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Assignment #5
Erikson’s psychosocial theory of human development
#1. Erikson’s early life most likely had profound influence upon his model for human development. What are
some significant occurrences in his life up to and including the first few years when he immigrated to the United
States?
One of the significant events in Erickson’s life is the misconception of his parent’s relationship and the fact that
he did not learn the truth until later in life. He was raised Jewish because of the man his mother married. As a
result of being Jewish he was a victim of anti-Semitic prejudice but because of his blonde hair and Danish looks
he did not really fit in with his Jewish peers. After high school his wandering and lack of focus for a career
played a very important part in his theory later on. A key meeting with a family as a tutor introduced him to
Freudian theory which he then became a student of Anna Freud he became a psychoanalyst after his training.
After moving to the US he worked at Harvard and other colleges despite his lack of an advanced degree.
Although he was writing was highly influential he wasn’t accepted because of the lack of an advanced degree.
#2. Erikson was described as an “ego psychologist.” What does that expression mean and how is it a break
from his training as a Freudian psychologist?
An ego psychologist stresses the importance of the developing ego in controlling internal conflicts.
It is a break from Freudian Theory since its focus is on environmental influences instead of sexual.
#3. What are the eight stages of Erikson’s model of development? (Do not describe these stages at this point.
You will elaborate on the attributes of these stages in this assignment and in #6.) How does this model follow
his concept of a “series of crises”?
1. Trust vs. mistrust
2. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
3. Initiative vs. guilt
4. Industry vs. inferiority
5. Identity vs. role confusion
6. Intimacy vs. isolation
7. Generativity vs. stagnation
8. Ego integrity vs. despair
#4. In Erikson’s model, how does one progress from one stage to the next?
To progress from one stage to the next the individual is faced with a crisis which is either resolved and the
individual successfully figures out what to do next, and what occurs when if the individual was not successful in
resolving the crisis
Are these stages hierarchical or independent of one another?
The Stages are hierarchical.
If one “fails” at a level, but does somehow manage to move onto later levels of development, does Erikson’s
model allow for that person to successfully revisit or try again to address the issues of that previously
unsuccessful earlier stage of development?
Yes if a person unsuccessfully resolves a conflict that crisis can be returned to later in life.
#5. In Erikson’s model, we come across the concepts of “sense of connectedness” and “sense of
independence.” What are these concepts and how do they work in developing the “coherent self”?
The concept of “sense of connectedness” is that need to be connected to someone or something to have the
bond of trust. In the “sense of independence” Is when you have become independent from others but the two
work hand in hand because you have to have successfully developed that sense of trust and become
connected to someone before you can become the independent person to be away from that person to become
the coherent self.
#6. In the first stage -- trust versus mistrust – why is success at this stage critical to the child’s successful
cognitive development?
If the child is not successful in resolving the trust mistrust crisis. The child will develop a strong mistrust of
others this will also lead to the child not having developed a sense of predictability which will lead to the child
feeling he has no control in his world. The child will also not have developed the sense of connectedness that
and independence that will lead to the coherent self.
#7. In the next stage of the model -- autonomy versus shame and doubt – why is success at this stage critical
to the child’s learning abilities in early childhood?
This stage is critical for the child to develop a sense of accomplishment so that they will become secure in
trying new things and expanding their autonomous behavior.
If a child does not successfully manage the autonomy vs. shame and doubt crisis
If a child is not successful in this stage they will have self-doubt this will inhibit development later.
#8. Let’s revisit the design and development of our generic instructional system. Based upon your
understanding of Erikson’s model at this point, if you are planning and developing instructional experiences
(including the environment) for early childhood centers, are there any aspects of Erikson’s model you would
want to take into consideration? Why or why not?
I would provide a nurturing environment to help promote the feeling of connectedness. I would also ensure the
it was a predictable environment with centers and set times for play/meals and learning.
Bonus question
How well does your observation of a child’s development match up with Erikson’s model? Specifically, do you
see Erikson’s model as being a series of discrete steps and is that how you view children’s development?