Erikson's PsYCHosocial Development

Untitled Slide

Stage 1: Trust vs. mistrust

Trust vs. mistrust

• Virtue: HOPE
• During this stage, the infant is uncertain about the world in which they live. To resolve these feelings of uncertainty, the infant looks towards their caregiver for stability and consistency of care.
• By developing a sense of trust, the infant can have hope that as new crises arise, there is a real possibility that other people will be there as a source of support. Failing to acquire the virtue of hope will lead to the development of fear.

stage 2: autonomy vs. shame

autonomy vs. shame

• Virtue: WILL
• The child is discovering that he or she has many skills and abilities, such as putting on clothes and shoes, playing with toys, etc. Such skills illustrate the child's growing sense of independence and autonomy.
• If children in this stage are encouraged and supported in their increased independence, they become more confident and secure in their own ability to survive in the world.
• If children in this stage are encouraged and supported in their increased independence, they become more confident and secure in their own ability to survive in the world.

stage 3: initiative vs. guilt

initiative vs. guilt

• Virtue: PURPOSE
• Central to this stage is play, as it provides children with the opportunity to explore their interpersonal skills through initiating activities.
• A healthy balance between initiative and guilt is important. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of purpose

stage 4: Industry vs. inferiority

industry vs. inferiority

• Virtue: COMPETENCE
• At this stage, the child’s peer group will gain greater significance and will become a major source of the child’s self-esteem. The child now feels the need to win approval by demonstrating specific competencies that are valued by society and begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
• If the child cannot develop the specific skill they feel society is demanding, then they may develop a sense of inferiority. Some failure may be necessary so that the child can develop some modesty. A balance between competence and modesty is necessary. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of competence.

Stage 5: identity vs. role confusion

identity vs. role confusion

• Virtue: Fidelity
• During this stage, adolescents search for a sense of self and personal identity, through an intense exploration of personal values, beliefs and goals.
• During adolescence the transition from childhood to adulthood is most important. Children are becoming more independent, and begin to look at the future in terms of career, relationships, families, housing, etc. The individual wants to belong to a society, discover their "role", and fit in.
• Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of fidelity, which involves being able to commit one's self to others on the basis of accepting others, even when there may be ideological differences.

stage 6: intimacy vs. isolation

intimacy vs. isolation

• Virtue: LOVE
• In this stage, we begin to share ourselves more intimately with others. We explore relationships leading toward longer-term commitments with someone other than a family member.
• Successful completion of this stage can result in happy relationships and a sense of commitment, safety, and care within a relationship. Avoiding intimacy, fearing commitment and relationships can lead to isolation, loneliness, and sometimes depression. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of love.

stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation

Generativity vs. Stagnation

• Virtue: CARE
• During this stage, careers are established, middle adults begin to settle down within a relationship, begin our own families and develop a sense of being a part of the bigger picture.
• We give back to society through raising our children, being productive at work, and becoming involved in community activities and organizations.
• By failing to achieve these objectives, we become stagnant and feel unproductive. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of care.

Integrity vs. Despair

Integrity vs. Despair

• Virtue: Wisdom
• During this time we contemplate our accomplishments and can develop integrity if we see ourselves as leading a successful life.
• If we see our lives as unproductive, feel guilt about our past, or feel that we did not accomplish our life goals, we become dissatisfied with life and develop despair, often leading to depression and hopelessness.
• Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of wisdom. Wisdom enables a person to look back on their life with a sense of closure and completeness, and also accept death without fear.

THE END