Question

What is the Erikson 8 stages of development theory’s relevance and application to individuals, families, groups, organizations, institutions and communities (system relevance)?

Answer 1

Erik Erikson gave the developmental theory. It explains the lifespan of an individual , how it is divided into several stages. Each stage is like a milestone and has certain features that helps to distinguish it from the rest of the stages. A certain level of growth takes place. Each stage is novel and has challenges attached to it. To go onto the next stage, an individual needs to cross the barriers of the current stage in which they are, successfully. These stages also take into account the environmental factors that influence an individual's life. Hence, it is also referred to as a psycho-social theory. Each stage requires the mastery of certain skills, attitudes. If done successfully it leads to better adjustment for the individual, if not one tends to face psychological conflict. Mastery of a stage also leads to competence.

Each stage is defined by two opposite emotions, that is either there is success or there is failure.

Stage	Age (in years)	Characteristics of each stage
Trust vs Mistrust	Birth-12 months	Infants must learn that caregivers can be trusted. The kind of parenting (Responsive / unresponsive) will decide the level of trust.
Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt	1-3	Children start exploring the world and act on their environment to get desired results.
Initiative vs Guilt	3-6	Children start to assert control. They also begin to explore their options and start taking responsibility of their actions.
Industry vs Inferiority	6-12	Children begin to compare themselves and their accomplishments with their peers.
Identity vs role confusion	12-18	This is the stage wherein an individual starts to contemplate on the kind of identity they want to have. The goals they want to set for themselves, which path in life they want to choose.
Intimacy vs Isolation	20's-40's	How successful individuals are in maintaining relationships.
Generativity vs Stagnation	40's	Individuals by this age want to be productive and give back to the society in meaningful ways.
Integrity vs Despair	Mid 60's	Individuals in their old age tend to reflect on their life events. Those who feel a sense of satisfaction , feel a sense of integrity. Those who focus on their failures and what all they could have and should have done have a feeling of despair. They tend to be disappointed.

This theory is extremely relevant to individuals, families, groups, organizations, institutions and communities because from the time an individual is born it helps in understanding what kind of expectations are there. Since external factors i.e., the environment is also taken into account , it helps to define our social relations. For example , an individual is supposed to form an identity of their own. Those unable to do so face role confusion. It is relevant to groups of people / communities / organizations because it talks about self management. It helps the individual to be self aware and understand those around him better. It also helps to resolve conflicts. Individuals do not exist in isolation. We always compare our growth with those around us. Also, since each stage has its own demands the kind of behavior a person will display will have a direct impact on those around them.