Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development outlines eight stages, each with a key conflict, from Trust vs. Mistrust in infancy to Integrity vs. Despair in maturity. Resolving these conflicts shapes an individual's personality and social relationships, fostering virtues like hope, will, and wisdom. Erikson's work extends Freud's ideas, emphasizing lifelong growth and the role of societal influences in human development.
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Erikson's theory outlines eight sequential stages of psychosocial development, each with its own central conflict
Positive Outcomes
Successfully resolving conflicts at each stage leads to the development of essential virtues and strengths, contributing to an individual's psychological well-being and social competence
Negative Outcomes
Failure to resolve conflicts can result in feelings of inadequacy and a weaker social support network
Each stage builds upon the outcomes of earlier stages, contributing to a cumulative sense of competence and identity
The first stage, occurring in infancy, focuses on developing a sense of trust through reliable and caring caregivers
The second stage, in early childhood, centers on developing a sense of personal control and independence
The third stage, during the preschool years, involves asserting oneself and developing a sense of purpose
Successfully resolving conflicts can lead to psychological strengths and virtues, promoting a sense of well-being
Positive outcomes can also contribute to an individual's ability to navigate social relationships and challenges
Erikson's theory recognizes the impact of social interactions and cultural influences on personality development