Erickson's Development Theory

Behaviorism/Learning Theories

Development occurs in stages throughout life; often beginning in infancy and ending in old age. Erik Erikson (1902-1994) developed eight stages of psychosocial development beginning at infancy and ending in adulthood. Personality develops through social interaction with others, either encouraging learning, growth, and continued development or infringing on the ability to develop normally. For normal development, it is essential to master each stage before moving onto the next stage.

Stage 1 – (Infancy) In the first stage of development, infants learn the basic concept of trust or mistrust from caregivers, parents, and family interactions. Infants learn to trust that his or her basic biological and safety needs will be satisfied. If these needs remain unmet, the child will continue to experience issues in development.

Stage 2 – (Toddler) The second stage of development focuses on self-sufficiency and the completion of tasks and activities. Children will learn how to be independent or doubt their abilities based on their initiative and reassurance from caregivers, parents, or family. Those who doubt their abilities will always question their ability until they learn how to become self-sufficient.

Stage 3 – (Early Childhood) Impulses begin to emerge as children explore their growing world around them. As children seek adventure and responsibility, the child develops initiative or guilt. If a child is disciplined too harshly for seeking adventure or responsibility, the child will learn to feel guilty for wanting to be responsible and independent.

Stage 4 – (Elementary School Years) As children continue to grow, they learn to become either competent or inferior of their abilities. As children master new skills and abilities, they become more competent in their ability to make decisions. If a child does not feel competent to master new skills, he or she will feel inferior of their ability to complete anything in life.

Stage 5 – (Adolescence) During adolescence, children question who they are and what they believe in effort to determine an identity. Children who experienced conflict during the previous stages will likely experience identity confusion or role confusion. Adolescents typically experience identity crisis but those who experience negativity during previous stages will likely suffer with identity confusion that surrounds general decision making and the meaning of life.

Stage 6 – (Young Adulthood) In this stage of development, individuals focus on intimate relationships with others. Individuals with a strong sense of identity will likely seek companionship from others. Those who experience identity confusion or role confusion likely isolate away from social interactions, either physically or emotionally.

Stage 7 – (Middle Adulthood) As individuals enter middle adulthood, they either find meaning in their life with family, children, work or other activities or they stagnate in life. If an adult has been stagnant in life, he or she is still stuck in a specific stage or stages of development that did not get met during childhood.

Stage 8 – (Late Adulthood) Individuals in late adulthood begin to question the meaning of life to make sense of what they accomplished or did not accomplish during his or her lifetime. Adults who are fulfilled in life experience integrity. Those who are not fulfilled in life experience despair; often trying to recreate or accomplish an unmet goal during his or her lifetime in effort to make up for wrong choices in life.