The role of identity and freewill in the development of the self Flashcards
Erikson (1959) Eight stages of development
The theory suggests that we develop our identity through 8 stages and that we build our identity through crises (challenges). This theory is built on Freud’s psychodynamic view on development. He suggests our mental and social development is built across a whole lifespan. The theory is biopsychosocial as it takes biological (age stages), psychological (mental development) and social (our interaction with others) factors into account. Erikson suggests we can have psychological problems if we do not develop through normal stages.
The first 4 stages of development
Trust or mistrust- 0-18 months- Gets care and security from caregivers or not
Autonomy or Shame and Doubt- 1.5 to 3 years- Has self-certainty or is self-conscious
Initiative or Guilt- 3-5 years- Role experimentation or fixation on a role
Industry or Inferiority- 5-12 years- Learning about effort or stuck regarding effort
Last 4 stages of development
Identity or Identity confusion- 12-18 years- Finding out about identity
Intimacy or Isolation- 18-40 years- Understands own sexuality or has confusion
Generativity or Stagnation- 40-65 years- Gives back to the next generation or doesn’t
Integrity or Despair- 65+ years- Sees self as successful with a philosophy for life of is dissatisfied
Strengths of Eriksons theory
It can be applied to people throughout their life
It has practical applications as therapists can use ideas from Eriksons theory
Weaknesses of Eriksons theory
It may not be universal as people from different cultures have different developmental stages. For example, the Intimacy vs Isolation stage can vary as some cultures can marry people at age 13 or 30.
It has been criticised for using gender stereotyping, such as intimacy and isolation being more about women than men
