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1. Erik Erikson’s theory
(Theory of Psychosocial Development)

2. Introduction
⚫Erik Erikson was an ego psychologist.
⚫He emphasized the role of culture and
society and the conflicts that can take
place within the ego itself.
⚫Erik Erikson maintained that
personality develops in a
predetermined order, and builds upon
each previous stage. This is called the
epigenic principle.

3. Psychosocial Stages
⚫He assumes that crisis occurs at each
stage of development and they are of
the psychosocial nature.
⚫Successful completion of each stage
leads to a healthy personality and
acquisition of basic virtues.
⚫Failure to complete the stage
successfully can lead to inhibition in
completion of other stage and an
unhealthy personality.

5. Trust vs. Mistrust
⚫This stage takes place during the first
year of life or so.
⚫The infant looks towards the caregiver
for stability as he/she is unaware of the
world.
⚫If the infant receives care which is
reliable and consistent then a sense of
trust is available and in harsh and
inconsistent care, mistrust is developed.
⚫Success in this stage will lead to a virtue
of hope.

6. Autonomy vs. Shame
⚫ This is a stage which lasts between the ages of
18months and three.
⚫ The child learns to play with toys, wear their
clothes themselves etc. thus discovering their
skills and attaining independence and
autonomy.
⚫ If the children are encouraged in this stage,
they become confident and secure in their
ability.
⚫ If they are discouraged, they lack self-esteem
and feel a sense of shame.
⚫ Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of
will.

7. Initiative vs. Guilt
⚫ This is a stage around the ages three
continuing to five where children assert
themselves more frequently.
⚫ Children make friends, plan activities
allowing them to develop a sense of initiative
and developing their abilities to lead others.
⚫ If the children are criticized or controlled they
make become followers and develop a sense
of guilt and may feel like a nuisance to others.
⚫ Success in this stage will lead to a virtue of
purpose.

8. Industry(competence)
vs. Inferiority
⚫ Children are aged 5 to 12 years in this stage
and are learning to read, write, do sums etc.
⚫ The child’s peer group creates a significant
source of the child’s self esteem.
⚫ If they are encouraged for their initiative they
feel industrious and competent to achieve
their goals.
⚫ If the opposite happens, they begin to feel
inferior and doubt their own abilities and not
reach their potential.
⚫ Success in this stage will lead to competence.

9. Ego Identity vs. Role
Confusion
⚫ This is a stage during adolescence i.e. age 12-
18 years.
⚫ Children begin to look at future in terms of
career, relationships, family etc. the
adolescent re-examines their identity to
figure out what their who he/she is.
⚫ He says that the adolescent may feel
uncomfortable about their body till until they
can adapt the changes.
⚫ Role confusion involves the individual not
being sure about themselves or their place in
society.
⚫ Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of
fidelity.

11. Intimacy vs. Isolation
⚫This stage occurs during young
adulthood i.e. ages 18-40years where we
begin to share ourselves more intimately
with others.
⚫Successful completion in this stage can
lead to a comfortable relationship, a
sense of commitment, safety and care
etc.
⚫Avoiding this can lead to isolation,
loneliness and sometimes depression.
⚫Success in this stage will lead to the
virtue of love.

12. Generativity vs.
Stagnation
⚫This stage occurs during middle
adulthood i.e. ages 40-65years.
⚫We establish a career, develop
relationships, begin families etc.
⚫We give back to society by raising our
children, being productive at work,
and becoming involved in community
service etc.
⚫Success in this stage will lead to the
virtue of care.

13. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
⚫ This occurs at the age of 65+ where we
become senior citizens and we tend to slow
down our productivity and explore life as a
retired person.
⚫ If we see our life as productive, successful we
are able to develop integrity.
⚫ If we see our lives unhappy and are
dissatisfied with the goals we have achieved,
we develop despair, hopelessness and can
become depressed.
⚫ Success in this stage leads to the virtue
wisdom.

14. Thank you!