Psychosocial Theory

Erikson’s theory has its own special significance. In 1950, the psychosocial theory was proposed by Erik Erikson.  Erikson published the book “Childhood and Society.”  Erikson criticizes Freud’s psychosexual theory which emphasizes on sexual approaches. He removed many shortcomings from Freud’s theory.

Erikson has given priority to society in his theory. And said that society also has an effect on human life.

Human beings live in society. And the person is incomplete without social interaction. So, Erikson has given more priority to society.

He accepted some rules of Freud. And didn’t follow any rules about sex. According to him, Freud gave more priority to sexual approaches. This theory leads to biological and sociocultural forces.

In this theory, the personality of the person is a combination of psychological factors and social interaction.

 Stages of Psychosocial Theory

There are eight stages of this theory. They are:- Trust vs Mistrust, Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt, Initiative vs Guilt, Industry vs Inferiority, Identity vs Role Confusion, Intimacy vs Isolation, Generativity vs Stagnation, and Integrity vs Despair.

1. Trust vs Mistrust ( Birth to 18 Months)

Trust vs mistrust is the first stage of psychosocial development theory. In this stage, the infant’s central points are a basic need (feeding) and a secure environment. And infant only desires milk (food). Baby expresses his desire by crying. And when the child’s hunger is satisfied. Then he falls into a deep sleep.

The child is only meant for his purpose(Feed). So, mother feeding baby.

In this stage, the infant’s relationship is dependent on the mother/ caregiver.

The outcome of Infant        =       Hope (Desire)

2. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt(18 Months to 3 years)

This stage is similar to Freud’s stage of anal related to potty training. And children need to develop a sense of will ( ability to control themselves). This sense is related to personal control of physical motor skills such as potty training.

And the child learns to control his motor functioning. In the beginning, he takes the support of his mother(caretaker). But later he controls his body.

The outcome =  Will (Ability to control themselves)

3.  Initiative vs Guilt( 3  to 5 years)

This stage is also known as preschool age. In this stage, children are interacting with other children related to play activities and ask many questions.

In this condition, if the purpose of the children is fulfilled then the initiative process leads to a close relationship if not then leads to a declining relationship.

The outcome =  Purpose

4. Industry vs Inferiority (6 to 12 years)

In this stage, children try to with the help of social interaction and begin to develop a sense of pride. Children face new social relationships and demand to learn new skills. According to psychosocial theory, children try to more cooperate with others and recognize special talents.

The outcome= Competence

In this stage, school and its co-curricular activities are most important.

5. Identity vs Role Confusion ( 13 to 19 years)

According to this stage, adolescence tries to develop a sense of personal identity. Adolescence develops a sense of self through interaction. The existential question of this stage is “Who am I and what can I be? Adolescence develops a sense of sexual identity.

An identity crisis occurs during adolescence. And aggression is very high in adolescents. They keep looking for their role models.

If the student comes first in the dance competition. Then he believes in himself. And he recognizes his talent. And if a prize doesn’t win.  In such a situation he gets confused. And his confidence also decreases.

The outcome= Fidelity

6.  Intimacy vs Isolation ( 19 to 40 years)

According to psychosocial theory, this stage occurs between 19 to 40 years and develops in early adulthood. The existential question of this stage is “Can I love? And young adult needs to establish a relationship of love with others.

If a person talks to someone. And he likes it. Then positive relationships become. And if get a negative response. In such a condition, the person feels guilt.

The outcome        =   Love

7.  Generatively vs Stagnation ( 40 to 65 years)

A person is to contribute and help to guide the future generation.

The outcome        =       Care

8. Integrity vs Despair ( 65 and above)

The important event is a reflection on life and the person is presented with the help of level of productivity.

If the person becomes satisfied. Then he starts to integrate. And if his needs are not fulfilled. In such a situation he gets frustrated. And in such a situation he starts getting mentally disturbed.

The outcome        =       Wisdom

Application of Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory

• • Erikson’s theory is mostly used by developmental psychologists.
  • It is widely used in clinical settings.
  • Clinical psychologists use this theory to understand human behavior at different stages of development.
  • In education settings, teachers use this theory to identify and predict children’s behavior.

Summary

Erikson’s theory has a different importance in education. E. Erikson understands human development in depth. And told human development in his theory. Because development is a lifelong process. So, he has told the development according to stages.

If the teacher understands this theory completely. Then he can also identify the reasons for the development.

Human beings have many needs. And these needs change according to stages. So, it is important to read this theory in depth.

At a young age, the person fulfills his own needs. But not all needs are fulfilled in old age. So, he gets depressed. By the way, children are with them in old age. But when the children grow up and go to work. Then they stay home alone. When their motor development slows. And not able to physical movements. They worry more.

3 Types of Conflict