Psychology and Sociology: Erikson's Psychosocial Development

Question 1

Trust vs Mistrust

Answer 1

-occurs during the first year of life
-The psychosocial conflict that a newborn faces is whether or not to trust caregivers to reliability provide support
-If caregivers do reliably care for the newborn, then the newborn will learn trust
-If they are unable to learn trust, the may learn trust later in life

Question 2

Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt

Answer 2

-1 to 3 years
-Child begins to explore their surroundings and develop their interests
-The favorable outcome is feeling able to exert control over the world and exercise choice as well as self-restraint
-If the child is overly controlled and criticized, the unfavorable outcome is a sense of doubt and a persistent external locus of control

Question 3

Initiative vs Guilt

Answer 3

-3 to 6 years
-Child learns basic cause and effect principles in physics, starting and finishing out tasks for a purpose
-Favorable outcomes include a sense of purpose, the ability to initiate activities, and the ability to enjoy accomplishment
-If guilt wins out, the child will be so overcome by the fear of punishment that the child may either restrict himself or may overcompensate by showing off

Question 4

Industry vs Inferiority

Answer 4

-6 to 12 years
-Pre-adolescents are becoming aware of themselves as individuals
-Favorable outcomes include feeling competent, being able to exercise his or her abilities and intelligence in the world, and being able to affect the world in the way that the child desires
-Unfavorable outcomes induce a sense of inadequacy, a sense of inability to act in a competent matter, and low self-esteem

Question 5

Identity vs Role confusion

Answer 5

-12 to 20 years
-Adolescents explore their independent to determine who they are and what their purpose is in society
-Individuals either form a single identity or become unsure about their place in society
-Favorable outcome: fidelity, the ability to see oneself as a unique and integrated person with sustained loyalties
-Unfavorable outcome: confusion about one’s identity and an amorphous personality that shifts from day to day

Question 6

Intimacy vs Isolation

Answer 6

-20 to 40 years
-People focus on creating long-lasting bonds with others
-Favorable bonds: love, the ability to have intimate relationships with others, and the ability to commit oneself to another person and to one’s own goals
-Unfavorable bonds: avoidance of commitment, alienation, and distancing of oneself from others and one’s ideals
-Isolated individuals are either withdrawn or capable of only superficial relationships with others

Question 7

Generativity vs Stagnation

Answer 7

-40 to 65 years
-Focus is on advancing present and future society
-Favorable outcome: an individual capable of being a productive, caring, and contributing member of society
-Unfavorable outcome: one acquires a sense of stagnation and may become self-indulgent, bored, and self-centered with little care for others

Question 8

Integrity vs Despair

Answer 8

-Above 65 years
-The focus tends to be reflective and contemplative
-Favorable outcome: wisdom, which Erikson defined as detached concern with life itself, with assurance in the meaning of life, dignity, and acceptance of the fact that one’s life has been worthwhile, along with a readiness to face death
-Unfavorable outcome: feelings of bitterness about one’s life, a feeling that life has been worthless, and at the same time, fear over one’s own impending death