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Erikson's psychosocial development theory
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Erikson's psychosocial development theory
Based on Freud's divisive theory of psychosexual development, Erikson developed his
own. As a psychosocial theory, Erikson modified it. According to Erikson, a person's sense of
self commits to growth by mastering new ways of thinking, feeling, and acting as they go
through life. Kids benefit from this kind of authority as they become productive adults. In each
of Erikson's eight stages of development, there is a mental conflict that the developing child must
overcome to mature into a healthy, well-rounded adult. The ideas of Sigmund Freud and his
daughter Anna Freud were a major inspiration for Erikson's psychosocial theory of the "eight
stages of human advancement," especially the four (or five, depending on understanding)
Freudian stages of development, also known as Freud's psychosexual stages or Freud's sexual
hypothesis (Orenstein & Lewis, 2021). Below, we outline in broad strokes how Erikson's
psychosocial phases relate to these basic elements of Freudian thought. While Freud's theories
have significantly impacted Erikson, they are not central to Erikson's theory, which is quite
robust (Gross, 2020).
Nature or nurture
Instead of focusing on sexual maturation, Erikson emphasizes how we interact with
others throughout our lives (nature). Erikson's development phases highlight the need for social
connections at key stages in life. Those who subscribe to the systems theory of development
believe that the environments in which individuals are immersed throughout their lives, from the
family to the classroom to the workplace, have a significant impact on their cognitive and social-
emotional dispositions (Orenstein & Lewis, 2021). This theory suggests that people have innate
cognitive and social-emotional tendencies that are then shaped by their environments throughout
their lives. These environments include their homes, communities, and workplaces.
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Primary characteristics or features of the theory.
While Freud's psychosexual theory was the foundation for Erikson's thesis, it was just the
beginning. Like the theory put forward by Piaget, Erikson thought that growth occurs in discrete
phases. Each level represents an internal problem with outwardly apparent actions during the
emotional conflict that leads to significant developmental success and emotional progress or, if
left unresolved, an issue that persists throughout life (Gross, 2020). The theory's essential aspects
include (a) a sequence of developmental phases, (b) a series of psychosocial crises, (c) a circle of
important connections, (d) a set of prime adaptive ego attributes, and (e) a set of fundamental
disorders.
Strengths
Gives a big picture perspective on growth across one's whole life.
It enables us to highlight the importance of social ties in shaping individuals
and the significance of the social character of humans.
Weaknesses
Conflict resolution and the procedures for progressing from one stage to the
next are poorly defined and underdeveloped.
References
Gross, Y. (2020). Erikson's stages of psychosocial development.9The Wiley Encyclopedia of
Personality and Individual Differences: Models and Theories, 179-184.
Orenstein, G. A., & Lewis, L. (2021). Eriksons stages of psychosocial development.
In9StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
