EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY, Section PQR

PROFESSOR: MARIAN BIGGINS

Written Summary
ERIKSON
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October 7, 2015
By Karin, Courtney, Hayley, Laurel

INTRODUCTION
Erik Erikson composed his psychosocial theory during the time of Freuds popularity
and the rise of psychoanalytical theories. His theory is said to be a built upon
Freuds psychosexual theories.1
Erikson was one of the first people to directly link the social aspect of psychological
development with what he called his eight stages of psychosocial development.
These stages highlight an either or scenario, which he called a developmental
crisis, for each age group throughout the developmental process (example: trust vs
mistrust).2
While there are some critiques of Eriksons work, Eriksons stages continue to
influence our thought on psychological development today. 3

The Eight Stages4

(1) Trust vs mistrust (Birth to 12-18 months of age)
An infant will develop a sense of trust if its need are met by its caregiver. Secure
attachments help infants learn trust and also when or if mistrust is appropriate.
An example of this is that a child who observes abuse or neglect would suffer
from the negative aspects of this crisis, which will have a negative effect on the
childs development.

(2) Autonomy vs shame and doubt (18 months to 3 years old)

This stage involves the beginning of self- control and self-confidence. Parents must
ensure to not be too overprotective in order to ensure children learn and master
basic motor and cognitive skills. An example of this is that a child who is
learning to potty train but is not given positive support may never take pride in
her ability to use the toilet, and thus may take longer to train.

(3) Initiative vs guilt (3-6 years old)

In addition to autonomy this stage brings a childs need to undertake, plan, and
attack a task for the sake of the ability to do it. If a child is not allowed to do
things of her own initiative then she can develop a sense of guilt, incurring the
belief that she is wrong, which can become frustrating for a developing child.
An example of this is that child who is raised in an extremely rigid and
controlling environment might struggle with feelings of guilt for wanting to try
new things.

(4) Industry vs inferiority ( 6-12 years old)

Elementary:

As children move into more environments outside of their homes they must
understand the differences between home, neighborhood, and school and cope
with the demands that each environment brings. Problems within childrens peer
groups or difficulty handling failure can lead to childrens feelings of inferiority.
An example of this would be a seven year old child would would like to volunteer
with the school litter patrol but is hesitant to do so because she is worried her
classmates will laugh when they see her in a bright yellow litter patrol vest.
Middle School:
During this stage students face an increasing focus on grades and performance, all
under the stress of competition within multiple areas of life, including socially.
An example of this would be a 12 year-old boy who fears his weekly oral spelling
tests, afraid of making a mistake in front of his peers.

(5) Identity vs role confusion (adolescence)

Adolescents must integrate all aspects and choices related to their drives, abilities,
beliefs, and histories, through deliberate decisions about work, ideology, and
values. The purpose of this process is to create a consistent image of self. During
this time volunteering, internships and mentoring are experiences that could be
used to foster adolescents identity formation. An example would be a teenager
who chooses to volunteer at a home for senior citizens and gains confidence and an
appreciation of her supportive parents, through the process.

(6) Intimacy vs isolation (young adulthood)

This stage includes the willingness to relate to someone else on a deep level, and
the ability to have a relationship that is not based on need. An example of
isolation would be the stereotypical crazy cat lady.

(7) Generativity vs stagnation (middle adulthood)

This stage focuses on ones need to settle down and become part of a bigger
picture. During this stage the ability to care for another person ideally evolves
into concern for future generations. An example of this would be a man who

establishes a career, marries, and then diligently raises children to become good
citizens.

(8) Ego integrity vs despair (late adulthood)

During this stage, adults look back upon the past and ask whether their lives have
been productive. Ones sense of self and personal experiences become viewable
as unique and unalterable history during this stage. An example would be an
elderly man wondering if he made a difference in his life as he reminisces about
his past adventures.

How is Erikson's theory important for teachers' knowledge and classroom

application?
One of the Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes (KSAs) legislated by the Government
of Alberta for teachers is that teachers create and maintain environments that are
conducive to student learning. Another is that quality teaching occurs when the
teachers ongoing analysis of the context, and the teachers decisions about which
pedagogical knowledge and abilities to apply result in optimum learning by
students.5
By applying knowledge of Erikson's stages, teachers will be better able to
understand the challenges and changes experienced by their students. Teachers
will then be better able to create safe and accommodating learning environments
that will facilitate student learning.
For example regarding elementary school (Grades 1 - 4), during the 'initiative
versus guilt' phase (ages 3 - 6) students are becoming more assertive and
developing independence. In light of this, elementary school teachers are wise to

permit students to try things for themselves and make mistakes as they do so,
rather than trying to do things for students.
In terms of middle school (Grades 5 - 8), during the 'industry versus inferiority'
stage (ages 6 - 12) students are dealing with their 'work life' at school and the
responsibilities related to that. As they participate in this process students risk
failure and rejection by peers. During this stage teachers assist middle school
students by helping them to feel capable, secure, and safe in the classroom. By
creating an atmosphere of strong learning and life skills and emotional safety,
teachers increase the likelihood that students will view themselves as successful
and thereby overcome feelings of inferiority.
Regarding high school (Grades 9 - 12), during the 'identity versus role confusion'
stage (adolescent years) students' main challenge is to navigate peer relationships.
At the same time as the academic demands upon them grow, students are also
trying to figure out who they are in terms of politics, gender, and religion.
High school teachers are therefore wise to recognize that students are experiencing
identity related challenges. They should recognize that students' potential 'attitude
problems', apparent selfishness, and lack of attention to their studies may actually
be a result of inner emotional turmoil, rather than intentional disrespect towards the
teacher.

Critiques of Eriksons Theory

Some ethnic and racial identity theorists argue that Eriksons theory is incomplete
because it should include another stage of development for young people from
ethnic minority backgrounds. Jean Phinney suggests that these youth will either
assimilate into the cultural majority, separate and only associate with their own
culture, live in marginality where they live in the new culture but do not feel a part
of it, or become bicultural, where they become equally part of both cultures. 6
Some feminists have argued that Eriksons theory does not account for their
research, which indicates that the intimacy versus isolation stage is different for

women than for men. In the case of women, the theorists argue, achieving identity
is intertwined with achieving intimacy. 7