+
Karina Bober
Marisa Thibodeau
Ashley Campbell
Erik Erikson’s
Stages of Psychosocial
Development
+
Stage 1 of 8: Infancy

Birth to 18 months

Basic trust vs. Mistrust

Hope

Emphasis on parents’ nurturing ability and care for the child

Maladaptation: sensory distortion, withdrawal
+
Stage 2 of 8: Toddler / Early
Childhood

18 months to 3 years

Autonomy vs. Shame

Will

Opportunity to build self-esteem and autonomy as child
learns new skills and right from wrong

If well-cared for, the child will carry themselves with pride
rather than shame

Maladaptation: impulsivity, compulsion
+
Stage 3 of 8: Preschooler

3 to 5 years

Initiative vs. Guilt

Purpose

Children exhibit a desire to copy adults, create play situations, make up
stories, play out roles, etc.

Oepedial struggle which is resolved through social role identification

Child experiences guilt if frustrated over natural desires and goals

Most significant relationship is with the basic family

Maladaptation: ruthlessness, inhibition

Example of children trying different roles or making up stories
+
Stage 4 of 8: School age child

6 to12 years

Industry vs. Inferiority

Competence

Children are capable of learning new skills and knowledge, thus developing
a sense of industry

A very social stage; Problems with competence and self-esteem if the child
experiences unresolved feelings of inadequacy/inferiority among our peers

Most significant relationship is with school and neighborhood, and less with
parents

Maladaptation: narrow virtuosity, inertia

Example of achievement, competence, acquiring knowledge
+
Stage 5 of 8: Adolescent

12 to 18 years

Identity vs. Role confusion

Fidelity

Before this stage, development is related to what is done to a
person. Following this stage, development depends upon
what a person does.

Maladaptation: fanaticism, repudiation

Example of identity struggle, peer relationships
+
Stage 6 of 8: Young adult

18 to 35 years

Intimacy and solidarity vs. Isolation

Love

Seeking companions and love, deep intimacy and satisfying
relationships

If unsuccessful, isolation might occur

Most significant relationship is with marital partners and
friends

Maladaptation: promiscuity, exclusivity
+
Stage 7 of 8: Middle-aged Adult

35 to 55-65 years

Generativity vs. Self-absorption or stagnation

Care

Career and work are most important, along with family

Attempting to produce something that makes a difference to society;
fear of inactivity and meaninglessness

Also a time of major life shifts

Most significant relationship is with family, workplace, local church,
other communities, etc.

Maladaptation: overextension, rejectivity
+
Stage 8 of 8: Late adulthood

55-65 years to Death

Integrity vs. Despair

Wisdom

Time of reflection

Contentment and fulfillment vs. despair, the fear of death

Maladaptation: presumption, disdain
+
Links to Examples

Stage 1(Optional): Baby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGCQe3JZGi4

Stage 3: Preschool

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeKN6CNAhDE

Stage 4: Primary - Middle School

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6ep8KOR284

Stage 5: High School

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-RbPVUzDlU&feature=related

Stage 8(Optional): Old Age

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO-ZlY1SlNA&feature=related
+
Discussion Questions

Q1) Identify the eight stages of Erik Erikson’s psychosocial
development theory.

Q5) Compose a short story about an individual who is in one
of the eight stages of development. Be specific to the crisis
involved in the particular stage, and include the possible
outcomes of going through this stage, positive and negative.

Q6) Erikson suggests that each stage is never truly complete,
and that each stage can be revisited. Evaluate whether or not
this theory should be considered valid.
+
References
Harder, A.F. (2009). Erik Erikson Stages of Development.
Retrieved June 13, 2011.
http://www.learningplaceonline.com/stages/organize/Erikson
.htm
Learning Theories Knowledgebase (2011). Erikson’s Stages of
Development at LearningTheories. Retrieved June 13th, 2011.
http://www.learning-theories.com/eriksons-stages-ofdevelopment.html
Moore, D. Erik Erikson Summary. Retrieved June 13, 2011.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/35862460/Erik-erikson-summary