Erik+Erikson

Erik Erikson is a developmental psychologist who is best known for identifying and describing 8 stages of psychosocial development. He stressed the impact of development during adolescence and coined the term "identity crisis." Erikson was heavily influenced by Sigmund Freud, but differs from Freud in that he believes development occurs throughout the lifespan. His theory was unique in its explanation of development from birth to death.

**Stages of Psychosocial Development**
 * 1. Trust vs. Mistrust (Birth - 18 Months) **

In this stage, infants learn to trust in themselves and the world around them. Trust is not yet the complex concept understood by adults, but rather it is built based on the reliability of care given by caregivers (commonly parents). Erikson believes that a baby understands trust as being fed when hungry, soothed while crying, changed when necessary, etc. If care is unpredictable and inconsistent, the baby will develop basic mistrust. The mistrustful child may experience frustration, anxiety, insecurity, lack of self confidence, and may consider the world an unreliable place.

media type="youtube" key="HEHW8oTj0BA" height="240" width="321" align="center"

This video of Disney characters depicts infants who have healthy, trusting relationships with their parents.

As the child is becoming more mobile, his sense of independence is developing. Parents should encourage the child to explore his surroundings in order to gain control over motor ability. The child is beginning to master tasks such as toilet training, feeding, and dressing himself, but will need support from caregivers in order to become confident and secure in his abilities. Success will lead to development of autonomy, while failure may lead to feelings of shame and self doubt. Failure in this stage could also cause a child to lack confidence in his ability to survive and become overly dependent on others.
 * 2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (2-3 Years) **

media type="youtube" key="DYS9IlwrfDQ" height="242" width="321" align="center"

Toilet training is an example of autonomy.

In this stage, the child is developing a sense of responsibility. He is beginning to understand that he can have an effect on his environment by being assertive and taking control. Children in this stage often demonstrate initiative by making up games with one another. They are learning to feel secure in their ability to lead others. Sometimes, while testing their capabilities, children overstep their boundaries and are punished. This leads to feelings of guilt. Guilt can be healthy and constructive in creating a conscience and positive sense of responsibility. On the other hand, if a child is prohibited from exploring in this stage, his creativity may be inhibited and he may be reluctant to interact with others. Erikson had a positive outlook on this stage, believing that guilt could be quickly erased by a sense of accomplishment.
 * 3. Initiative vs. Guilt (3-5 years) **

media type="youtube" key="1q0gectxDNQ" height="240" width="321" align="center"

At minute 1:30, Pooh finds a pinecone and begins to ask questions about it. He takes it to the bridge and explores the way that it floats under the bridge with the current. This leads to a game known as "Pooh Sticks." Later, we see Rabbit discussing the rules and directing others in play. This demonstrates healthy initiative-taking behavior.

By this stage, the child has entered school and tends to judge his self worth by comparing himself to his peers. Children in this stage are developing a sense of themselves as individuals and striving to accomplish tasks in the classroom. Teachers become very important, as the child strives to achieve and gain approval in order to feel valued by society. Children's efforts must be validated, otherwise they may develop a sense of inferiority. Failure may make a child feel inadequate or worthless, so it is important to recognize and commend their efforts in order to promote self confidence. media type="youtube" key="vapEpQmz86o" height="240" width="475" align="center"
 * 4. Industry vs. Inferiority (6-11 years) **

The entire video provides a comprehensive description of Erikson's stages. At 2:25 there is an informative portion about Industry vs. Inferiority.

The child has now transitioned into adolescence, which is a very stressful time. Adolescents are struggling to determine who they are and how they fit in with society, including their peers and their family. They are trying to define their purpose and direction and are prone to risk taking. Often, the adolescent's identity is shaped by the outcome of the risks he takes and things that he explores. Adolescents are trying out different roles in order to determine personal beliefs and identities regarding occupation, sexuality, relationships, religion, politics and family.
 * 5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18 years) **

Adolescence can be a very uncomfortable and awkward time. Adolescents may experience conflicting emotions and a lack of direction, which could create role confusion. They may struggle to answer the question "Who am I." Success in this stage is characterized by the development of a sense of self and ability to stay true to one's beliefs. Failure may lead to role confusion and a weak sense of identity or an identity crisis. media type="youtube" key="Ck4Bk6SKO7o" height="216" width="425" align="center"

In //Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone//, Harry has just discovered his new identity as a wizard and celebrity in the wizarding world. He is confused about who he is, and his deepest wish is for a family with whom to discuss his fears. This article describes a great way to use this video as a starting point for discussions of identity and role confusion with adolescents.

If an adolescent does not develop a strong sense of self, he may encounter an identity crisis. The adolescent may wonder who he is and where he is going in life. In the following clip from the TV series Boy Meets World, Cory is questioning his life and accomplishments. He isn't satisfied with who he is and feels that he has no special talents. Cory must explore himself and form a solid sense of self before he can progress to the next stage of intimacy with another individual. media type="youtube" key="KYx8YcaNyrQ" height="277" width="368" align="center"
 * Identity Crisis **

This is the first stage of adult development, known as young adulthood. In this stage, adults have a need to form intimate relations with others. Young adults explore long term relationships and commitments, often resulting in marriage. Successful relationships engender intimacy, love, and security, while failure in or avoidance of commitment may lead to isolation and loneliness. Individuals who struggle in this stage may worry, "Will I die alone?" In order to have success in intimacy, one ought to have developed a solid sense of identity in Stage 5.
 * 6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (19-40 years) **

media type="youtube" key="QCqiHZdDnZI" height="210" width="279" //When Harry Met Sally// is a great example of a happy, intimate relationship in which both individuals are comfortable, secure, and in love. They know who they are individually and accept their partner, flaws and all.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Middle adulthood is characterized by having a family and contributing to society by guiding future generations. At this point, the adult is settled in his career and the focus becomes contributing to society by passing on culture to younger generations. One might become active in the community and focuses on raising a family. As that family leaves home, individuals must find purpose in their lives. Struggling to do this can sometimes lead to what is known as a mid-life crisis. Those who are successful in this stage feel involved and productive (generative), while those who are unsuccessful feel unproductive. They may feel lifeless, sluggish, or self-absorbed.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (40-65 years) **



Old age is characterized by an assessment of one's life to determine whether it has been successful. As one slows down, he is left with a lot of time to contemplate his accomplishments. Success leaves one feeling wise, satisfied, and productive. An individual who is satisfied with his life may feel as though he has lived to the fullest and has all the answers. In contrast, while a negative assessment of one's life can result in feelings of guilt and regret. Depending on the severity, an individual may experience despair, depression, or hopelessness.
 * 8. Integrity vs. Despair (65 - Death) **



= Webliography =

@http://www.muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/erikson.htm

@http://web.cortland.edu/andersmd/ERIK/sum.HTML

http://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html#sthash.iKgT9Wme.bAztOe1c.dpbs

@http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Erik_Erikson.aspx

@http://www.support4change.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=108

@http://business.highbeam.com/4981/article-1G1-110218952/use-harry-potter-and-sorcerer-stone-discuss-identity

@http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201203/are-you-having-identity-crisis

[]

Last Updated 2/4/13 3:55PM Created By: Ashley Tomlinson