Erik Erikson

Question 1

What do adolescents have to master to develop their own identity?

Answer 1

• ego synthesis
• socio-cultural identity
• gender-role identity
• career identity
• own value systems

Question 2

Explain ego synthesis

Answer 2

• A continuous image of the self

* no matter what, a person should feel like the same person all the time

Question 3

Explain socio-cultural identity

Answer 3

Adolescents identity must include the value orientations of his/her culture

Question 4

Explain gender-role identity

Answer 4

• must be firmly established

* adolescents must accept their identities as male or female

Question 5

Explain career identity

Answer 5

• must be formed

* adolescents must be realistic regarding their own abilities and achievements

Question 6

Explain own value system

Answer 6

• must be developed
• adolescents must rethink certain values to the extent that they might form an own philosophy which may serve as an anchor in their lives

Question 7

What is identity confusion?

Answer 7

When adolescents are indecisive about themselves and their roles

Question 8

Name stage 1 and explain (with age)

Answer 8

Trust vs mistrust (0-2 years)
• trust is fostered with constant love and care. They see the social world as a safe place to be

• mistrust is developed if needs aren’t met

Question 9

Name stage 2 and explain (with age)

Answer 9

Autonomy vs shame and doubt (2-3 years)

• when child is growing out of total dependent stage
• child needs considerable freedom, independence and autonomy to exercise control over her environment
• if she is gently encouraged to do what she can cope with - experience a sense of autonomy (control over herself and her life)
• if she is reprimanded/prevented from trying - experience shame and doubt about herself

Question 10

Name and explain stage 3 (with age)

Answer 10

Initiative vs guilt (3-6 years)

• the world begins to expand, allowing the child to experience it with more physical competence
• child freely using his/her imagination without feelings of guilt/worry of punishment = will develop initiative
• if the child’s not allowed to do things on their own = over come by a sense of guilt and fear that they are always wrong

Question 11

Name and explain stage 4 (with age)

Answer 11

Industry vs inferiority (7-12 years)

• usually marked by beginning of school
• industry = characterized by work, doing, producing, creating and other related activities
• success of a task = sense of industry
• continuous failure = a sense of inferiority

Question 12

Name and explain stage 5 (with age)

Answer 12

Identity vs role confusion (14-20 years)

• identity- an individual’s awareness of them-self as an independent and unique person
• adolescents need to define who they are, what’s important to them, directions they want to take in life
• failure to develop identity -> may lead to role confusion