Erik Erikson developed an 8 stage theory of psychosocial development where individuals face conflicts or crises at each stage that shape personality. The stages span from infancy to late adulthood and involve developing trust, autonomy, initiative, industry, identity, intimacy, generativity, and integrity. Successful resolution of the conflicts leads to healthy development while failure can result in feelings of inadequacy. Criticisms include its focus on male development and difficulty measuring some concepts.

1. Erik Erikson’s
Personality Theory
Pratiksha Gupta
Msc Clinical Psychology (2021-2023)
A51340821028

2. References
Erik Erikson
Eight stages
Criticism
01.
The Theory
Elements
02.
03.
04.
05.
06.
Table of contents

3. Who was
Erik Erikson?
● Was a developmental
psychologist and psychoanalyst
● Student of Sigmund Freud
● Believed that the development
of personality depended directly
on the resolution of existential
crises
● Coined the term identity crisis,
lifespan development
(1902-1994)

4. THE THEORY
❏ Centered on psychosocial development rather than psychosexual development (Freud).
❏ The theory comprises of eight developmental stages.
❏ During each stage, two conflicting ideas must be resolved successfully in order to develop
one’s personality.
❏ Failure to master these conflicts leads to feelings of inadequacy and unhealthy personality.
❏ Theory portrays how social interaction and relationships played a role in the growth of
human beings.
❏ How one has dealt with earlier issues determines how one will resolve later issues.
❏ Conflicts act as a turning point in life, at each stage of development.
❏ Erikson believed that a sense of competence motivates behaviors and actions.

5. ELEMENTS
Ego Identity
Developed by human
interaction and how an
individual becomes more
conscious of themselves and
their surrounding.
Ego Strength
Deals with an individual
becoming competent in
different areas of life, by
becoming competent in life
they feel more important.
Conflict
A turning point during which
an individual struggles to
attain some psychological
quality. They might face
vulnerability or strength to
success in life.

6. Personality
Personality consists of relatively stable and
distinctive style of thoughts, behaviour and
emotional responses that is characterized by
the individual’s environmental situations.

7. Trust
vs Mistrust
01.
Age: Birth to 18 months
Relationship: Mother
Strength: Hope
Key Event: Feeding

8. Trust Mistrust
If caregivers neglect an infants’
needs, or if care is irregular, an
infant may grow insecure. They
may learn they cannot rely on
others and thus feel unsafe.
Undependable, unpredictable and
Dangerous
When caregivers respond
immediately to an infant’s cries,
the infant can learn to depend on
others helping the baby develop a
sense of trust and security.
Dependable and Reliable

9. Autonomy
vs Shame
02.
Age: 2 to 3 years
Relationship: Family
Strength: Will
Key Event: Toilet Training

10. Autonomy Shame
Caregivers who discourage their
children lead them to develop
feelings of shame. If caregivers
foster excessive dependence, the
child may learn to doubt their own
potential.
Inadequacy and self doubt
Caregivers often serve as a safe
base from which to explore the
world. When caregivers encourage
independence, children will feel
secure enough to face challenges.
Secure and confidence self

11. Initiative
vs Guilt
03.
Age: 3 to 5 years
Relationship: Family
Strength: Purpose
Key Event: Exploration, Independence

12. Initiative Guilt
If children are condemned for
being assertive, they may feel guilt
for pursuing their desires.
Controlling caregivers may teach
children to follow another’s lead.
Always being wrong, failed to
explore
When caregivers look after these
tendencies, children learn how to
make decisions and plan for the
future. They can grow into adults
who are able to follow their
ambitions and goals.
Creative and Constructive

13. Industry
vs Inferiority
04.
Age: 6 to 11 years
Relationship: Neighbors, Friends
Strength: Confidence
Key Event: School

14. Industry Inferiority
Children who do not achieve
milestones may doubt their
abilities. When they are constantly
criticized, they may develop
feelings of inferiority.
Weak sense of self, Incapable to
take responsibilities
Children who are accomplished,
compared to their peers can
develop self-confidence and pride.
Praise for their achievements can
boost their self-esteem.
Strong sense of competence

15. Identity
vs Role
Confusion
05.
Age: 12-15 years
Relationship: Peers, Role Models
Strength: Fidelity
Key Event: Social Relationships

16. Identity Role Confusion
Some adolescents may have a
weak sense of self. They may
struggle to break away from their
ideal self. With a inconsistent
identity, they may grow confused
about what they truly want.
Ego diffusion, identity crisis
Adolescents need to establish a
clear sense of self. They will need
to determine their priorities in life
(family, academic success, etc.)
and set goals for their adult selves
based on those values.
Who we are

17. Intimacy
vs Isolation
06.
Age: 19-40 years
Relationship: Partners, Colleagues
Strength: Love
Key Event: Relationships

18. Intimacy Isolation
People who do not develop
relationships may become socially
isolated. They may develop
long-term feelings of loneliness.
Loneliness
Relationships can be a major
source of affection and intimacy in
adulthood. Many find emotional
benefits from having a committed,
lifelong bond.
Strong relationship

19. Generativity
vs Stagnation
07.
Age: 40 to 65 years
Relationship: Household, children
Strength: Care
Key Event: Work and Parenthood

20. Generativity Stagnation
Some people may feel as if they
have no impact on society. If
people do not find their work
meaningful, they may feel restless
or isolated.
Material possession, uninvolved,
unproductive
People may offer guidance to the
next generation through parenting
or mentorship. They may also
offer to lead the way by
leaving a legacy and
contributing to society’s future.
Parenting, social involvement

21. Ego Integrity
vs Despair
08.
Age: 65 to death
Relationship: Mankind
Strength: Wisdom
Key Event: Reflection on life

22. Ego Integrity Despair
Those who look back and only feel
regret will instead feel fearful that
their lives will end without
accomplishing the things they feel
they should have.
Bitterness, regret
Those who look back on a life they
feel was well-lived will feel
satisfied and ready to face the end
of their lives with a sense of peace.
Feeling of wisdom and meaning

23. ❏ Assumes that the completion of one stage is
prerequisite for the next crisis of
development.
❏ More attention is paid to infancy and
childhood than to adult life.
❏ Questions have been raised for those adults
who rediscover themselves at a much later
age due to life changes and experiences.
❏ No attention towards cognitive or emotional
development.
❏ Some terms are not easily measure
empirically.
❏ Is more of a male dominant theory.
CRITICISM

24. ■ Cherry, K. (2021, July 18). Understanding Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. Verywell
Mind from
https://www.verywellmind.com/erik-eriksons-stages-of-psychosocial-development-2795740
■ Erikson's eight stages of development. GoodTherapy.org Therapy Blog. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/erikson-eight-stages-development.
■ Erikson’s 8 stages of psychosocial development. (n.d.) Lumen Learning. Retrieved from
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/teachereducationx92x1/chapter/eriksons-stages-of-psycho
social-development
■ Pictures and illustrations by Nusha Ashjaee from www.verwellmind.com
References

25. Thank
You!