Erikson's Stages of Development

There are many theories on development, and Erick Erickson's stages of development are an interesting and important theory. Erickson was influence by Freud, and he studied identity through three aspects known as ego, personal, and social identity (Learning Theories Knowledgebase, 2010) . Erickson's theory discusses development through eight stages that occur throughout the life cycle, and this article will discuss Erikson's stages of development in depth.

1. Infancy: Birth-18 Months Old

The first stage of development starts with infancy, and is focuses on trust versus mistrust and hope (Erikson's Stages of Development, 2010). Through contact with parents infants learn trust, confidence, and caring; lack of this will cause a development of mistrust and insecurity.

2. Toddler / Early Childhood Years: 18 Months to 3 Years

The next stage occurs in the toddler years of youth and it deals with autonomy versus shame and will. During this age a child will build confidence and an idea of self. Learning new skills and right versus wrong is an important part of this stage and lack of self esteem can easily develop because of this.

3. Preschooler: 3 to 5 Years

Preschoolers learn from mimicking the adults they see and creating adult scenarios with their imaginations. During this time initiative versus guilt and purpose come into play. This stage of development is where children will determine their purpose in relation to their selves, and guilt is a common problem that can occur from frustration ( Learning Theories Knowledgebase, 2010, pp. 4 ).

4. School Age Child: 6 to 12 Years

This stage of development is very social as well as a time of learning many skills, creating, and gaining knowledge ( Learning Theories Knowledgebase, 2010, pp. 6 ). Industry versus inferiority and competence is the focus of this stage. As children are opening to a new world of influence they are required to be industrious. During this social stage inferiority complexes can occur and competence and self esteem will be highly affected.

5. Adolescent: 12 to 18 Years

Adolescence is an important stage in development. Erickson believed that this time in a person's life focuses on identity, role confusion, and fidelity. "Up until this fifth stage, development depends on what is done to a person" but development, at this point, "now depends primarily upon what a person does" ( Learning Theories Knowledgebase, 2010, pp. 5 ). During this stage a child will develop their own identity, morality, and role. Confusion and regression can come during this stage in development.

6. Young adult: 18 to 35

From the age of 18-35 intimacy and solidarity versus isolation are the focus of development. During this time companionship and love are important as well as settling down. This stage of development can be negatively affected if intimacy is unsuccessful; this can cause isolation.

7. Middle-aged Adult: 35 to 55 or 65

During the years of middle-aged adulthood development lies in the area on generativity versus self absorption or stagnation, and it focuses mainly on care. Career and family are important, and responsibility and control may be an issue. "For this stage, working to establish stability and Erikson's idea of generativity - attempting to produce something that makes a difference to society" is a necessary factor ( Learning Theories Knowledgebase, 2010, pp. 6 ). Stagnancy and unimportance are problems that can occur during this time in life.

8. Late Adult: 55 or 65 to Death

During the later stage of life known as late adult integrity versus despair and wisdom is the focus of development. Erikson thought that most of life prepares a person for middle adulthood, and late adulthood is a time of reflecting on the past ( Learning Theories Knowledgebase, 2010 ). Some people may become upset and despair if they focus on failures and are not happy with their past experiences. Others may be afraid of death and struggle with questions of purpose.

Erikson's stages of development are interesting, and they reflect the stages of life we all will go through. It is important to understand these stages if we are to understand ourselves.

Reference:

Learning Theories Knowledgebase (2010, December). Erikson's Stages of Development at Learning-Theories.com. Retrieved December 13th, 2010 from http://www.learning-theories.com/eriksons-stages-of-development.html