Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development

Question 1

Psychosocial task: Trust. Trust develops in the context of the relationship between the infant and primary caregiver and forms the foundation for all other stages.

Failure to master the task can result in pervasive mistrust of others OR dependent, unthinking, rigid adulation of others.

Answer 1

Erikson: Trust vs. Mistrust: (0-18 months)

Question 2

Psychosocial task: to achieve a sense of independence over their own body in the context of relationships with primary caregivers.

If they’re over controlled or prohibited from exploring or becoming autonomous, they may feel doubtful of their own abilities and experience excessive shame.

Answer 2

Erikson: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt: (18 months to 3 years)

Question 3

The child’s psychosocial task is to set goals and carry out plans without infringing on the rights of others.

Exerting too much control (or taking action that does infringe on the rights of others) results in disapproval from adults and subsequent feelings of guilt. Those feelings of guilt then prohibit the child (or adult) from effectively making plans or setting goals in the future.

Answer 3

Erikson: Initiative vs. Guilt: (3-6 years)

Question 4

The child’s psychosocial task is to develop a sense of competence by beginning school and learning to do things on their own. This instills a sense of pride and confidence. The peer group begins to be of greater significance and contributes to self-esteem.

If adults don’t support the child in their initiative, a sense of inferiority may develop where the child doubts their abilities, making it more difficult to reach their potential.

Answer 4

Erikson: Industry vs. Inferiority: (6-12 years)

Question 5

Psychosocial task: to learn the roles that they will occupy as an adult while developing a sense of personal identity. Peer relationships help them to explore various identities. Success in this stage leads to fidelity where the adolescent feels comfortable with others who have varying values, while remaining true to their own identity.

If the adolescent fails to develop a sense of identity, then they may feel role confusion or a weakened sense of self.

Answer 5

Erikson: Identity vs. Role Confusion: (12-18 years)

Question 6

The psychosocial task is to begin forming intimate relationships with others. An individual develops comfortable relationships with a sense of commitment and care.

Failure to develop intimacy can lead to isolation, loneliness, and a feeling of exclusion.

Answer 6

Erikson: Intimacy vs. Isolation: (18-40 years)

Question 7

The psychosocial task during this stage is to participate in activities that give the individual a sense of purpose such as a career, raising children, and creating positive changes that benefit others.

If an adult doesn’t feel a sense of purpose, they may feel little connection to others and a sense of uselessness or rejection.

Answer 7

Erikson: Generativity vs. Stagnation: (40-65 years)

Question 8

The psychosocial task during this stage is for older adults to look back on life and feel a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. This wisdom allows them to face the end of life and accept successes and failures, aging, and loss.

Those who see their lives as unproductive or with many regrets may develop a sense of despair and guilt that can lead to depression and/or hopelessness.

Answer 8

Erikson: Ego Integrity vs. Despair: (65-death)

Question 9

Developmental theory that assumes that people are basically rational and that behavior is largely due to ego functioning

Each of the 8 stages have a psychosocial task that is to be mastered