Theory of psycho social development by Erick Erickson

THEORIES OF DEVELOPMENT

Theory of psycho social development by Erick Erickson

     This is the theory regarding the social development of a child.  Erickson clearly explains through this theory how social development occurs in a person. Erickson identified eight different conflicts that an individual faces at different age levels over the life span of the individual. Based on these conflicts Erickson classified the development of an individual into eight stages.

1)  Trust Vs mistrust : ( 0-1and half years): during these period the child needs utmost care and protection from parents especially from mother. When the child gets such care and protection he develops a sense of trust towards his surroundings. Otherwise he he develops a sense of mistrust. The positive output of these stage is hope.

2)  Autonomy Vs Doubt (1 and half years-3 years): During this time the child starts to do various activities himself like walking, running,climbing,etc. if the child is allowed freely to do these activities without any restrictions he develop a sense of autonomy and independence. If the parents impose various restrictions on doing the activities so that the child develops asense of doubt. The positive output of this stage is sense of independence.

3)   Initiative Vs Guilt (3-6 years):  when the child develops a sense of trust and autonomy in the earlier stages he now will starts to take initiative in interacting with his environment.

if the child is encouraged to take initiative by his parents, he develops asense of initiative. If the child is discouraged to take initiative by unhealthy criticism or punishment of his parents he develops a sense of guilt. The positive output of this stage is self confidence and purpose.

4)  Industry Vs Inferiority (6-12 years):  generally at this stage , children begin to attend school where they learn various skill. Teachers and school environment generate pressure on them to perform very well. If the child is able to perform very well in school and related activities and competitions , he develops a sense of industry. If the child fails in the competitions and cannot perform well , he develops a sense of inferiority. The positive output of this stage is competence.

5)  Identity Vs Role confusion (12-20 years) : this is the period of adolescence. The person start to search for the identity. That is he tries to get the answer for the questions “ who am I”, “what is my role in this world” etc. if the child is able to develop a sense of trust he can find out his identity. On the other hand failure in the earlier stages may lead the person to utter confusion regarding his role in the world. the positive output of this stage is sense of self.

6)  Intimacy Vs Isolation (20-45): during this period thr person tries to make intimate relationship with others especially with the opposite sex people. The person who identifies his identity in the earlier stag now tries to merge that identity with that of the other person. If the person fails to make intimate relationship with others may develop a sense of isolation. The positive output of this stage is love.

7)  Generativity Vs stagnation (45-65 years) :  being succeeded in making an intimate relationship with others in the earlier stages the person now tries to work for the welfare of the society. So the person develops a sense of  generativity. Failure in the earlier stages may make the person egoistic and selfish. This may leads to a person’s stagnation. The positive output of this stage is care for the society.

8)  Ego integrity Vs despair (65 and above) :  this is the last stage and it is the period of self evaluation. The success during the previous 7 stages gives a sense of satisfaction to the person. The person now feel that his life has become meaningful and fruitful. This is the stage of ego integrity. on the other hand , the person who has failed  in the previous stages develops a sense of dissatisfaction and disappointment during the stage. Since the person does not have enough time left to correct his previous mistakes , he develops a strong sense of despair. The positive outcome of this stage is wisdom.

MONISHA

SOCIALSCIENCE