Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development

Erik Erikson (1902-1994) was an American psychoanalyst, although of German origin, who stood out for his contributions to the field of developmental psychology. One of his best known theories was "The Theory of Psychosocial Development", developed in 1950.

In this article we will see what each of the 8 stages or crises that make up Erikson's theory consist of, focused on the life cycle. We will know their most relevant characteristics and at what ages they appear.

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Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development: what does it consist of?

In this theory, Erikson states that There are 8 types of crisis that we all go through throughout our life cycle, in the different stages of life. That is, from birth to old age (including subsequent death).

Each crisis corresponds to a vital stage (at a more or less limited age period); when a crisis is overcome, the next stage is reached. On the other hand, each crisis includes a dichotomous term, that is, two antagonistic concepts (for example: trust vs. distrust), as we will see later.

These crises are strongly influenced by the vital moment of society, due to its own characteristics, as well as due to the development of external events (social, personal ...). Let's see what each crisis of Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory consists of and the characteristics of each one of them:

Stage 1: trust vs. mistrust (0 - 18 months)

Consists in the first stage and therefore the first crisis. It appears from birth and usually lasts until approximately 18 months (1 year and a half of age). This stage is characterized because initially the child distrusts everyone, but progressively learns to trust others (or not to do so); that is, he begins to discern who he can trust and who he cannot.

Trust is a variable closely related to attachment and social relationships. In this first stage, this trust has a more basic character linked to sustenance, referring to the fact that the child trusts or not that “X” person (s) will cover her basic needs. For trust to be created, the quality of child care needs to be good.

Stage 2: autonomy vs. shame and doubt (18 months - 3 years)

The second stage of Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development begins when the previous one ends, at 18 months, and lasts up to approximately 3 years. It is characterized because the child initially feels shame towards others and doubts everything. Progressively, if the crisis is "overcome", the child will acquire autonomy and control over her own body.

In addition, he will increasingly be able to perform tasks on his own. This stage is very important because it is related to the child's independence, an essential tool for her self-concept and well-being (here parents have a great role).

Stage 3: initiative vs. guilt (3 - 5 years)

The third stage goes from 3 to 5 years. Here the child is acquiring initiative to play and to carry out other activities. He feels more confident and has more control of the world than him. Also, he begins to interact more with other children.

If the child successfully passes this stage, he will be able to guide other children to play or to do other things. If the child does not overcome the crisis or remains "stuck", he will suffer a feeling of guilt and doubts.

Stage 4: industriousness vs inferiority (5 - 13 years)

The fourth stage of Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development appears when the child is more autonomous and begins to be more “older”, from the age of 5, and extends to the age of 13 (beginning of the adolescence). Here the child can recognize which skills he has and which he lacks, as well as recognizing the abilities of his companions. He can start to make abstractions.

The reason for the crisis is that, on the one hand, the child still feels like a "child" (inferior), but on the other hand, he wants to do things, study... (industriousness). In addition, the tasks that he wants to do are increasingly demanding and challenging (which is what they require). That is why this stage is related to his abilities.

Stage 5: identity vs. diffusion of identity (13 - 21 years)

This stage develops in the middle of adolescence: from 13 to 21 years old (The OMSWorld Health Organizationconsider that adolescence extends from 10 to 19 years, approximately).

In this stage the adolescent finds his own identity (this includes sexual identity); he begins to understand what he likes, if boys or girls, etc. Getting to this would mean overcoming the crisis. Before, but when the adolescent is in full crisis, he feels lost and confused (identity diffusion). Failure to overcome the crisis is also called “role confusion”.

It is at this stage when adolescents begin to know what role they have or want to have in society, what they want to study, what they like, what aspirations they have, etc.

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Stage 6: intimacy vs. isolation (21-39 years)

The sixth stage of Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development ranges from approximately 21 to 39 years of age. It is about early adulthood. It is characterized because, on the one hand, the boy or girl wants to be intimate with other people, establish intimate or partner relationships, having sex, etc., but on the other, he is afraid of being alone (isolation). That fear can make it difficult for you to meet someone, but if the crisis is overcome, the person is able to develop emotional relationships (and also healthy ones).

On the other hand, at this stage the person also begins to set limits in his personal relationships, and begins to determine to what extent he wants to sacrifice for others, how much he wants to give, etc.

Stage 7: generativity vs. stagnation (40 - 65 years)

This stage is typical of middle adulthood (from 35 to 65 years, approx.). The person has already lived through many things, but the following crisis is presented: he wants to take care of others, even have children. He doesn't want to get "stuck" in this sense.

This generativity also extends to creation; the person wants to leave a "legacy" for the world, whether through books, movies, art ...

Stage 8: integrity vs. despair (65 years and older)

The last stage of Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development appears from late adulthood, until death. The person enters a nostalgic stage; makes a "remember" of his life because he needs to find a meaning, a logic, a feeling of having done everything he wanted.

The opposite of it is despair, which involves reviewing your life and feeling frustrated. This stage includes thinking about everything that has been done, the things enjoyed, the failed plans... and taking stock. If this crisis is overcome, the person leaves the world with a feeling of peace.

Bibliographic references

• Avia, MD (1995). Personality: cognitive and social aspects. Madrid: Pyramid

• Bordignon, N.A. (2005) Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Development. The epigenetic diagram of the adult: Lasallian Research Journal.

• Erickson, E. H. (2000) The completed life cycle. Paidos Iberica.