Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory

Question 1

Define Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory.

Answer 1

According to Erikson, a child’s personality develops over time in stages and in response to his/her social environment.

At each of these stages, there is a crisis (conflict) that the child must overcome, which is distinctly social in nature. There are also psychological tasks that the child must complete at each stage in order to address/resolve the crisis.

Question 2

Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development - Stage 1, Infancy (Birth to 1 year)

Describe the Psychosocial Development/CRISIS and the outcome of this stage.

Answer 2

CRISIS: Trust vs Mistrust

OUTCOME of this stage:
Success - Results in a feeling that the world is safe and secure, leading to the virtue of hope.

Success - Feeling that the world is safe and secure, leading to the virtue of hope.

Failure - Results in fear and belief that the world is inconsistent and unpredictable.

Question 3

Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development - Stage 2, Early Childhood (1-3 years)

Describe the Psychosocial Development/CRISIS and the outcome of this stage.

Answer 3

CRISIS: Autonomy vs Shame & Doubt

OUTCOME of this stage:
Success - Results in a child who feels secure and more confident in his/her own ability

Success - Child who feels secure and more confident in his/her own ability

Failure - Results in a sense of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Question 4

Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development - Stage 3, Preschool (3-5 years)

Describe the Psychosocial Development/CRISIS and the outcome of this stage.

Answer 4

CRISIS: Initiative vs Guilt

OUTCOME of this stage:
Success - Results in a child who feels capable in his/her ability to lead others and make decisions, giving him/her a sense of purpose.

Success - Child who feels capable in his/her ability to lead others and make decisions, giving him/her a sense of purpose

Failure - Results in a sense of self-doubt guilt and lack of initiative.

Question 5

Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development - Stage 4, School age (5-11 years)

Describe the Psychosocial Development/CRISIS and the outcome of this stage.

Answer 5

CRISIS: Industry vs Inferiority

OUTCOME of this stage:
Success - 1. The child begins to develop a sense of pride in his/her accomplishments and abilities. 2. Children who are encouraged and commended by parents/teacher at this stage develop a feeling of competence, industriousness and belief in their abilities.

Success - Child develops a feeling of competence, industriousness and belief in their abilities

Failure - 1. Results in inferiority developing when the child encounters negative experiences at home, at school or with peers, leading to feelings of incompetence. 2. Those who receive little or no encouragement will doubt their own ability to succeed.

Question 6

Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development - Stage 5, Adolescence (12-18 years)

Describe the Psychosocial Development/CRISIS and the outcome of this stage.

Answer 6

CRISIS: Identity vs Role Confusion

OUTCOME of this stage:
Success - Results in an adolescent who feels independent and in control.

Success - Adolescent who feels independent and in control

Failure - Results in one who feels insecure and confused about future adult roles, i.e. role confusion or identity crisis.