Erik Erikson

General Information . . . Erik Erikson (Erik Homberger at childhood) Born: June 15th, 1902 Death: May 12, 1994 Born: Frankfurt, Germany.

theory The Epigenetic Principle. It’s a little like the unfolding of a rose bud, each petal opens up at a certain time, in a certain order, which nature, through its genetics, has determined. If we interfere in the natural of development by pulling a petal forward prematurely or out of order, we ruin the development of the entire flower.

Stage one I: Trust vs. Mistrust, 1-1.5 years old -to develop trust without completely eliminating the capacity for mistrust. It’s vital that parent should give the infant a feeling of familiarity.

Stage two II: Autonomy vs Shame, 1.5-3 years old To achieve a degree of anatomy while minimizing shame and doubt Parents and other caretakers should let the child explore and manipulate its environment without the guardian being discouraging or pushy

Stage three III: Initiative vs Guilt, 3-6 years old -To learn initiative without too much guilt. We should accept and encourage fantasy, curiosity, and imagination. Begin to learn the differences between right and wrong with the parents being too hard.

Stage four IV INdustry vs. Infertility 6-12 years old (or so) To develop a capacity for industry while avoiding an excessive sense of inferiority Children must “tame the imagination” and dedicate themselves to education and learning the social skills their society requires of them

Stage five V: Identity, Role Confusion, 12-18 (or so) -To achieve ego identity and avoid role confusion. Figuring out who you are while being mature. Taking who you are and what you've learned about life and combining them.

Stage six VI: Intimacy vs. isolation, the 20’s -To achieve some degree of intimacy, as opposed to remaining in isolation. Fear of commitment is an example of inmaturity during this stage. No longer should feel the need to explain oneself. Should reach good levels of relationships with others as well as with yourself.

Stage seven VII Generativity vs. self absorption, Late 20s to 50s To cultivate the proper balance of generativity and stagnation Generativity is concern for future generations Stagnation is self-absorption

Stage eight VIII: Ego Integrity, 50’s and beyond To develop ego integrity with a minimal amount of despair. Most find their input is no longer needed. Sense of biological uselessness as the body no longer does everything it used to. More vulnerable, coming to terms with your life.

Three examples of how you’ve seen this theory within your own life Stage III: when I started preschool I was still learning the difference between right and wrong. My parents, teacher, and even older siblings taught me. I soon got the hang of things I couldn’t do, things I could, and things I needed permission for. Stage II: I’ve seen these types of actions with my one (almost two) year old brother, not wanting to let go of my mom or me. Stage V: everyone in this room is currently going through this stage. We are all trying to figure out who we are and/or who it is we’d like to be.

Social/emotional, intellectual, physical development? We say social/emotional It deals a lot with society and how you feel

Agree or disagree? why? We agree simply because the theory best explains the way we develop psychologically.