Erik Erikson

Question 1

Erik Erikson

Answer 1

Developed psychosocial theory
- integrates personal, emotional and social development

Ego-analyst
- relationship between individual/self and the world

Personality develops throughout the lifetime

• impacted by social, cultural, personal, and situational forces
• importance of separation and individuation

Question 2

5 Assumptions of Erikson’s Work

Answer 2

1. People have the same basic needs
2. Personal development occurs in response to these needs
3. Development proceeds in stages
4. Movement through the stages reflects changes in an individual’s motivation
5. Each stage is characterized by a psychosocial challenge that presents opportunities for development

Question 3

Crisis

Answer 3

The time an individual experiences a psychological challenge

Results can be positive or negative

Question 4

Trust vs. Mistrust (B - 1.5/2 years)

Answer 4

Infants are entirely dependent, development of trust depends on the dependability and quality of their caregivers

Success: develops trust and feels safe/secure

Unsuccessful: develop mistrust due to inconsistent, emotionally unavailable or rejection from caregivers

Question 5

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1.5/2 - 3 years)

Answer 5

Securely attached children meet the challenge of doing things on their own and exerting independence

Success: Gain control over bodily functions (toilet training), food choices, clothing. Feelings of security and confidence

Unsuccessful: Inadequacy and self-doubt

Question 6

Initiative vs. Guilt (3 - 5 years)

Answer 6

Children assume responsibility for bodies, behavior, develop exploratory and investigative attitude

Success: Feel capable, lead others

Unsuccessful: Restricted, develop sense of guilt about pursuing their interests, self-doubt, and lack of initiative

Question 7

Industry vs. Inferiority (6 - 11 years)

Answer 7

Mastery and competence through success and recognition of one’s accomplishments

Success: Develop sense of pride, encouraged and commended by parents/teachers

Unsuccessful: Doubt their ability to be successful

Question 8

Identity vs. Confusion (12-18 years)

Answer 8

Questions of “Who am I?”, major physical, intellectual, and emotional changes

Success: Encouraged and reinforced through personal exploration, develop sense of self and feelings of independence and control

Unsuccessful: Unsure of beliefs and desires, insecure and confused about themselves and the future

Question 9

Intimacy vs. Isolation (19-40 years)

Answer 9

Firm sense of identity leads to intimacy

Success: Giving for the sake of giving, develop close, committed relationships with other people

Unsuccessful: Lack relationships, emotionally isolated, lonely, depressed

Question 10

Generativity vs. Stagnation (40-65 years)

Answer 10

Concern for and commitment for guiding the next generation

Success: Contribute to bettering society, active in home and community

Unsuccessful: Feel unproductive and uninvolved in the world, apathetic, self-absorbed, not intimate

Question 11

Identity vs. Despair (65 - death)

Answer 11

Reflecting back on life

Success: Accept themselves and that they only have one life to live, to live it well, and have few regrets, have a sense of integrity

Unsuccessful: Feel their life was wasted, feel regretful, bitterness, and despair

Question 12

Criticisms

Answer 12

Ambiguous terms/concepts
Lacks scientific evidence and precision
Insensitive to gender differences
Identity crisis may only apply to affluent individuals