Question

(SLO 6) Summarize Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development. Provide an example for each stage that describes successful resolution of that stage. 12pt Paragraph ***

Answer 1

Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Stages of Development

The theory of psychosocial development mainly focuses on the role of social interaction and the social world on the development of an individual from their birth till their death.

There are 8 psychosocial stages and each of the stage comes with their own conflicts and virtues by the resolution of these conflicts, the individual moves into the next stage.

1. Trust vs Mistrust crisis - Birth - 18 months, an infant is totally dependent on the caregivers to take care of all their needs, trust develops but depends on the quality and dependability of the caregivers' fulfillment of the baby's needs and failing to adequately satisfy the child's basic needs can lead to the trust development in the infant.The successful resolution of the crisis and conflict leads to the virtue of Hope in the child.
2. Autonomy vs Doubt/Shame- 2- 4 years, during this stage of the conflict between autonomy and doubt/shame, a toddler is getting toilet training and there is a developing sense of control over their bodily functions, leading to feelings of autonomy and independence, on the other hand failing to do so leads to a feeling of shame and doubt over their abilities, and a sense of independence. Successful resolution of this crisis between the two leads to the virtue of Will in the child.
3. Initiative vs Guilt- It usually takes place during early childhood, 5 years - 8 years, during this stage, children are around the preschool age, they also start asserting their power and control over their world and surroundings through the medium of their play and interactions with others, successful resolution over this crisis leads to the virtue of purpose in them. Success at this stage creates feelings of capability and ability to lead others in the children.
4. Industry vs Inferiority- 8 years to 12 years, children during this stage usually start to take pride in their achievements, competencies and receive praise from others for their accomplishments. If children are provided with no or little encouragement from authority figures like parents, family members, teachers, etc. It can lead to a sense of incompetency and inferiority whereas on the other hand, the successful resolution of this crisis would lead to industrious feelings in them and the virtue of Competence is instilled in them.
5. Identity vs Confusion- Teenage years, 13-19 years of age, adolescents at this stage are exploring who they are, what they are, and the turbulency of teenage is overwhelming to them, adolescents who are successful in finding out their identity resolve the crisis but those who are unable to find their identity have identity confusion that can have a major impact on them, the successful resolution of the crisis leads to the virtue of Fidelity.
6. Intimacy vs isolation- takes place during young adulthood, 20-29 years of age, this stage is about exploring personal relationships, it is important to young adults to develop intimate, close, and committed relationships during this time, success in developing such relationships develop the ability to form enduring, safe, and meaningful relationships leading to the virtue of Love. The inability to develop quality personal relationships leads to feelings of loneliness, isolation, etc.
7. Generativity vs Stagnation- Middle adulthood, 40- 59 years of age, this stage is about working towards their dreams, building their lives, family and success during this stage make adults feel they are making real contributions to the world and feelings of generativity whereas inability to contribute to the world feels like being stuck in a rut, stagnated in their lives, the virtue of this stage is Care.
8. Integrity vs Despair- Old age, 60 years till death, this stage involves reflection on one's life, if they are happy with whatever they had done are successful to feel integrity whereas who regret their choices feel despair and wasteful of their lives, the virtue is Wisdom.