Erick Erikson’s Stages of Development
Erik Erikson (1902-1994) is probably most famous for coining the term “identity crises” and describing basic human development in a series of 8 psychological stages. As a student of Freudian theories, this marked a stark contrast by suggesting development is far beyond the age of adolescence (genital stage).
Erickson also considered a person’s social and environmental factors that may also influence the personality or cause a crisis. While Freud’s Ego philosophy was supposed to resolve internal conflicts, Erickson’s believed that outcomes were not fixed. Therefore, regression and pathology can occur, as well as virtues and goals with every developmental task.
Erickson’s Stages and Considerations
Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust, Infancy (birth-1y/o)
- Corresponds with Freud’s oral stage of development.
- Virtue/Strength vs Failure: HOPE vs poor relationships, suspicious withdrawn.
- Possible etiology with schizoid and depressive states
Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt, Early Childhood (1-3y/o)
- Corresponds with Freud’s anal stage of development.
- Doubt is the fear of being attacked or overpowered
- Shame leads to repressed rage and defiance
- Virtue/Strength vs Failure: WILL POWER, SELF-CTRL vs lack of independence.
Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt, Late Childhood (3-6y/o)
- Corresponds with Freud’s phallic stage of development.
- Guilt is the sense of badness
- Virtue/Strength vs Failure: A SENSE OF PURPOSE vs lack of goals and self-initiation.
- Possible etiology with conversion and psychosomatic disorders.
Stage 4: Industry vs. inferiority, School-age (6-12y/o)
- Corresponds with Freud’s latency stage of development.
- “Hero Worship” and same-sex admiration is common, needs good role models outside of the family.
- Virtue/Strength vs Failure: COMPETENCE, ACHIEVEMENTS vs difficulty learning or mastering skills.
Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion, Adolescence (12-20y/o)
- Corresponds with Freud’s genital stage of development.
- The most important stage according to Erikson r/t the sense of belonging.
- Sexual identity/role is formed, personal philosophy of life, morals, and values is developed.
- Virtue/Strength vs Failure: SELF-BELIEF & FIDELITY vs. identity confusion.
Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation, Early Adulthood (20-35y/o)
- Virtue/Strength vs Failure: LOVE, COMMITMENTS vs emotional isolation, self-absorb, distancing oneself.
Stage 7: Generativity vs. Self-Absorption/Stagnation, Middle Adulthood (35-65y/o)
- Coping with life changes or endures a midlife crisis; creating the need for new meaning and purpose.
- Virtue/Strength vs Failure: CARE FOR OTHERS vs self-absorption (stagnation), inability to change/care for others.
Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair, Late Adulthood (>65y/o)
- Consists of a life review that’s either meaningful versus disappointing with perceived failures (despair).
- Virtue/Strength vs Failure: WISDOM, FULFILLMENT vs. bitter, dissatisfied w life.
-ANCC
Also, note
The Human Needs Theory
Human “needs” influence each person’s development:
- Influence of a hierarchy of human needs on personality.
- Lower needs must be filled before upper-level needs receive attention. See Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
- A child’s genetic potential will not flourish unless they are nurtured by adults as the child grows.
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