Stages of Development



Stages of Development

Q1: Review Erickson's stages of development

Review Erickson's stages of development

Eriksons psychosocial model is very generalized and he himself acknowledged that no attempt was made to trace the differences in ego development between the sexes. Erikson justifies this decision by arguing that beyond childhood there are no consistent differences between the development of men and women. It has also been suggested that the model lacks rigor (Stevens 1983), as the behaviors and components are not easy to specify precisely and they are often unclear. Some have criticized the overlapping of the stages, though this may reflect the way things really are rather than any inadequacy in the account. As mentioned during the introduction, Erikson's model was based on his clinical work and studies of people from all stages of life, which provided excellent access to intimate details of their life experiences.

However, Erikson accepted the possibility that due to this, his theory could be class or culture bound and actively pursued to remedy that assertion via his anthropological studies and seminars to discuss and compare the patterns of the life cycle in societies other than his own. In later writings, Erikson goes on to deepen his contribution to our understanding of the life cycle in two particular ways. One is represented by his

Biographical studies of the lives of specific individuals. The other, which will be considered next, is to elaborate in greater detail on the issue which first come to 'ascendancy' (Stevens 1983), as we become adult, identity.

Erikson took Freud's ideas and enhanced them. He added stages for the adult years. He also shifted his attention to identity rather than sexuality. Erikson developed the psychosocial stages of development. He is known for his

eight stages of life. Erikson's first stage is during infancy. It deals with trust versus mistrust. The child develops an outlook on life and whether the world can be trusted or not. The child develops trust if the parents give the child something

it can rely on. The child develops a sense of optimism or pessimism during this stage, according to Erikson.

The next stage in Erikson's psychosocial development is during early childhood and is known as autonomy versus shame and doubt. The child becomes autonomous and realizes he can say yes or no. This stage will determine whether or not a child develops a sense of self-certainty. Erikson's next stage takes place during the ages of three to six years. This stage is marked by initiative versus guilt. This stage is important in developing the child's sense of enterprise. The child develops initiative when trying out new things and is not scared of failing.

The fourth stage of Erikson's developmental theory takes place at about six years of age and lasts till puberty. This stage deals with industry versus inferiority. The child learns skills of the culture and must deal with feelings of inferiority.

Adolescence brings about the next stage for Erikson. This stage is known for identity versus identity ...