Erikson Social Development

Overview

Erikson's stages of social development is a theory proposed by psychoanalyst Erik Erikson in the 1950s, based on the Freudian theory of psychosexual development. The theory presents eight sequential stages of human development influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors throughout human development.

Erikson's Study

Erikson aimed to gain a better understanding of the ways in which social interactions and cultural factors influence the development of personality throughout a person's lifespan, highlighting critical "psychosocial crises" that later developed in his eight stages of social development. In its simplest form, Erikson's study investigated the ways in which individuals navigated social challenges at various stages of life as they attempted to develop a healthy identity.

Erikson's 8 Stages of Development

Trust vs Mistrust

This is the first stage of the eight stages of social development presented by Erikson. This stage begins at birth, lasting through roughly eighteen months of age.

Trust

The child will develop a sense of trust if provided care that is nurturing, reliable, and consistent, believing that their surroundings are safe, and that people are dependable.

Mistrust

The child will develop a sense of insecurity and mistrust in the presence of a caregiver that is inconsistent in the provision of adequate care and affection.

Example: An infant who is fed regularly and comforted when upset learns to trust their caregivers and the world around them.

Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt

This is the second of Erikson's eight stages. This stage begins at eighteen months of age and ends around the age of three years. Children at this age begin to develop a sense of personal control and independence.

Autonomy

Children will become confident and increase independence when supported and encouraged in the process of developing independent behaviors and actions.

Shame/Doubt

Children who are overly controlled and criticized in the process of attempting to develop independence may begin to develop a sense of shame and self-doubt related to their developing autonomy.

Example: Accidents are common as young children learn to use the bathroom and toilet independently. However, if they are encouraged to try and learn without feeling ashamed of their mistakes, they will feel a sense of independence and control over their own bodily functions.

Initiative vs Guilt

This is the third stage of Erikson's eight stages of social development. At this stage, children begin to assert themselves socially by directing play and other types of social interaction. This stage begins at the age of three years and lasts through the age of five years.

Initiative

When children are supported in their actions of taking initiative it will encourage its growth, developing new levels of initiative and leading a child to assert control over their environment. Children may also further expand cognitive processes by beginning to engage in the processes of planning and execution.

Guilt

Discouraged pursuit of independence and initiative develops a sense of guilt in children related to their aspirations for independence and initiative.

Example: A child may take the initiative to help with household chores and be proud of the contribution they make.

Industry vs Inferiority

This is the fourth stage of Erikson's eight stages. This stage occurs between the ages of five years and thirteen years, during which children begin to gauge abilities and worth, comparing themselves to their peers.

Industry

If the development of skills is encouraged by parents and teachers, children begin to develop a sense of industry. This leads children to cooperate with others and comprehend the possible applications of their skills, tied to confidence and achievement.

Inferiority

When children receive negative feedback or are prohibited from gaining and demonstrating skills, they may develop a sense of inferiority. This will cause children to feel less valuable in comparison to their peers and degrade confidence.

Example: A girl who is constantly told she is not good enough and that nothing she does is ever good enough develops a sense of inferiority and an inability to trust her own judgment.

Identity vs Role Confusion

This is the fifth stage of Erikson's eight stages. This stage occurs between the ages of thirteen years and twenty-one years, focusing on a sense of self and personal identity developed throughout adolescence while also building personal values, beliefs, and goals.

Identity

When adolescents are permitted to explore different roles and supported in such roles, they are likely to emerge with a strong sense of independence and self-control. The process involves exploring interests, values and goals that will be utilized in the development of a unique personality.

Role Confusion

When adolescents are restricted from exploring different roles or criticized for exploration of these roles, they may experience role confusion. Adolescents may feel unsure of their place in the world and struggle in finding a place where they fit in in the future.

Example: A teenager conforms to the expectations of their peers and alters who they are in order to fit in, resulting in identity confusion.

Intimacy vs Isolation

This is the sixth stage of Erikson's eight stages of social development. During this stage, major conflict focuses on the formation of intimate, loving relationships with others. This stage occurs between the ages of twenty-one years of age and thirty-nine years of age.

Intimacy

Successful reciprocal relationships can be developed by young adults who succeed in navigating this stage, leading to better developed communication and care skills in the context of relationships.

Isolation

Young adults who struggle to form close relationships may experience isolation, referring to the inability to develop successful intimate relationships with others. This can have negative effects in developing feelings of loneliness, alienation, and exclusion.

Example: Providing care for a loved one requires a high level of intimacy but can also lead to feelings of isolation and burnout if the caregiver doesn’t receive adequate support and self-care.

Generativity vs Stagnation

This is the seventh stage of Erikson's eight stages. This stage occurs between the ages of forty years and sixty-five years, during which individuals focus on building lives through careers, families, and societal contributions.

Generativity

Individuals who feel as though they are making valuable contributions to society by any means will develop a sense of generativity. This entails concern for others and the desire to contribute to the betterment of future generations in a variety of different ways.

Stagnation

When individuals feel that they are not making positive contributions to society, they may experience stagnation. This involves a lack of motivation and the development of a negative cognitive atmosphere that includes self-absorption, lack of growth, and feelings of emptiness.

Example: Volunteering or becoming involved in community service can help individuals practice generativity by making a difference in the lives of those around them. So, when people contribute to their communities in this way, they can create a lasting impact.

Integrity vs Despair

This is the final stage of Erikson's eight stages of social development. This stage takes place from the age of sixty-five years through death and entails the contemplation of life accomplishments and development of integrity.

Integrity

Individuals who feel that they have led a meaningful and fulfilling life will experience integrity, characterized by a sense of acceptance of their life and the presence of fulfillment and wisdom.

Despair

Individuals who feel regretful about their past, making poor decisions and failing to achieve life goals, may experience despair. Despair involves developing feelings of regret, bitterness, disappointment relative to one's life leading up to death.

Example: An older adult reflects on their life and witnesses the undeniable growth they have experienced; they are overwhelmed with a sensation of accomplishment and bliss.

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