Question

Describe any five psychosocial stages of development given by Erik Erikson.

Answer 1

Each stage contributes to the formation of the total personality. Erikson said that the stages are not laid out according to a strict chronological timetable. This he termed the ‘Epigenetic Principle’. During each stage, there is a 'fundamental crisis' that challenges the developing ego through interactions with society. Erikson's stages are based on psychosocial factors.

1. Basic trust vs. Basic mistrust:
   1. In this stage, the infant's trust and familiarity with their maternal person create an inner sense of certainty and trust. Consistent daily routines teach infants to trust others and themselves.
   2. This assurance reduces the negative aspect of basic trust, mistrust, which is necessary for human development.
   3. Infants’ optimism is based on their relationship with a trustworthy maternal parent who meets their needs and provides warmth and sustenance.
2. Autonomy vs. Shame/doubt:
   1. Children learn expectations, obligations, and limitations. The child seeks fresh, activity-oriented experiences. Encourage your child to engage in situations that need autonomy or free choice.
   2. Excessive shame can lead to a child acting secretive, sneaky, or sly.
   3. Self-control gives children a permanent feeling of goodwill. Loss of self-control can lead to long-term feelings of shame and doubt.
   4. During this stage, the will is responsible for a child’s progressive acceptance of lawfulness.
3. Initiative vs. Guilt:
   1. This is an age of increased mastery and responsibility. The combination of initiative and autonomy empowers children to plan and achieve their goals.
   2. The danger of this stage is a sense of guilt. This might lead to aggressive and manipulative methods of obtaining goals.
   3. Purpose is the attribute that emerges at this stage. Play, discovery, and experimentation with toys lead to purposeful outcomes.
4. Industry vs. Inferiority:
   1. The child begins formal education. It develops a sense of industry. The child learns qualities like perseverance and diligence. The child is interested in work-related activities and tools.
   2. During this time, children may develop a sense of inadequacy if they are unable to master duties assigned by teachers and parents.
   3. Competency emerges throughout this level. Focusing on tasks and finishing them can lead to a sense of competence and improved workmanship.
5. Identity vs. Identity confusion:
   1. During adolescence, individuals become aware of their identities and seek to fit into a meaningful role in society. It’s time to make vocational plans. The ego, both conscious and unconscious, is the driving force behind identity development. The ego chooses and combines talents, aptitudes, and skills to shape one’s psychosocial identity.
   2. During adolescence, individuals may experience role and identity confusion. This mood can lead to feelings of isolation, emptiness, anxiety, and indecision.
   3. An identity crisis occurs when one’s perspective shifts drastically. It alludes to the need to overcome the temporary failure to establish a stable identity.
   4. At this stage, the virtue of fidelity emerges. Erikson refers to the emerging values as fidelity.