Week 3: The Theory of Theorist, Erik Erikson (1902- 1994)

Erik Erikson 1902- 1994: Psychoanalytic Theory

Please see reference page for full citation: https://youtu.be/LvWfct9sHOY

Erik Erikson's Theory on Psychoanalytic Theory

Key Take Away Notes

There are 8 stages to a healthy, well-rounded individual!

1) Age 1-2 : Trust Vs. Mistrust - important relationship with mother (female guardian)

- will my provider come to me/console me/keep me safe

2) Age 2-4: Autonomy vs. Shame + Doubt

- both mother and father have key roles in this stage of development

- child will ask self, "can I be me?'

3) Age 4-5: Initiative vs. Guilt

- entire family serves roles in this stage of development

- child learns new things

- child questions, "If I do XYZ will I be encouraged or will I feel guilt?"

4) Age 5-12: Industry vs Inferiority

- Influenced by neighbours and school

- child discovers own interests

- If they are recognized they will feel industrious

- if they receive negative feedback they will feel inferior and lose motivation

5) Age 13-19: Identify vs Role Confusion

- influenced most be peers and role models

- recognition of different social roles in society ex. child, friend, student

- ability to explore the world = positive identity

- conformity to parents believes and ideologies = role confusion

6) Age 20-40 Intimacy vs. Isolation

- self awareness = adult knows who they are and looks to form relationships

- love/intimacy = happiness OR no intimacy = lonely and isolated

7) Age 40-65 Generativity vs. Stagnation

- what comes next?

- comfortable with self

- creative drive

- looking at next generation to thrive

- through unresolved prior issues = stagnation

8) Age 65- Death Ego Integrity vs Despair

- reflection on entire life

- questions self, "did I do okay in life?"

-YES = integrity and contentment

- NO= may be grumpy with feelings of despair

Impact on Child Development

Erik Erikson's framework on the 8 stages of a healthy individual can be used to foster and facilitate the needs of the child at every stage of development; to ensure and work towards the positive impact of social experiences beginning in infancy. With each positive stage successfully mastered, a child will gain the skills and knowledge to adapt to and master each of the subsequent stages; which in turn will aid in avoiding conflict at later parts of life and well into adulthood.

Summary and Overview Each of these 8 stages must be completed and is seen as a building block to basic virtues. However, they can be completed in a different order and at varying times in a child/adults life. Failure to complete each stage will have negative personal consequences and results for that individual.

Please see reference page for full citation: Erik Erikson | Psychosocial Stages | Simply Psychology

Erik Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development (verywellmind.com)