Erik Erikson

Stage theorist; focused on social & emotional development.

Viewed life as eight stages that occur between birth and death.

Each stage has a challenge which Erikson named “crisis”

The individuals personality is affected by how they meet the challenge

Individuals who meet the challenge with success move to the next stage.

Those who do not, may be “stuck” in a stage. This can affect their development throughout life.

Stage One: Infancy Age 0 - 1

CRISIS – Trust vs. Mistrust

During the first year, babies depend on others for food, warmth and affection. They need to be able to blindly trust that they will receive these things from their parents (or caregivers.

POSITIVE OUTCOME – If needs are met consistently, infants will develop a secure attachment with parents and will learn to trust environment in general.

NEGATIVE OUTCOME – If not, infants will develop mistrust towards people, environment and even themselves.

TRUST!!!

I’m hungry. Mom gives me a bottle!

Stage Two: Toddler Age 1-3

CRISIS – Autonomy vs. Doubt (or Shame)

Toddlers are learning to walk, talk, be potty trained, and do some things on their own. Self-confidence and self-control start developing during this stage.

POSITIVE OUTCOME – If parents encourage the child to explore within limits, the toddler learns self-confidence feelings of autonomy develop.

NEGATIVE OUTCOME – If parents are overprotective or disapproving of the toddler’s acts of independence, the child may begin to feels ashamed of his behaviour or may doubt his abilities.

AUTONOMY!!!

I can blow out my own birthday candle!!!

Stage Three: Age 3 - 5

-CRISIS – Initiative vs. Guilt

Child has new found power from increased motor skills, they interact socially with people around them.

POSITIVE OUTCOME – if parents encourage child but are also consistent with discipline, child will learn to accept without guilt that certain behaviours are not acceptable, but at the same time will not feel shame when using their imagination

NEGATIVE OUTCOME – if parents are not encouraging, child may develop guilt and may begin to believe that being independent is wrong.

INITIATIVE!!!

My sister and I playing creatively together.

STAGE FOUR: Age 6-11

CRISIS – Industry vs. Inferiority

School is an important event, children are learning that work is worthwhile.

POSITIVE OUTCOME – if children discover pleasure in being productive and seeking success, they will learn industry which is working hard and having a sense of accomplishment from work.

NEGATIVE OUTCOME – children who don’t may feel a sense of failure if they are not given the opportunity to work on projects and activities. This leads to feelings of inferiority.

INDUSTRY!!!

Working hard to become a ballerina!!!

Stage Five: Age 12-18

CRISIS – Identity vs. Identity Confusion

The task during the this stage is to form a “sense of self”.

POSITIVE OUTCOME – teens discover who they are through exploration of the world and people in it. They discover their beliefs and goals. This is called identity.

NEGATIVE OUTCOME – teens who do not build a sense of themselves suffer identity confusion. They continue through life without much understanding of who they are or where they want to go.

IDENTITY!!!

Learning that I am very family-oriented while decorating our Christmas tree with my sisters!

THE LAST THREE STAGES

Stage 6 : Age 19 – 35

CRISIS – Intimacy vs. Isolation

- individual seeks to develop love relationships

Stage 7: Age 35 – 50

CRISIS – Generativity vs. Stagnation

-individual seeks to contribute to the world (have kids, community service etc.)

Stage 8: Age 50+

CRISIS – Integrity vs. Despair

- individuals wants to be able to look back on their lives and have no regrets

Task

Create a hand drawn cartoon that represents a child in one of the earlier stages of Erikson’s theory.

First, show success in the stage, next, show what may happen if the child becomes “stuck” at this crisis.

Use colour and large text to fully illustrate your point.