According to psychologist Erik Erikson’s 8 stages of psychosocial development, human development is directly connected to the environmental forces that constantly shape our lives. How we react to these outside interventions and the support we receive from those around us influence our growth and state of mind. This theory suggests that our life is split up into stages, whereby certain needs must be met in order to facilitate healthy and fulfilling growth as an individual throughout our life.
The first stage of Erikson’s theory is trust versus mistrust, which takes place around the ages of infancy to 18 months. This stage is largely reliant on the caregivers in our lives. If the infant is provided stability, affection, and consistent care, then they will progress onto the next stage of their life with a sense of trust. If an infant is not provided with these basic needs, they could develop a sense of mistrust, suspicion, and anxiety.
The second stage of Erikson’s theory is autonomy versus shame and doubt, which takes place between the ages of 18 months to 3 years. During this time, individuals are focused on developing their own independence and a feeling of personal control over their own physical skills. If the child is supported in their journey to increase their independence, the child will gain an increased sense of confidence and security in their own ability to live. However, if the child does not receive support in their independence, they might doubt their own abilities and feel ashamed about seeking autonomy.
The third stage of Erikson’s theory is initiative versus guilt, which takes place during preschool years. The primary focus at this point is for the child to take initiative in one’s life through play and social interactions. To progress through this stage, the caregiver(s) must support and encourage the child to take the initiative in their life. This can include encouraging the child to plan activities, accomplish tasks, or to complete challenges. This gives them a sense of control over their environment and a sense of purpose. If children are not supported in this pursuit, they may develop feelings of guilt, self-doubt, and a lack of initiative in their life.
The fourth stage in Erikson’s theory is industry versus inferiority, which takes place around the ages of 5 to 11 years old. During this point in life, children are exposed to academic and social activities through school and other community events. They also begin to compare themselves to their peers. If encouraged in the pursuit of industry, a child will gain feelings of competence and a positive outlook in regards to their own skills. However, if children are not allowed to demonstrate their own skills or if they receive excessive criticism in their attempts, they might develop a sense of inferiority.
The fifth stage of Erikson’s theory is identity versus role confusion, which takes place during teenage years. Teenagers are trying to figure out who they are as individuals and what makes them unique. They are searching for a sense of self and individual identity through the exploration of their own personal values, beliefs, and goals. If supported during this time, the adolescent will progress through this stage with a strong sense of self, independence, and control. If an adolescent is not given the space or opportunity to explore themself, they might develop a sense of uncertainty about their place in the world, their values, and their future.
The sixth stage in Erikson’s theory is intimacy versus isolation, taking place during early to mid-adulthood. It reflects the concept that young adults are seeking out enduring, secure relationships. Individuals who progress positively through this stage develop the ability to form intimate, reciprocal relationships with others. However, if an individual finds it difficult to form these intimate relationships, they might develop feelings of loneliness, alienation, and exclusion.
The seventh stage in Erikson’s theory is generativity versus stagnation, taking place from mid-adulthood to around 65 years of age. Individuals in this stage are focused on the idea of creating and fostering their own lives, often through their career and family, as well as what they can offer to society or their community. If an individual feels like they have made contributions to the world, they gain the ability to showcase concern for others and the desire to contribute to the growth of future generations. However, if an individual does not feel this way, they may feel unproductive and uninvolved, which can lead to a sense of self-absorption, stagnation of growth, and feelings of emptiness.
The eighth and final stage in Erikson’s theory is integrity versus despair, taking place from age 65 to death. During this time in an individual’s life, they are reviewing their own accomplishments and exploring the meaning of them. This allows them to obtain a sense of coherence and a feeling of purpose in their own experiences throughout their life, which can lead to feelings of fulfillment and an innate wisdom. However, if an individual feels regretful about what they have done with their life, they may experience despair, bitterness, and disappointment.
In conclusion, Erik Erikson’s Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development are formulated with the belief that an individual’s development is directly tied to the environment they grew up in. Through the influence of the self and others, individuals can either progress or stagnate in a stage, which influences their perceptions about themselves, others, and the world.
Written by Jaida Edwards
References:
Mcleod, S. (2023, October 16). Erik Erikson’s stages of Psychosocial Development. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/erik-erikson.html.