Autobiography Based on Erikson's Theory.
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DefinitionsofEriksons8StagesofPsychosocialDevelopment-1-1.docx
Overview and Definitions
of
Erikson’s 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development
Erikson believed that all humans pass through eight stages of development throughout their lifetime. He found that all of us, in all cultures, pass through these same stages during our live span. He believed that during particular age ranges we have the opportunity for healthy development, unhealthy development, or somewhere in between.
The way we humans develop depends upon our genetic make up, our temperament, our circumstances, our environment and how we were treated by our significant caretakers. Erikson believed that these stages were important because they could have a direct and profound effect on a person’s life through adulthood.
1. Trust vs. Mistrust (Birth to 1 Year)
2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1-3 years – focus on ages 2 and 3 for this project)
3. Initiative vs. Guilt (3-6 years)
4. Industry vs. Inferiority (6-11)
5. Identity vs. Role Diffusion (Adolescence – focus on ages 12-20)
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Early Adulthood 20’s and 30’s)
7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood – 40’s and 50’s)
8. Ego-Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood – 60’s onward)
Please use these definitions for your project. Be sure to stay focused on the stated ages for each stage when writing your justifications.
2. Autonomy v. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood: 2 to 3) Becoming My Own Person Children develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and gain a sense of independence. Success leads to a feeling of autonomy. Punishment, for perceived failures, even when the “failures” or “short comings” are age appropriate, leads to feelings of shame and doubt (Young, 2019).
3. Initiative v. Guilt (Preschool: 3 to 5 years) Taking Charge Children need to begin asserting control and power over the environment. They want to participate in real life activities and come up with ideas and actions on their own. Success in this stage leads to a sense of purpose. If the child’s attempts to take initiative or exert power are met with disapproval it can results in the development of a sense of guilt (Young, 2019).
4. Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age: 6 to 11 years) My Role as a Learner Children need to cope with new social and academic demands on a daily basis. Success in school and school related activities leads to a sense of competence or industry, while failure results in a feeling of inferiority (Young 2019).
5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence: 12 to 20). Who Am I? Teens need to develop a sense of self and personal identity. This often means experimenting with roles and ideas. Success leads to a sense of identity, of being grounded, and the ability to stay true to themselves. Failure leads to role diffusion (confusion), a weak sense of self, and a feeling of being “lost” (Young, 2019).
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Early Adulthood: 20’s and 30’s) Role of Relationships Young adults need to form intimate, loving relationships with other people. Success leads to strong satisfying relationships, while failure results in loneliness and isolation (Young, 2019).
7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood: 40’s and 50’s) Giving Back Adults need to create or nurture things that will outlast them, often by having children, or creating positive changes that benefits other people. These changes may be in the form of volunteer work or contributing to the community in some way. Success leads to feelings of usefulness and accomplishment, while failure results in shallow involvement in the world and a sense of being stagnate or unproductive (Young, 2019).
8. Ego- Integrity vs. Despair (Maturity: 60’s onward) Looking Back Older adults need to look back on life and feel a sense of fulfillment. Success at this stage leads to feelings of wisdom and contentment about the decisions they have made throughout their lifetimes. Failure results in regret, bitterness, and despair (Young, 2019).
