DAY 15 Again

Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development

Erikson discussed 8 stages that occur through one's life.  He said that we must complete each stage of development "well" or "properly" or else we will have difficulties later in life.  He used the term: two possible outcomes.  The "good" outcome happens when we pass through a stage well.  The "bad" outcome happens when we do not get through the stage well.


1. Trust vs. Mistrust (birth to 1  year).   A child who gets what he/she needs early in life, e.g. food, comfort, on demand, will learn that the world is safe, that the world is predictable.  Success at this stage brings hope.

2. Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt (2-3 years).  Are you ridiculed for failure or are you praised for trying?  Parents really need to do their best to allow their toddlers to do things on their own, fail, but be praised for trying.  When potty training time comes it's often a time of great stress in a home - toddlers might not be ready for it but mom/dad might think they are and the child might "fail".  Mom/dad should praise the attempt, never admonish the failure.

If children are supported in their growing independence they will gain will.  Failing at this stage (in Erikson's sense of the word "failure") can lead to low self-esteem.

3. Initiative vs. Guilt (3-5 years).  These years are full of vigor and action - children are extremely energetic.  Children start to take initiative at this age.   They may do things that are potentially dangerous and parents often react with  anger and a loud voice - this can lead to guilty feelings in the child.

Children this age also ask a million questions.  Parents should not treat the questions as trivial, rather they should spend time answering each one or, to maintain sanity, try to divert the child's attention to something else.  Treating the questions as trivial may squash the child's curiosity.

4.  Industry (competence) vs. Inferiority (6-12 years).  Children are starting to learn academic-type things at school at this age.  Reading, writing, Math, formal Art and Music, etc.  The difference at this stage is that now we are judged.  Because you are being judged by other adults you could be made to feel "good" at some things and "inferior" about others, especially when compared to your classmates.

Peers take on an important role and we start to compare ourselves to our pals and classmates.

If children are encouraged for their initiative they will feel competent, that they can achieve goals and will develop a sense of pride in their work and potential.  Those who are not made to feel competent may not reach their potential.

5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (13-18 years).  The transformation from child to adult happens here during adolescence.  You begin to look at the future in areas including career, relationships, families, peers, sexuality, etc.

You learn the roles you will play later in life - parent, spouse, friend, employee, employer, mentor, grandparent, role-model, coach.