Erik Erikson

Question 1

What did he propose?

Answer 1

a life span approach to psychological development

-all individuals go through eight stages in their lives.

Question 2

What is each stage characterized by?

Answer 2

a ‘crisis’, a particular psychological challenge that ideally should be resolved before the individual moves on.

Question 3

Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust

Answer 3

• occurs during the baby’s first year
• the baby depends on others to provide food, comfort, cuddling, and warmth
• if the needs are not met, the child may never develop the essential trust of others.

Question 4

Stage 2: Autonomy(Independence) vs. Shame and Doubt

Answer 4

• toddler age
• the child is learning to be independent
• must learn to do so without feeling too ashamed or uncertain about their actions.

Question 5

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt

Answer 5

• preschooler age
• child is acquiring new physical and mental skills, setting goals, and enjoying newfound talents, but must also learn to control impulses.
• danger lies in developing too strong a sense of guilt over their wishes and fantasies.

Question 6

Stage 4: Competence vs. Inferiority

Answer 6

• school-age children
• acquiring the skills for adult life
• children who fail these lessons of mastery and competence may come out of this stage feeling inadequate and inferior.

Question 7

Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion

Answer 7

• adolescence
• teenagers must decide who they are, what they are going to do, and what they hope to make of their lives.
• identity crisis
• those who resolve it emerge with a strong identity, ready to plan for the future.
• those who do not will sink into confusion, unable to make decisions.

Question 8

Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation

Answer 8

• young adulthood
• you must share yourself with another and learn to make commitments
• you are not complete until you are capable of intimacy.

Question 9

Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation

Answer 9

• middle years
• will you sink into complacency and selfishness or will you experience generativity -creativity and renewal
• usually through parenthood

Question 10

Stage 8: Ego Integrity vs. Despair

Answer 10

• late adulthood and old age
• people strive to reach the ultimate goals of wisdom, spiritual tranquility, and acceptance of their lives.
• the healthy adult will not fear death.