ERIKSON PSYCHOSOCIAL THEORY OF LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT

ERIKSON'S PSYCHOSOCIAL THEORY

Erik Erikson was an ego psychologist who developed one of the most popular and influential theories of development. While his theory was impacted by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud's work, Erikson's theory centered on psychosocial development rather than psychosexual development.

Erikson was interested in how social interaction and relationships played a role in the development and growth of human beings.according to him it is a social and reflects a desire to affiliate with other people and developmental change occurs throughout the life span.

Erikson's theory was based on what is known as the epigenetic principle.In Erikson theory, eight stages of development unfold as we go through life. At each stage, a unique developmental task confronts individuals with a crisis that must be resolved. According to Erikson, this crisis is not a catastrophe but a turning point marked by both increased vulnerability and enhanced potential. The more successfully an individual resolves the crisis, the healthier development will be.

Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust

The first stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development occurs between birth and 1 year of age and is the most fundamental stage in life. Trust in infancy sets the stage for a lifelong expectation that world will be a good and pleasant place to live.

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. After gaining trust in their caregivers, infants begin to discover that their own. They start to assert their sense of independence or autonomy. They realize they will. If infants and toddlers are restrained too much or punished too harshly, they are likely to develop a sense of shame and doubt.

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt

The third stage of psychosocial development takes place during the preschool years. At this point in psychosocial development, children begin to assert their power and control over the world through directing play and other social interactions. 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.

Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority

The fourth psychosocial stage takes place during the early school years from approximately elementary school years, Children now need to direct their energy toward mastering knowledge and intellectual skills. The negative outcome is that the child may develop a sense of inferiority-feeling incompetent and unproductive.

Stage 5: Identity vs. Confusion

The fifth psychosocial stage takes place during the often turbulent teenage years. This stage plays an essential role in developing a sense of personal identity which will continue to influence behavior and development for the rest of a person's life. Teens need to develop a sense of self and personal identity. Success leads to an ability to stay true to yourself, while failure leads to role confusion and a weak sense of self.

Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation

Erikson's sixth developmental stage which individuals experience during the early adulthood years.at this time,individual face the developmental task of forming intimate relationships.if young adults from healthy friendships and an intimate relationship with another intimacy will be achieved if not,isolation will result.

Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation

Erikson's seventh developmental stage, occurs during middle adulthood. By generativity erikson means primarly a concern for helping the younger generation to develop and lead useful lives.the feeling of having done nothing to help the next generation is stagnation.

Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair

The final psychosocial stage occurs during old age. During this stage a person reflects on the past. If the person's life review reveals a life well spent, integrity will be achieved; if not,the retrospective glances likely will yield doubt or gloom.