Erik Erikson
Psychosocial Development
Erikson’s Beliefs
(Assumptions)
 Major difference from Freud relates to the
concept of EGO
Ego is present from birth, conflict free,
constantly in development (lifespan).
Ego is in transition, conflict arises between
individual and society (PSYCHOSOCIAL)
 Infant is interested in establishing interpersonal
relationships which are adaptive
 Infant unconsciously driven toward pleasure
(Freud)
Psychosocial Stages








Trust vs. Mistrust (0-18 mos.)
Autonomy vs. Shame and doubt (2-3)
Initiative vs. Guilt (3-6)
Industry vs. Inferiority (7-12)
Identity vs. Identity Diffusion (12-18)
Intimacy vs. Isolation (20’s)
Generativity vs. Stagnation (20’s – 50’s)
Ego Integrity vs. Despair (50’s and beyond)
Methods of Study
 Anthropological Observation
Naturalistic observation of infants,
adolescents, and adults in different cultures
-- child rearing practices in different cultures - Psychohistory
The synthetic application of psychology,
anthropology, history and sociology
-- analyzes a person's history --
What is Erikson’s
Pedagogical Usefulness
 What can you learn from Erikson in the
daily operation of your classroom?
 Can Erikson’s theory help to explain your
student’s behavior?