All Papers/Human Growth and Development (2024-25)/Q10
Q10
15 Marks

Part C (Q10): Mention various stages of development conceptualised by Erikson in his Psycho-Social Theory.

Expert Answer

Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Theory of Development is one of the most influential models in psychology. Unlike Freud, who focused on psychosexual stages and childhood, Erikson believed that personality develops in a predetermined order through eight stages that span the entire lifespan (from birth to death).

At each stage, the individual faces a specific psychosocial "crisis" or conflict. Successfully resolving the crisis leads to the acquisition of a basic virtue and a healthy personality; failure leads to feelings of inadequacy and developmental stagnation.

The Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development

1. Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy: 0 to 1½ years)

  • Conflict: The infant depends entirely on caregivers. If care is consistent and reliable, the infant develops a sense of trust in the world. If care is harsh or inconsistent, they develop basic mistrust.
  • Basic Virtue: Hope.

2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood: 1½ to 3 years)

  • Conflict: Children begin asserting independence (learning to walk, talk, use the toilet). If encouraged, they develop autonomy and self-control. If overly criticized or controlled, they develop shame and doubt in their abilities.
  • Basic Virtue: Will.

3. Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool: 3 to 5 years)

  • Conflict: Children begin to assert power over their environment through play and social interaction. Success leads to a sense of initiative. If their efforts are dismissed as silly or bothersome, they may develop a sense of guilt.
  • Basic Virtue: Purpose.

4. Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age: 5 to 12 years)

  • Conflict: Children enter school and compare themselves to peers. They must learn productive skills (reading, writing, math). Success leads to a sense of competence/industry. Failure to master these skills results in feelings of inferiority.
  • Basic Virtue: Competence.

5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence: 12 to 18 years)

  • Conflict: The transition from childhood to adulthood. Teens explore their independence and ask, "Who am I?" Success leads to a strong sense of personal identity. Failure to establish this leads to role confusion and a weak sense of self.
  • Basic Virtue: Fidelity.

6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood: 18 to 40 years)

  • Conflict: The focus shifts to forming intimate, loving relationships with other people. Success leads to strong, committed relationships. Failure results in loneliness, emotional isolation, and depression.
  • Basic Virtue: Love.

7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood: 40 to 65 years)

  • Conflict: Adults strive to create or nurture things that will outlast them (e.g., raising children, mentoring, contributing to society through work). Success leads to feelings of usefulness (generativity). Failure results in shallow involvement in the world (stagnation).
  • Basic Virtue: Care.

8. Ego Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood: 65+ years)

  • Conflict: As seniors reflect on their lives, they feel either a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction (ego integrity) or regret and bitterness over missed opportunities (despair).
  • Basic Virtue: Wisdom.