Erik Erikson – Stages of
Psychosocial Development
CHAPTER 4
Erik Erikson
 A neo-Freudian
 Adheres to some of Freud’s ideas, but focuses more on social
influences.
 Stage Theorist
 Focus on Crisis Resolution
At each stage a crisis must be resolved
 If the crisis is not resolved, the individual may lack the positive
characteristic in the stage.

TRUST vs. MISTRUST
 Birth – 1yr.
 Needs being met
 Basic trust develops when needs are met (Attachment)
 Loving relationship is formed with caregiver
 Important event: Feeding
AUTONOMY vs. SHAME AND DOUBT
 1 – 2 years
 Learning to do things for oneself
 Development of physical activities (ex. walking)
 Q Favorite Word?
 Important event: toilet training
INITIATIVE vs. GUILT
 3 – 5 years
 Preschoolers learn to initiate tasks
 Q Favorite word?
 One becomes more independent
COMPETENCE/ INDUSTRY vs. INFERIORITY
 6 years – puberty
 Child completes tasks themselves
 Learning on your own
 Important Event: school
 Q What is an inferiority complex?
IDENTITY vs. ROLE CONFUSION
 Teens – early 20s
 Teens refine sense of self
 Test new roles and incorporate them into an identity
 Q Know anyone that is very different now vs. when they were
pre teen 10,11 and 12?
 Important events: forming relationships with friends
INTIMACY vs. ISOLATION
 20s – 40s
 Young adults develop intimate relationships
 Gaining the capacity for intimate love
 Important event: forming love and/or strong relationships
GENERATIVITY vs. STAGNATION
 40s – 60s
 Middle-aged discover a sense of contribution to this world
 Family and work oftentimes satisfy this desire
 Supporting and satisfying future generation
 Important event: Parenting
INTEGRITY vs. DESPAIR
 60s +
 Reflection on entire life
 Did I contribute to this world?
 Sense of fulfillment
 EVERYBODY RIDES THE CAROUSEL intro - YouTube
Evaluation of Erikson’s Theory
 Theory does attempt to show development
throughout life span
 Children and adults may overcome problems that
occur during development
 Stages are more descriptive than explanatory
Meryl Streep - Everybody Rides The Carousel (1976) YouTube
2. Erickson's stages of psychosocial development –
YouTube
1. Erikson's theory of psychosocial development YouTube