Erikson’s theory was based on what is known as theepigenetic principle.
In each stage, Erikson believed people experience a conflict that serves as a turning point in development.
During these times, the potential for personal growth is high but so is the potential for failure.
Verywell / Joshua Seong
Mastery Leads to Ego Strength
Erikson also believed that a sense of competence motivates behaviors and actions.
Each stage in Erikson’s theory is concerned with becoming competent in an area of life.
Failure to develop trust will result in fear and a belief that the world is inconsistent and unpredictable.
A lack of this will lead to mistrust.
No child is going to develop a sense of 100% trust or 100% doubt.
Erikson believed that successful development was all about striking a balance between the two opposing sides.
They are starting to perform basic actions on their own and making simple decisions about what they prefer.
Potty training plays an important role in helping children develop this sense of autonomy.
Like Freud, Erikson believed that toilet training was a vital part of this process.
However, Erikson’s reasoning was quite different than that of Freud’s.
Other important events include gaining more control over food choices, toy preferences, and clothing selection.
Children who struggle and who are shamed for their accidents may be left without a sense of personal control.
Stage 3: Initiative vs.
Guilt
The third stage of psychosocial development takes place during the preschool years.
Children who are successful at this stage feel capable and able to lead others.
Success in this stage leads to a sense of purpose.
Children who have a go at exert too much power experience disapproval, resulting in a sense of guilt.
Through social interactions, children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities.
Children need to cope with new social and academic demands.
Success leads to a sense of competence, while failure results in feelings of inferiority.
Teens need to develop a sense of self and personal identity.
During adolescence, children explore their independence and develop a sense of self.
Those who remain unsure of their beliefs and desires will feel insecure and confused about themselves and the future.
What Is Identity?
Stage 6: Intimacy vs.
Isolation
Young adults need to form intimate, loving relationships with other people.
Success leads to strong relationships, while failure results in loneliness and isolation.
This stage covers the period of early adulthood when people are exploring personal relationships.
Erikson believed it was vital that people develop close, committed relationships with other people.
Those who are successful at this step will form relationships that are enduring and secure.
Building On Earlier Stages
Remember that each step builds on skills learned in previous steps.
Erikson believed that a strongsense of personal identitywas important for developing intimate relationships.
Successful resolution of this stage results in the virtue known as love.
It is marked by the ability to form lasting, meaningful relationships with other people.
Success leads to feelings of usefulness and accomplishment, while failure results in shallow involvement in the world.
During adulthood, we continue to build our lives, focusing on our career and family.
Those who fail to attain this skill will feel unproductive and uninvolved in the world.
Care is the virtue achieved when this stage is handled successfully.
Stage 8: Integrity vs.
Despair
The final psychosocial stage occurs during old age and is focused on reflecting back on life.
Erikson’s theory differed from many others because it addressed development throughout the entire lifespan, including old age.
Older adults need to look back on life and feel a sense of fulfillment.
At this stage, people reflect back on the events of their lives and take stock.
The person will be left with feelings of bitterness and despair.
Those who feel proud of their accomplishments will feel a sense of integrity.
Successfully completing this phase means looking back with few regrets and a general feeling of satisfaction.
These individuals will attainwisdom, even when confronting death.
What kinds of experiences are necessary to successfully complete each stage?
How does a person move from one stage to the next?
Researchers have found evidence supporting Erikson’s ideas about identity and have further identified different sub-stages of identity formation.
Other research suggests, however, that identity formation and development continues well into adulthood.
Why Was Erikson’s Theory Important?
The theory was significant because it addressed development throughout a person’s life, not just during childhood.
It also stressed the importance of social relationships in shaping personality and growth at each point in development.
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Takeaways
It is important to remember that the psychosocial stages are just one theory ofpersonality development.
Learning about each stage can provide insight into what you might face as you age.
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Orenstein GA, Lewis L.Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development.
In: StatPearls[Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
2016;16(1):8-23. doi:10.1080/15283488.2015.1121820
Carver, CS & Scheir, MF.Perspectives on Personality.
Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon; 2011.
