forming relationships.
The kid is completely dependent on caring adults during this stage of development for all they require to exist, namely nourishment, affection, comfort, security, and nurture. Eventually, the kid will learn that they cannot rely on or trust the adults in their life if a provider does not provide them with enough attention and love.
Children gain a sense of trust during the initial stage of psychosocial development when their guardians are dependable, tender, and loving. The absence of this will foster mistrust.
stage 2 autonomy vs. shame and doubt
Early childhood is the time period for the second stage in Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, which focuses on kids gaining more self-control.
- The Role of Independence: Children are just beginning to get a little independence at this stage of development. They are beginning to learn small behaviors on their own and acquire straightforward preferences. Parents and other adults who care for children may support children’s feelings of autonomy by giving them the freedom to choose and take charge.
However, Erikson’s justification was very different from Freud’s. According to Erikson, gaining mastery over one’s physical processes promotes independence and a sense of control. Developing more influence over food preferences, toy preferences, and dress choices are further significant occurrences.
Children who pass this stage successfully experience comfort and protection, while those who fail are left feeling inadequate and self-conscious. Erikson held the view that kids may behave with purpose, within rationale and boundaries, if they have found an equilibrium between autonomy and guilt and uncertainty.
stage 3 initiative vs. guilt
The preschool years are when the third stage of psychological development occurs. Kids begin
they exert their dominance and influence over the environment at this stage of their psychological development via controlling playtime and other interpersonal relationships.
Kids that succeed at this stage believe they are good enough to lead individuals. People who lack these abilities experience remorse, identity, and a lack of ambition.
The third stage of psychosocial development’s main topic is that kids need to start establishing their authority over their surroundings. A perspective of mission results from success in this phase. Kids who try to exercise too much control get criticized, which causes them to feel guilty.
Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority
The fourth psychosocial stage occurs between the ages of five and eleven, during the early years of school. Through social interactions, kids start to feel proud of their accomplishments and skills. Kids must adjust to changing social and academic expectations. Failure causes emotions of inadequacy, whereas success fosters a sense of efficacy.
Kids who get praise and encouragement from their parents and instructors grow to feel competent and confident in their abilities. Those who obtain little to no support from their parents, instructors, or classmates will have doubts about their capacity for achievement.
At this point in their psychosocial development, kids who are effective in striking the right balance acquire the confidence of competency, which allows them to believe in their capacity to do the activities put in front of them.
stage 5 identity vs. confusion
The sometimes difficult adolescent years are when the fifth psychological stage occurs. This period is crucial for the formation of a sense of personal identity that will affect a person’s behavior and development for the rest of their life. Teenagers need to establish their individual identities and sense of independence. Accomplishment fosters the capacity to be loyal to oneself, whereas failure fosters role uncertainty and a frail sense of identity.
They explore their freedom and grow in self-awareness during adolescence. Those who are properly encouraged and reinforced will leave this phase with a strong sense of self, as well as sentiments of independence and power. People who are still unsure about their views and aspirations will feel uncertain about their destiny.
stage 6 intimacy vs. isolation
Young adults must develop close, enduring relationships with others. Success produces solid relationships, whilst failure produces isolation and loneliness. This era includes the early adult years when individuals are figuring out their personal relationships. Erikson thought it was essential for humans to form committed, deep connections with other people. Those that are successful at this stage will establish bonds that are solid and long-lasting.
Keep in mind that each stage builds on the abilities acquired in earlier steps. Erikson thought that establishing close connections required a strong sense of one’s own personality. According to studies, those who have a low sense of self are more prone to suffering from loneliness, anxiety, and uncommitted partnerships.
stage 7 generativity vs. stagnation
Adults must produce or nurture things that will endure after they are gone, sometimes through bearing children or bringing about a beneficial change for others. Success produces a sense of purpose and achievement, whereas failure produces a meager sense of engagement with the outside world.
Humans continue to create their lives as adults, putting a priority on their families and careers. Those that are successful throughout this stage will believe that by participating in their home and community that they are making a difference in the world. Those who are unable to develop this talent will feel worthless and disengaged from society.
stage 8 integrity vs. despair
The final psychological stage, which takes place in old age, is concerned with looking back on the past. Individuals in this stage of growth reflect on their lives and decide if they are content with them or whether they repent of the things they did or did not do.
The way in which Erikson’s theory handled development over a lifetime, including old age, set it apart from many others. Older people need to reflect on their lives and have a sense of contentment. At this point, success brings sentiments of wisdom, but failure brings feelings of sadness, resentment, and hopelessness.
Individuals buy stock at this point in their lives as they look back on their experiences. People who reflect on a life they believe was well-lived will feel content and be prepared to face death with calm. Rather than feeling worried that their life may end without having accomplished the stuff they think they ought to have, those who look back with only remorse experience terror.
Strengths and Weaknesses Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development
Weaknesses:
The fact that the precise processes for resolving conflicts and progressing from one stage to the next are not fully characterized or developed is one of the main weaknesses of psychosocial theory. The theory falls short of specifying precisely the kinds of experience required at each step to effectively find a resolution and advance to the next stage.
Strengths:
The fact that psychosocial theory offers a broad framework from which to observe development over the whole lifespan is one of its advantages. Additionally, it enables us to stress the social aspect of people and the significance of social ties in shaping growth.
