Erickson's theory of psychosocial development Jamila and Sabrina

Trust versus Mistrust Stage 1 Early infancy Occurs from birth to 12-18 months. Erikson used the term trust broadly to refer to the views and expectations that infants develop about their world. He believed that when an infant has developed a healthy sense of trust, they will view the world as a predictable, safe, caring and happy place. Mistrust can develop when care is inadequate, irregular or even rejecting. If infants become more mistrusting, their anxiety and insecurity can negatively affect relationships with family and others. for example: parents may believe they have a bad and irritable infant who is too demanding and wants to much attention. Erikson described the social dilemma or problem an individual faces in adjusting to society.

Autonomy versus Shame or doubt Stage 2 late infancy Between 12-18 months and about three years of age Autonomy refers to the ability to do things independently and feeling of self-control, self-confidence, self-reliance and competence which accompanies this. Alternatively, a sense shame or doubt occurs when we are being too dependent on others, which can lead to a lack of self- confidence, self-consciousness and doubtful of our capabilities. It’s based on the infant’s developing motor and cognitive abilities. During the second year of life, when infants can move about on their own and have discovered that they can cause events to occur, they begin to show their independence.

Initiative versus Guilt Stage 3 Early Childhood Between 3 to 5 years of age According to Erikson, initiative involves being able to plan, think for oneself and carry out various kinds of activities with purpose. Children from 3 to 5 years of age (the preschool years) are very active and increasingly have more control over their bodies. In Erikson's theory Guilt is, a negative feeling formed by an individual when something they have done or want to do is considered wrong.

Industry versus Inferiority Stage 4 Middle and Late Childhood Occurs between 5 to 12 years of age Industry is the sense of being busy, productive and a competent worker. When children are encouraged in their efforts to get the most out of things they already have, to do practical things (whether it to be cook, assemble a jigsaw puzzle, or construct a cubby house) are allowed to their results then their sense of industry is enhanced. Inferiority occurs when children feel less adequate then their peers in achievements, skill and abilities.

Identity verses identity confusion 5th stage Adolescent Occurs between the age of 12 and 18. Involves the psychosocial crisis of developing a sense of identity, failure to do that, the person will have identity confusion. Erickson’s definition of identity refers to the over all image individuals have of them self. During this stage individual matures cognitively as well as emotionally and physically. When a person does not attain a sense of personal identity, they show some amount of role confusion a sense of not knowing who they are, where they belong and where they are headed in life. ( such confusion is often seen in delinquent young people).

Intimacy verses isolation stage 6 young adulthood Occurs form 18 years of age to 25, Intimacy is the ability to share with and care about another person without fear of losing oneself in the process. Isolation refers to sense of being alone without anyone ones life or care for. People who lack a sense of identity tend to isolate themselves, or form superficial or shallow relationships with others. Intimacy, like identity, continually changes over time and is influenced by experiences later in life.

Generatively versus stagnation stage 7 adulthood Occurs from the age of 25 to 65 Generatively refers to a person's concern with others beyond their immediate family, with future generations and the nature of the society and world in which those generations will live. having children is an important part of generatively for many people becoming generative is not always easy, it can be difficult in a youth-oriented society that seems eager for older people to step aside and let younger Stagnation refers to boredom, inactivity, too much concern with personal needs and comforts and a lack of personal growth.

Integrity versus despair stage 8 late adulthood From 65 years and over, a time when most of a person's life's work is nearing completion and there is time for reflection. Integrity refers to a sense of satisfaction with one's achievements in life and a belief that all that happened in the course of one's life has been useful, valuable and meaningful. Some people look back at life with a sense of despair Despair involves bitter feelings of hopelessness, involving lost opportunities, mistakes that were made and the sense that life has been meaningless and empty.