Human development is a branch of psychology with the goal of understanding people — how they develop, grow, and change throughout their lives. This discipline, which can help individuals better understand themselves and their relationships, is broad. As such, it can be used in various professional settings and career paths.
If human development is the study of how people change throughout their lives, how and when does this development happen? Many scientists and psychologists have studied various aspects of human development, including ego psychologist Erik Erikson. He examined the impact of social experiences throughout an individual’s life and theorized that psychosocial development happens in eight sequential parts. What are the eight stages of human development?
Using Eriksons 8 stages of Psychosocial Development
Please create a chart summary which includes the following:
1. Stage
2, Age range
3. Basic conflict (Psychological crisis)
4. Important events
5. Generalized summary
Please submit the exercise in a table format.
Please use at least 2 in text citations and references.
Here is a chart summarizing Erik Erikson’s Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development:
| Stage | Age Range | Basic Conflict (Psychological Crisis) | Important Events | Generalized Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Infancy (0-1) | Trust vs. Mistrust | Developing trust in caregivers | Successful resolution results in a sense of basic trust and optimism, while failure may lead to mistrust. |
| 2 | Early Childhood (1-3) | Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt | Exploring independence and control | Successful resolution leads to a sense of autonomy and self-confidence, while failure may lead to self-doubt. |
| 3 | Preschool (3-6) | Initiative vs. Guilt | Taking initiative in activities | Successful resolution leads to a sense of purpose and responsibility, while failure may lead to guilt. |
| 4 | Elementary School (6-12) | Industry vs. Inferiority | Developing competence and skills | Successful resolution results in a sense of competence and accomplishment, while failure may lead to feelings of inferiority. |
| 5 | Adolescence (12-18) | Identity vs. Role Confusion | Exploring and forming one’s identity | Successful resolution leads to a clear sense of self-identity, while failure may result in confusion about one’s role in society. |
| 6 | Young Adulthood (18-40) | Intimacy vs. Isolation | Forming close relationships | Successful resolution results in the ability to form and maintain meaningful relationships, while failure may lead to social isolation. |
| 7 | Middle Adulthood (40-65) | Generativity vs. Stagnation | Contributing to society and future generations | Successful resolution leads to a sense of fulfillment and productivity, while failure may result in a sense of stagnation. |
| 8 | Late Adulthood (65+) | Integrity vs. Despair | Reflecting on life and accepting mortality | Successful resolution results in a sense of wisdom and acceptance of one’s life, while failure may lead to feelings of regret and despair. |
Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development outlines these eight stages, each characterized by a specific psychological crisis or conflict that individuals face during their lifespan. Successful resolution of these conflicts leads to the development of positive psychological qualities, while failure to resolve them can result in negative outcomes. These stages provide a framework for understanding how individuals develop a sense of self, establish relationships, and navigate life’s challenges as they grow and change.
In Erikson’s view, human development is an ongoing process that continues throughout one’s life. Each stage builds upon the previous ones, and successful resolution of earlier conflicts can contribute to a healthier development in subsequent stages. This theory has been influential in the field of psychology and has practical applications in various professional settings, such as education, counseling, and healthcare, where understanding the developmental needs of individuals is crucial.
References:
- Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and Society. Norton.
- McLeod, S. A. (2018). Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development. Simply Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html