Erikson Psychosocial Stages

(Erikson) Infants learn “give in and get” with mom. Develop sense of trust when caregivers provide care. If problems occur here, won’t develop faith/hope or trust of others.

(Erikson) Main relationship is with parents. Now able to say “no.” Need to develop sense of personal control and independence. If problems occur here, won’t have will or determination and will feel ashamed and doubtful.

(Erikson) Significant relationship is with family and caregivers. Ask questions of “why.” Need to assert control and power over environment. If problem occurs here, won’t have purpose or courage. Exert too much power = guilt.

(Erikson) Main relationships with peers, neighborhood kids, community. Need to be able to learn and complete something. Psychosocial virtues = sense of competence. If problems occur, feel inferior.

(Erikson) Main relationships are peers and role models. “Who am I and how do I relate to others and share?” Virtues = fidelity and loyalty. Success leads to ability to stay true to self. Failure = role confusion and weak sense of self.

(Erikson) Main relationships are life-long friends, partners. Make commitment to others. Virtues = different elements of love. Success = strong relationships, failure = loneliness and isolation

(Erikson) Main relationships with community, household and work. Need to be able to be someone and leave something behind and to have commitment for care beyond immediate family. Success = feeling useful and accomplished. Failure = shallow involvement in world, focus on self.

(Erikson) Death of partners and friends. Leaving things behind and loosing. Clear understanding that I am small part of world. Not alone, but die alone. Virtue = wisdom. Failure = regret, bitterness, despair.