Erikson's Psychosocial Stages Flashcards
Toddlerhood (1-2)
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
- toddlers are ready to exercise individuality. If parents or caregivers restrict the toddlers/make harsh demands the the toddlers develop shame and doubt and lack the courage to be independent
Early Childhood (3-5)
Initiative vs. Guilt
- Children have great curiosity at this age - they develop a sense of initiative as they are free to explore things but if held back and punished they develop guilt and suppress their curiosity
Middle Childhood (6-12)
Industry vs. Inferiority
- Children who develop pride and encouragement in mastering tasks develop industry (striving to achieve)
- Repeated failure and lack of praise for trying will lead to inferiority
Adolescence (12-19)
Identity vs. Role Confusion
- Ask questions about themselves (who am I? Where am I going?)
- Identity crisis can be resolved positively leading to stable sense of identity or it can end negatively leading to identity confusion and one’s identity and values
Early Adulthood (20-30)
Intimacy vs. Isolation
- Intimacy: ability to open oneself to another person and to form close relationships (time when people fall in love and marry)
- there is also a shift from career “search” to career “consolidation”
Middle Adulthood (40-64)
Generativity vs. Stagnation
- People develop generativity by doing things for others and making the world a better place (raising kids, success in career)
- People may have a mid-life crisis during this age bracket
Late Adulthood (65+)
Integrity vs. Despair
- review their life, evaluate it’s meaning
- Integrity is a sense of completeness and fulfillment (successfully resolved all crises in earlier stages)
- Despair is regretting that they did not live their lives more fulfilling
Infancy (first year)
Basic Trust vs. Mistrust
- depends on how well needs are met and how much love and attention is received
