This study examined Erik Erikson's psychosocial stages of development in college students in Guam. The researchers hypothesized that these students would possess predominantly positive attributes from Erikson's stages. A survey was administered to 94 students measuring attributes like trust, autonomy, and identity. Results showed an average score above the midpoint, supporting some positive attributes. However, the score did not meet the threshold to conclusively show a predominance of positive attributes. Limitations included uneven group sizes. Future research should use larger, balanced samples to draw clearer conclusions.

1. Guam College Students and Erikson’s
Psychosocial Stages of Development:
A study of positive attributes in University students
Krizia Ariane Gozo, Lorie Vida Montague, and Jericho Tobias
ED623 Dynamics of Individual Behavior
Dr. George Kallingal
Spring 2017

2. Introduction
8 Stages of Psychosocial Development by Erik Erikson
Interaction of opposites
Syntonic (harmonious) vs. dystonic (disruptive)
● Each stage produces basic strength.
● Too little basic strength results in core pathology.
Ego identity is shaped by the past, present, anticipated
events

4. Erikson’s Stages Song
Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/38r_RLAzq6k

5. Research Question
Do college students on Guam reflect a
predominance of positive attributes from Erik
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development?

6. Hypothesis
College students on Guam possess a
predominance of positive attributes from Erik
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development.

7. Definitions
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development
Based on the idea that individuals are motivated by the need to achieve competence in certain areas of our
lives. According to this theory, we experience eight stages of development over our lifespan, from infancy
through late adulthood. At each stage there is a crisis or task that we need to resolve. Successful
completion of each developmental task results in a sense of competence and a healthy personality. Failure
to master these tasks leads to feelings of inadequacy.
Personal Attitudes Survey
Designed to measure the strength of psychosocial attributes that arise from progression through Erik
Erikson's eight stages of development.

8. Methods: Materials
Google Forms and Participants
■ Modification of the Personal Attitudes Survey (PAS-M).
■ 94 Males and Females between the ages of 18 - 65 who are either currently
attending college (Full-time or Part-time) or are not in school.
■ Convenience Sampling.
Instrument
■ Demographic information sheet: age, race, as well as school and work status.
■ The survey consists of 32 self-administered questions.
■ Participants had the option of responding to each question on a 5-point Likert
Scale ranging from 1 (Hardly Ever True) to 5 (Almost Always True).

9. Methods: Sample Survey Questions
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development
Personal Attitudes Survey (PAS-M)

10. Methods: Procedures
■ Participants were asked to complete a survey that will take approximately ten
(10) minutes to complete.
■ Ensured participants that the information obtained about them will be kept
confidential. No names will be used. All surveys will be coded.
■ Informed participants that the information may be used for statistical or
scientific purposes without identifying you as an individual.
■ Participants were free to withdraw from this project at any time without penalty
or loss of benefits to which they would otherwise be entitled.
■ There were no time constraints in completing the survey the same day.

11. Participants
Demographics:
n = 94
❏Gender:
❏ Male (n = 29)
❏ Female (n = 65)

12. Participants
Demographics:
n = 94
❏Age:
❏ 18 - 25 (n = 58)
❏ 26 - 35 (n = 20)
❏ 36 - 45 (n = 11)
❏ 46 - 55 (n = 5)

13. Participants
Demographics:
n = 94
❏Race:
❏ Asian (n = 41)
❏ Native Hawaiian or Other
Pacific Islander (n = 46)
❏ White (n = 1)
❏ Two or more races (n = 6)

14. Participants
Demographics:
n = 94
❏Student Status:
❏ Full-time Student (n = 70)
❏ Part-time Student (n = 10)
❏ Other: Apprenticeship,
Internship, Full-time worker,
Part-time worker, Volunteer,
Unemployed (n = 14)

15. Results

16. Results

17. Results

18. Results

19. Results

20. Discussion: Results
❏The aggregate Modified Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory (MEPSI) score is
obtained by computing a mean of the eight subscale scores.
❏A low score (1 - 2) reflects a predominance of negative attributes (Mistrust,
Shame and Doubt, Guilt, Inferiority, Confusion, Isolation, Stagnation, and
Despair), and a high score (4 - 5) reflects a predominance of positive
attributes, i.e., the higher the score the stronger the positive attributes.

21. Discussion: Hypothesis
College students on Guam possess a
predominance of positive attributes from Erik
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development.
❏Based on the results, the hypothesis was somewhat supported in this study.
❏ Though the data does not meet the criteria for reflecting a predominance of positive attributes
from Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development (at least a 4.00 or 5.00), they surpass
the criteria for reflecting a predominance of negative attitudes.

22. Discussion: Limitations and Future Research
❏ For future research, acquire an equal number of
participants in each group and subgroup.
❏ The sample size for each group and subgroup should
contain at least 30 participants in order to meet the
requirements of generalizable results.

23. Questions?

24. Thank you!