Social Development - Erik Erikson

Question 1

Between the ages of one and three, children begin to assert their independence by walking away from their mother, picking which toy to play with and making choices about what they like to wear, eat, etc.

Answer 1

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Question 2

Unsuccessful completion of this stage can result in an inability to trust, and therefore a sense of fear about the inconsistent world. It may result in anxiety, heightened insecurities, and feelings of mistrust in the world around them.

Answer 2

Trust v. Mistrust

Question 3

From birth to one year of age, children begin to learn the ability to trust others based upon the consistency of their caregiver(s).

Answer 3

Trust v. Mistrust

Question 4

Around age 3 and continuing to age 6 children assert themselves more frequently.

Answer 4

Initiative v. Guilt

Question 5

As individual grow older and become senior citizens, they tend to slow down and explore life as retired people.

Answer 5

Ego Integrity v. Despair

Question 6

They begin to plan activities, make up games, and initiate activities with others.

Answer 6

Initiative v. Guilt (3-6)

Question 7

During this period, they explore possibilities and begin to form their own identities based upon the outcome of their explorations.

Answer 7

Identity v. Role Confusion

Question 8

If given this opportunity, children develop a sense of initiative, and feel secure in their ability to lead others and make decisions.

Answer 8

Initiative v. Guilt (3-6)

Question 9

If trust develops successfully, the child gains the confidence and security in the world and is able to feel secure even when threatened.

Answer 9

Trust v. Mistrust

Question 10

During adolescence, the transition from childhood to adulthood is most important. Children are becoming more independent, and begin to look at the future in terms of career, relationships, families, housing and so on.

Answer 10

Identity v. Role Confusion

Question 11

From age 6 to puberty, children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments. They initiate projects, see them through to completion, and feel good about what they have achieved.

Answer 11

Industry v. Inferiority

Question 12

This sense of who they are can be hindered, which results in a sense of confusion (“I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up”) about themselves and their role in the world.

Answer 12

Identity v. Role Confusion

Question 13

In young adulthood, individuals begin to share themselves more intimately with others and explore relationships leading toward longer term commitments with others outside the family.

Answer 13

Intimacy v. Isolation

Question 14

Conversely, if this tendency is squelched, either through criticism or control, children develop a sense of guilt. They may feel like nuisances to others and will therefore remain followers, lacking self-initiative.

Answer 14

Initiative v. Guilt

Question 15

If children in this stage are encouraged and supported in their increased independence, they become more confident and secure in their own ability to survive in the world.

Answer 15

Autonomy v. Shame and Doubt

Question 16

It is during this time that they contemplate accomplishments and are able to develop a sense of integrity if they are satisfied with the progression of their lives. If they see their lives as being unproductive and failing to accomplish life goals, they become dissatisfied with life and develop despair, often leading to depression and hopelessness.

Answer 16

Ego Integrity v. Despair

Question 17

During middle adulthood, individuals establish careers, settle down within relationships, begin families, and develop a sense of being a part of the bigger picture. They give back to society through raising children, being productive at work, and becoming involved in community activities and organizations. By failing to achieve these objectives, individuals become stagnant and feel unproductive

Answer 17

Generativity v. Stagnation

Question 18

Successful completion can lead to comfortable relationships and a sense of commitment, safety, and care within an relationship. Avoiding intimacy and fearing commitment and relationships can lead to isolation, loneliness, and sometimes depression.

Answer 18

Intimacy v. Isolation

Question 19

If children are encouraged and reinforced for their initiative, they begin to feel industrious and feel confident in their ability to achieve goals.

Answer 19

Industry v. Inferiority (6-puberty)

Question 20

If children are criticized, overly controlled, or not given the opportunity to assert themselves they begin to feel inadequate in their ability to survive, and may then become overly dependent upon others while lacking self-esteem and feeling a sense of shame or doubt in their own abilities.

Answer 20

Autonomy v. Shame and Doubt

Question 21

If this initiative is not encouraged but restricted, children begin to feel inferior, doubting their abilities and failing to reach their potential.

Answer 21

Industry v. Inferiority (6-puberty)