| |
Erik H. Erikson Biography |
Erik H. Erikson (June 15, 1902 - May 12, 1994) was a developmental psychologist known for his theory on social development of human beings, and for coining the phrase 'identity crisis'.
The theory describes eight stages through which a healthily developing human should pass from infancy to late adulthood. In each stage the person confronts, and hopefully masters, new challenges. Each stage builds on the successful completion of earlier stages. The challenges of stages not successfully completed may be expected to reappear as problems in the future.
(Approx. ages)
Stage Psychosocial crisis Significant relations Psychosocial modalities Psychosocial virtues Maladaptations & malignancies
(0-1)
Infant trust vs mistrust mother to get,
to give in return hope,
faith sensory distortion
withdrawal
(2-3)
Toddler autonomy vs shame and doubt parents to hold on,
to let go will,
determination impulsivity
compulsion
(3-6)
Preschooler initiative vs guilt family to go after,
to play purpose,
courage ruthlessness
inhibition
(7-12)
School-age child industry vs inferiority neighborhood and school to complete,
to make things together competence narrow virtuosity
inertia
(12-18)
Adolescent ego-identity vs role-confusion peer groups, role models to be oneself,
to share oneself fidelity,
loyalty fanaticism
repudiation
(20-45)
Young adult intimacy vs isolation partners, friends to lose and find oneself in a
another love promiscuity
exclusivity
(30-65)
Middle aged adult generativity vs self-absorption household,
co-workers to make be,
to take care of care overextension
rejectivity
(50+)
Old adult integrity vs despair mankind or “my kind” to be,
through having been, to face not being wisdom presumption
despair |
| |
| Erik H. Erikson Resources |
| |
|
|
|
