Stages of Psychosocial Development There are eight stages in psychosocial development according to Erikson, who was greatly influenced by Sigmund Freud's theory that regarded the structure and topography of personality. Each stage includes the conflict the individual or child will face along with the virtue. Stage 1 Infancy (Starts from birth to one year of age) During this stage the infant may develop trust or a sense of mistrust. They will look up to the caregiver in fulfilling their needs and they look for a sense of consistency and reliability. No success in this stage will result in the infant having no confidence in the world around them. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of hope. Stage 2 Early Childhood (Starts from age one and ends at the age of three) In this stage the child starts to realize that they are able to make their own choices and actions. The parent or caregiver is encouraged to let the child explore what they can do. Children will start to recognize failure and realize that it involves shame and doubt. Letting the child experience failure will lead to the acceptance of the cycle of life and will. Stage 3 Play Age (Starts at age three and ends at the age of six) The child begins to explore their ability to make friends and interpersonal skills. If the stage is completed correctly the child will develop a sense of purpose. This stage is primarily where the child will learn humor, empathy, and resilience. Stage 4 School Age (Starts at age six and ends at the age of twelve) This stage is where the child begins to feel pride when they accomplish something. The child also will look for acceptance of peers and teachers begin to play an important role in the child's life. Allowing the child to fell good in their accomplishments will let them begin to build an ego. Not letting the child build an ego will make them get a sense of inferiority. Stage 5 Adolescence (Starts at age twelve and ends at the age of nineteen) This stage is extremely important for the individual to find their sense of self. The individual will start to figure out who he or she is and develop their own identity. It is common for the individual to feel uncomfortable in their body during this stage. Stage 6 Early Adulthood (Starts at the age of twenty and ends at the age of twenty five) During this stage the adult starts to get involved with other individuals more intimately. Success in this stage can lead to the adult understanding the complexity of relationships and the value of tenderness. Failure in this stage will result in the adult becoming isolated and depressed. Stage 7 Adulthood (Starts at the age of twenty six and end at the age of sixty four) During this stage individuals start to establish where they stand in society. Accomplishing this stage results in generativity and failing this stage results in stagnation. People in this stage begin to settle down with kids and a job. They give back to society and begin the virtue of care. Stage 8 Old Age (Starts at the age sixty five and ends at death) In this stage the individual begins to reflect on their life and decide if it was successful or not. Success in this stage brings the virtue of wisdom. Failing this stage develops the sense of hopelessness. References http://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html |