Theory of Development (first 5 stages) Erik Erikson Theory of Development (first 5 stages)

Background of E.E. Erik was born in 1902, and died in 1994. It is believed that his childhood was the inspiration for developing the theory--his mother concealed his father’s identity from him until his teens (he had some issues!). Erik believed that every human being goes through 8 social stages to reach his or her full development, beginning at birth and progressing to death. Each stage contains a “crisis” or “conflict” that must be resolved in a positive or negative way. The result of each stage will dictate how a person behaves socially/psychologically.

Stage One: Trust vs. Mistrust Average Age: Birth through One POSITIVE outcome: The child develops trust in others. NEGATIVE outcome: The child develops mistrust in others The degree to which a child comes to trust others depends on the quality of care that he/she receives.

Stage Two: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt Average Age: 2 through 3 years. POSITIVE outcome: The child develops independence, is able to do basic self-care tasks for themselves (autonomy). NEGATIVE outcome: The child develops a need for others to do everything for them (doubt) and is ashamed of their own lack of ability (shame).

Stage Three: Initiative vs. Guilt Average Age: 4 to 5 years POSITIVE outcome: A child develops confidence in his/her own ability to decide on activities and passions (initiative). NEGATIVE outcome: A child feels guilty for doing something their parents/ peers/caregivers did not instigate (guilt).

Stage Four: Industry vs. Inferiority Average Age: 6 to 11 years (elementary school) POSITIVE outcome: A child develops confidence that they are able to participate and succeed in all school assigned activities if they work hard (industry). NEGATIVE outcome: A child develops the feeling that no matter how hard they try, they will not succeed in any school assigned activity, no matter how hard they work. (inferiority)

Stage Five: Identity vs. Role Confusion Average Age: 12-18 years POSITIVE outcome: A person knows what they want to be, what they believe in, and who they are--AND are allowed to act on this knowledge. NEGATIVE outcome: A person is told what to be, what to believe in, and who they are by a parent/other adult-- and are very, very confused!!!

Stages 6-8...not so important to us, but what they are just FYI! Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair