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Erik Erikson Psychological theory

Erikson's theory is about how individual growth is entwined with social factors and events. Society helps

us develop skills that in return make us more mature. Eriksons Psychosocial Theory focuses on how

society shapes and influences a persons growing sense of ego and the quest for identity.

Psychosocial Stage 1 - Trust vs. Mistrust

The first stage starts from birth to 12 months during which the infant develops a sense of confidence

towards the world. If the caregivers are attentive, the baby will have trust and confidence in the world;

otherwise, they will believe that the world is inconsistent and they will have a more pronounced sense

of fear.

Psychosocial Stage 2 - Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

The second stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development takes place during early childhood

and is focused on children developing a greater sense of personal control. Like Freud, Erikson believed

that toilet training was a vital part of this process. However, Erikson's reasoning was quite different than

that of Freud's. Erikson believe that learning to control ones body functions leads to a feeling of control

and a sense of independence.

Children who successfully complete this stage feel secure and confident, while those who do not are left

with a sense of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Stage 3: Initiative versus Guilt

From 3 to 6 years the child tries out new things and is not afraid of failure. They engage in social

interaction and play and may grow to feel capable and a leader. Not resolving the crisis can lead to self-doubt, guilt and a lack of initiative.

Stage 4: Industry versus Inferiority

From 5 to 11 years the child learns about cultural values and may have sense of pride in their abilities or

they will harbor feelings of inferiority and doubt in their abilities to succeed in the world.

Stage 5: Identity versus Confusion

In this stage which lasts from puberty to early adulthood they seek to establish their own personality,which can lead to a sense of control and independence or to a person who is full of insecurity and

confusion about the future.

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Stage 6: Intimacy versus Isolation

During early adulthood what matter most are personal relationships. However, successful interaction

with others implies having resolved previous conflicts. The person might be imbued with feelings of

isolation and loneliness which can even lead to depression.

Stage 7: Generativity versus Stagnation

At this stage of middle adulthood one is preoccupied with establishing and guiding the new generation.

Constructing a life, a career, to have founded a family and to contribute to society are the most

important elements of this stage. Someone who lacks those attributes might feel at the margin of the

world, passive and with a lack of purpose and productivity.

Stage 8: Integrity versus Despair

The last stage in late adulthood deals with accepting our lifes accomplishments and dealing with

impending death. If life is seen as a waste of time and full of failures one is filled with fear and has a

sense of despair and disillusionment. Yet somebody who is satisfied with their life will await death with

patience and integrity.