Erikson's Developmental Stages Flashcards
Based on Freud’s emphasis on unconscious motivation but has a greater emphasis on the ego
Erikson’s developmental theory
Assumes that people are basically rational and that behavior is largely due to ego
functioning.
Erikson’s developmental theory
each of the 8 stages involves a psychosocial task that is to be mastered. If not mastered, the person still continues to develop, but the ego is damaged and subsequent
stages will be affected.
Erikson’s developmental theory
We give the person until the very END of the age range to have resolved the conflict. So
we wouldn’t say they failed a stage until they had reached the end of that stage (age
range) and moved on to the next stage. For example: if someone is 38 years old, they could not have failed the intimacy vs. isolation stage yet because they are still in that stage.
Erikson’s developmental theory
0-18 months; The psychosocial task is to achieve a balance between BLANK and BLANK. Basic trust develops in the context of the relationship between the infant and
primary caregiver and forms the foundation for all other stages. Failure to master the task can result in pervasive mistrust of others OR dependent, unthinking, rigid adulation of others.
Trust vs. Mistrust
18 months- 3 years; The toddler’s psychosocial task is
to achieve a sense of independence over their own body in the context of relationships with
primary caregivers. If a child experiences autonomy (in walking, exploring, etc.), they will gain confidence and pride, which then become ego strengths. If they’re over controlled or prohibited
from exploring or becoming autonomous, they may feel doubtful of their own abilities and experience excessive shame.
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
3-6 years; ) The child’s psychosocial task is to set goals and carry out plans without infringing on the rights of others. Exerting too much control (or taking action that does infringe on the rights of others) results in disapproval from adults and subsequent feelings of guilt. Those feelings of guilt then prohibit the child (or adult) from effectively making plans or setting goals in the future.
Initiative vs. Guilt:
6-12 years; The child’s psychosocial task is to develop a sense of competence by beginning school and learning to do things on their own. This instills a sense of pride and confidence. The peer group begins to be of greater significance and contributes to
self-esteem. If adults don’t support the child in their initiative, a sense of inferiority may develop where the child
doubts their abilities, making it more difficult to reach their potential.
Industry vs. Inferiority
12- 18 years; The adolescent’s task is to learn the roles that they will occupy as an adult while developing a sense of personal identity. Peer relationships help them to explore various identities. Success in this stage leads to fidelity where the adolescent
feels comfortable with others who have varying values, while remaining true to their own
identity. If the adolescent fails to develop a sense of identity, then they may feel role confusion or a weakened sense of self.
Identity vs. Role Confusion
18- 40 years; The psychosocial task is to begin forming intimate relationships with others. An individual develops comfortable relationships with a sense of commitment and care. Failure to develop intimacy can lead to isolation, loneliness, and a feeling
of exclusion
Intimacy vs. Isolation
40-65 years; The psychosocial task during this stage is to
participate in activities that give the individual a sense of purpose such as a career, raising children, and creating positive changes that benefit others. If an adult doesn’t feel a sense of purpose, they may feel little connection to others and a sense of uselessness or rejection.
Generativity vs. Stagnation
65- death; The psychosocial task during this stage is for older
adults to look back on life and feel a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. This wisdom
allows them to face the end of life and accept successes and failures, aging, and loss. Those
who see their lives as unproductive or with many regrets may develop a sense of despair and guilt that can lead to depression and/or hopelessness
Ego Integrity vs. Despair
