Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development

Index

• The Psychosocial Development Theory by Erikson
• The discrepancy between Erik Erikson and Sigmund Freud
• Characteristics Erikson's Theory
• All 8 psychosocial stages in the theory of psychosocial development

In Evolutionary Psychology, also called Developmental Psychology, the Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development it is one of the most widespread and accepted theories. Next we are going to describe some of the foundations of the theory of Erik erikson, as well as to describe the stages and their conflicts.

1. Erikson's theory of psychosocial development

The Theory of Psychosocial Development was devised by Erik Erikson from the reinterpretation of the psychosexual phases developed bySigmund Freud in which he highlighted the social aspects of each of them in four main facets:

1. Emphasized understanding of 'me' as an intense force, as an organizing capacity of the person, capable of reconciling the forces syntonic and dystonic, as well as to resolve the crises derived from the genetic, cultural and historical context of each person.
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2. He highlighted Freud's stages of psychosexual development, integrating the social dimension and psychosocial development.
3. He proposed the concept of personality development from infancy to old age.
4. He investigated about the impact of culture, society and history in the development of personality.

2. The discrepancy between Erik Erikson and Sigmund Freud

Erikson disagrees with Freud on the importance that the latter gave to the sexual development to explain the evolutionary development of the individual.

Erikson understands that the individual, as he goes through the different stages, develops awareness of him through social interaction.

3. Characteristics of Erikson's theory

Erikson also proposes a theory of competition. Each of the vital stages give foot to the development of a series of competencies.

If in each of the new stages of life the person has achieved the corresponding competence At that vital moment, that person will experience a sense of dominance that Erikson conceptualizes What ego strength. Having acquired the competence helps to solve the goals that will be presented during the next life stage.

Another of the fundamental features of Erikson's theory is that each of the stages are determined by a conflict that allows individual development. When the person manages to resolve each of the conflicts, he grows psychologically.

In the resolution of these conflicts the person finds a great potential for growth, but on the other hand we can also find a great potential for failure if the conflict of this vital stage is not overcome.

The 8 psychosocial stages

We are going to summarize each of the eight psychosocial stages described by Erik Erikson.

1. Trust vs Distrust

This stage takes place from birth to eighteen months of life, and depends on the relationship or bond that has been created with the mother.

The relationship with the mother will determine the future bonds that will be established with people throughout their lives. It is the feeling of trust, vulnerability, frustration, satisfaction, security... that can determine the quality of relationships.

2. Autonomy vs Shame and doubt

This stadium begins from 18 months to 3 years life of the child.

During this stage the child begins his cognitive and muscular development, when he begins to control and exercise the muscles that are related to body excretions. East learning process it can lead to moments of doubt and shame. Likewise, achievements in this stage trigger a sense of autonomy and of feeling like an independent body.

3. Initiative vs Guilt

This stadium travels from 3 to 5 years of age.

The child begins to develop very quickly, both physically and intellectually. Their interest in interacting with other children grows, putting their skills and abilities to the test. Children are curious and it is positive to motivate them to develop creatively.

If parents react negatively to children's questions or their initiative, it is likely to generate a sense of guilt.

4. Industriousness vs Inferiority

This stage occurs between 6-7 years to 12 years.

Children show a genuine interest in how things work and try to carry out many activities by themselves, with their own effort and putting their knowledge and skills. For that reason, the positive stimulation that school, at home, or by peer groups can offer you is so important. The latter begins to acquire a transcendental relevance for them.

In the event that this is not welcomed or its failures motivate comparisons with others, the child may develop a certain sense of inferiority that will make him feel insecure in front of the rest.

5. Identity Exploration vs Identity Diffusion

This stadium takes place during adolescence. At this stage, a question is insistently asked: who am I?

Adolescents begin to be more independent and to distance themselves from their parents. They prefer to spend more time with their friends and begin to think ahead and decide what they want to study, where to work, where to live, etc.

Exploring your own possibilities occurs at this stage. They begin to shore up their own identity based on lived experiences. This search will cause them to feel confused about their own identity on multiple occasions.

6. Intimacy versus Isolation

This stage comprises from 20 years to 40, approximately.

The way of relating to other people is modified, the individual begins to prioritize more intimate relationships that offer and require a reciprocal commitment, an intimacy that generates a sense of security, company, confidence.

If this kind of intimacy is evaded, one may be bordering on loneliness or isolation, a situation that can end in depression.

7. Generativity in the face of stagnation

This stage takes place between 40 to 60 years.

It is a period of life in which the person dedicates his time to his family. The search for balance between productivity and stagnation is prioritized; a productivity that is linked to the future, to the future of yours and of the next generations, is the search to feel needed by others, to be and to feel useful.

Stagnation is that question that the individual asks himself: What am I doing here if it is useless?; he feels stagnant and cannot channel his effort to be able to offer something to his loved ones or to the world.

8. Integrity of the self in the face of despair

This stage occurs from age 60 to death.

It is a time when the individual stops being productive, or at least does not produce as much as he was previously capable of. A stage in which life and the way of living are totally altered, friends and family die, one has to face the duels that causes old age, both in your own body and in that of others.

Bibliographic references:

• Erikson, Erik. (2000). The completed life cycle. Barcelona: Paidós Ibérica Editions.
• Erikson, Erik. (1972). Society and Adolescence. Buenos Aires: Editorial Paidós.
• Erikson, Erik. (1968, 1974). Identity, Youth and Crisis. Buenos Aires: Editorial Paidós.