Psychosocial Theory

Erik Eriksons Theory on Psychosocial Development
I. Introduction
"Human personality in principle develops according to steps predetermined in the

growing person's readiness to be driven toward, to be aware of and to interact with a
widening social radius. These are the words of Erik Erikson, a brilliant American
psychoanalyst. Erikson being a student of the basic notions of Sigmund Freud's
developmental theory (Freudian theory) believed that Freud misjudged some important
dimensions of human development. According to Erikson, humans develop throughout
their life span, while Freud said that our personality is shaped by the age of five. Erikson
believed that childhood is very important in personality development. He accepted many
of Freud's theories, including the id, ego, and superego, and Freud's theory of infantile
sexuality. But Erikson rejected Freud's attempt to describe personality solely on the
basis of sexuality. I personally tend to agree with Erikson's theory over the Freudian
theory. As human beings we develop, change, and learn from the cradle to the grave.
Erikson developed eight psychosocial stages that humans encounter throughout their
life. The stages are Trust vs. Mistrust, Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt, Initiative vs. Guilt,
Industry vs. Inferiority, Identity vs. Role Confusion, Intimacy vs. Isolation, Generativity
vs. Stagnation, and Integrity vs. Despair.
Eriksons psychosocial theory of development considers the impact of external

factors, parents and society on personality development from childhood to adulthood.
According to Eriksons theory, every person must pass through a series of eight
interrelated stages over the entire life cycle. The first stage was Trust vs. Mistrust
Hope ( Birth to 1 year old ).During the first or second year of life, the major emphasis is
on the mother and fathers nurturing ability and care for a child, especially in terms of
visual contact and touch. The child will develop optimism, trust, confidence, and security
if properly cared for and handled. If a child does not experience trust, he or she may
develop insecurity, worthlessness, and general mistrust to the world.
Autonomy vs. Shame Will
The second stage occurs between 1 and 3 years. At this point, the child has an
opportunity to build self-esteem and autonomy as he or she learns new skills and right
from wrong. The well-cared for child is sure of himself, carrying him or herself with pride
rather than shame. During this time of the terrible twos, defiance, temper tantrums,
and stubbornness can also appear. Children tend to be vulnerable during this stage,
sometimes feeling shame and and low self-esteem during an inability to learn certain
skills.
Initiative vs. Guilt Purpose
During this period we experience a desire to copy the adults around us and take
initiative in creating play situations. We make up stories with Barbies and Kens, toy
phones and miniature cars, playing out roles in a trial universe, experimenting with the
blueprint for what we believe it means to be an adult. We also begin to use that
wonderful word for exploring the worldWHY?
While Erikson was influenced by Freud, he downplays biological sexuality in favor of the
psychosocial features of conflict between child and parents. Nevertheless, he said that
at this stage we usually become involved in the classic Oedipal struggle and resolve
this struggle through social role identification. If were frustrated over natural desires
and goals, we may easily experience guilt.
The most significant relationship is with the basic family.
Identity vs. Role Confusion Fidelity
Up until this fifth stage, development depends on what is done to a person. At this point,
development now depends primarily upon what a person does. An adolescent must
struggle to discover and find his or her own identity, while negotiating and struggling
with social interactions and fitting in, and developing a sense of morality and right from
wrong.
Some attempt to delay entrance to adulthood and withdraw from responsibilities

(moratorium). Those unsuccessful with this stage tend to experience role confusion and
upheaval. Adolescents begin to develop a strong affiliation and devotion to ideals,
causes, and friends.
Intimacy and Solidarity vs. Isolation Love
At the young adult stage, people tend to seek companionship and love. Some also
begin to settle down and start families, although seems to have been pushed back
farther in recent years.
Young adults seek deep intimacy and satisfying relationships, but if unsuccessful,
isolation may occur. Significant relationships at this stage are with marital partners and
friends.
Generativity vs. Stagnation Care
Career and work are the most important things at this stage, along with family. Middle
adulthood is also the time when people can take on greater responsibilities and control.
For this stage, working to establish stability and Eriksons idea of generativity
attempting to produce something that makes a difference to society. Inactivity and
meaninglessness are common fears during this stage.
Major life shifts can occur during this stage. For example, children leave the household;
careers can change, and so on. Some may struggle with finding purpose. Significant
relationships are those within the family, workplace, local church and other
communities.
Integrity vs. Despair Wisdom
Erikson believed that much of life is preparing for the middle adulthood stage and the
last stage involves much reflection. As older adults, some can look back with a feeling of
integrity that is, contentment and fulfillment, having led a meaningful life and valuable
contribution to society. Others may have a sense of despair during this stage, reflecting
upon their experiences and failures. They may fear death as they struggle to find a
purpose to their lives, wondering What was the point of life? Was it worth it?
All of these stages in Erikson's theory are present at birth, but unfold according to
an innate plan, with each stage building on the preceding stages, and paving the way
for subsequent stages. Each stage is characterized by a psychosocial crisis, which is
based on physiological development, but also on demands put on the individual by
parents and society. Ideally, the crisis in each stage should be resolved by the ego in
that stage, in order for development to proceed correctly. The outcome of one stage is
not permanent, but can be altered by later experiences. Everyone has a mixture of the
traits attained at each stage, but personality development is considered successful if the
individual has more of the "good traits than the bad traits.
II. Methodology
Design
The study uses Semi-structured Interview. This interview provides a clear set of
instructions for interviewers and can provide reliable, comparable qualitative
data. Typically, the interviewer has a paper-based interview guide that he or she
follows. Since semi-structured interviews often contain open-ended questions and
discussions may diverge from the interview guide, it is generally best to tape-record
interviews and later transcript these tapes for analysis. Semi-structured interviews
also allow informants the freedom to express their views in their own terms.
Environment
The researchers conducted their study and interview in Totolan, Dauis, Bohol.
Instrument
The researchers used ten guided questions as the tool to gather data relevant to
the study. They conducted their interviews to the chosen twenty residents of Totolan,
Dauis, Bohol. The questions were being asked to the target respondents, and the
researchers allotted five to ten minutes per person for the interview.
Name: Oliva H. Lopena

Q: Did your parents meet your needs as an infant? Share something that your parents
shared to you.
A: Yes. They supported all my necessities.
Q: When you are at the age of 3, are dependent or independent to your parents? Cite
some examples.
A: I am of course dependent with my parents. Without them, I cannot do the things like
walking, eating on my own and going to the bathroom.
Q: What are your experiences during your preschool years or at the ages of 3 to 6?
Does your parents usually tell you what to do?
A: My parents usually instruct me them I should and I shouldnt do, and I would always
have to obey them in order for me not to be punished.
Q: When you were at your elementary years, are you happy with your success and
accomplishments? Do your parents praise you when you accomplished something?
Cite your experience.
A: I was an Honor student since grade 2 to 4, but my parents really dont give praises.
Q: When you were at your adolescent years, did you happen to ask yourself Who am
I? What makes me unique? What is important to me? What do I want to become?
A: Ah, yes. I was the joker or the clown in our room. Good health and my family are
what matters me most. And if I was given the chance to finish my studies, I want to be
an Attorney
Q: Share your love story with your spouse from meeting to wedding.
A: It is quite long, I forgot the details. But I will tell you some other time (laughs).
Q: What will be your legacy to your family especially to you grandchildren?
A: Good health to my family and my grandchildren.
Q: Are you contented to what happen in your life or did you regret something?
A: Yes, very contented. I might not achieve to be that person I want to become, but
seeing my children and grandchildren pursuing their dreams in life, all my sacrifices are
worth it (smiles).
Name: Eutropia L. Hontanosas

shared to you.
A: Yes, they took care of me.
some examples.
A: I am dependent on my parents of during that time.
A: They just send me to school and let my cousin drop me in my house.
A: I did not become an honor student, but at least I pass (laughs).
A: I just wanted to become a teacher, but I did not really pursue that dream since we
dont have money to send me to college, even in high school. And I prefer to work
inorder to help my family.
A: Nah, Its not really that romantic. We just became close since we were living in the
same barangay.
A: I was wanted to have them a happy married life, since mine was very complicated
(laughs).
A: Well, I kinda regret marrying my husband, but seeing my children happy with their
lives. I will be contented with that.
Name: Delia L. Yana

shared to you.
A: Yes, my parents truly provide me all the things that I needed. And I am very thankful
for them because of that.
some examples.
A: Of course, I depend on my parents of everything that I do, from eating to going to the
bathroom, and sleeping to my first walk.
A: My parents told me that I was a curious kid and love to explore new things, so they
set some policies and rules that will deprive myself on going into trouble.
A: I am happy with my success during that time since I became a consistent honor
student, but my parent dont usually give affirmations because they use to it, me being
an honor student.
A: Sometimes, I used to ask myself like that, what is my role in the family? and other
things. I dont know what makes me unique, but my family is the most important for me
in this world. Well, I wanted to become an accountant, and indeed, I became one.
A: Its quite long (laughs). But all I can say is that I am happy to be married with my
husband.
A: Well, I have land title and some jewelry (laughs). But honestly, I just want them to
have a happy and contented life.
A: Yes, very contented.
Name: Buenaventurada Balate
shared to you.
A: yes, they took care of me and provide my needs even if we were not financially
abundant.
some examples.
A: I depend on my parents most of the time.
A: I usually afraid of getting hit and scolded with my parents, so whatever they said, Ill
follow them.
A: I did not finish my studies because I lack financial support and my father is just a
fisherman and we had many mouths to feed, so school is not really priority during that
time. But atleast I graduated elementary.
I? What makes me unique? What is important to me? What do I want to become?.
A: Im just ordinary. I dont know what makes me unique. Whats important for me
during that time was to be able to eat three times a day (laughs).
A: Even if I settle down at a young age, I am still happy to marry my husband.
A: I want them to finish their studies.
A: Even if I did not finish my studies and had a good job, still, I am contented of what
God has given on me.
Name: Rolando Y. Baldo

shared to you.
A: Well, my father is very alcoholic, so my mother was the only one who took care of
me.
some examples.
A: I depend on my parents during that time since I cannot do the things on my own.
A: I can go to school by my self during that time. I become independent as the time
goes by since my father would care less about my welfare.
A: I became a troop leader of Boy Scout, and I can say I am happy of some of my
achievements. And I am grateful that my mother will always there for me.
A: Yes, sometimes I do ask myself like that. But at the age of fifteen, I try live with my
own and travel along places to find a better job. I dont want to depend on my father.
A: Even if I had not-so-good memories in the past, I forget them all and start a new life
with my wife. I love her and shes the most wonderful woman in my life beside my
mother.
A: Before my life comes to its limit, I want to see my family living their lives to the fullest.
I want them to be always remain faithful to the Lord and always remember the values
and good deeds Ive taught and shared to them.
A: If being contented means having your wife beside you until your last breath and
seeing your children pursuing and achieving their dreams, then I am very very
contented (smiles).
Name: Felixberto L. Amoncio
shared to you.
A: Yes, but my older siblings were the one who took care of me since my parents were
busy with their work.
some examples.
A: I guess everyone of us here were dependent to their parents during that time, and of
course Im one of them.
A: Well, I was the typical hard-headed boy who wanted to get what I want, so inorder to
cut my horn (laughs), as my parents said, they used to reprimand me for my misdeeds
and set some rules which tells me what to do and what shouldnt do.
A: Yes, like my sisters, I was a consistent honor student, but my parents dont usually
give some kind of praises. But they will get angry if I didnt get to have an award, and if I
do, they will just ignore it. (laughs) I really dont get them sometimes.
A: I used to have some confusion on my role in the family and society, and I guess it is
normal during teenage years to have that. What makes me unique? Hmmm, I guess
being the joker in the class. I want to be an Accountant, and guess what? I am now
(laughs)
A: It will take time if I will go to the details, but all I can say is tha shes really the one for
me.
A: I want to give them the world they deserve.
A: I didnt regret anything. I am just grateful to God for everything I have.
Name: Regina L. Sumaya
shared to you.
A: Yes, they provide all my necessities, and i am truly grateful for them.
some examples.
A: Yes, I am dependent with my parents.
A: My parents will usually tell me the things I need to do.
A: I was an Honor student since grade 2 to 4, but my parents really dont give praises.
A: Yes. Im unique in a way that I was the best dancer during my days.
A: Its quite long. But I am deeply inlove with my husband and I did regret to marry him.
A: Good Values and my faith in our Almighty.
Name: Crisentita L. Baldo

shared to you.
A: My parents truly did their best to provide my everyday necessities and I am very
lucky to have them in my life.
some examples.
A: I think everyone of us were dependent to their parents. I was very obedient with my
parents during that time for the fear that I may receive a painful pinch (laughs)
A: Yes, my parents were there to tell me the dos and donts like some hitler personified
(laughs).
A: Yes, but even though I was an honor student, my parents dont usually express their
affirmations. But I know deep inside, I know they were proud of me.
A: Yes, Im a bit philosophical type of woman. And I believe that everyone is unique in
their own ways. My family and my faith are the most important thing to me.
A: We were acquainted with each other because we have the same workplace, and
then courtship follows. And I am very grateful to have him in my life together with our
children (smiles)
A: I may not be able to leave them any material wealth, but I will leave them my
teachings, good values and education that no material wealth can replace.
A: Very much contented. Regret? Not a thing.
Name: Gil H. Lopena

shared to you.
A: yes, they were there to support and guide me.
some examples.
A: I depend on my parents since I cannot do all those things all by myself.
A: Yes.
A: Even though Im not an honor student, Im happy that I had passed. But I also
receive some special awards though.
A: Yes. My family is the most important thing for me.
A: Its quite long. Ill just share it to you some other time. But I can say, I am happy
together with wife.
A: Good Values and my faith in our Almighty
A: Yes. I am contented.
Name: Julia Palacat

shared to you.
A: Yes, my parents truly provide me all the things that I needed. And I am very thankful
for them because of that.
some examples.
A: Of course, I depend on my parents of everything that I do, from eating to going to the
bathroom, and sleeping to my first walk.
A: My parents told me that I was a curious kid and love to explore new things, so they
set some policies and rules that will deprive myself on going into trouble.
A: I am happy with my success during that time since I became a consistent honor
student and my parents were always there to support me all way long.
A: Sometimes, I used to ask myself like that, what is my role in the family? and other
things. I dont know what makes me unique, but my family is the most important for me
in this world. Well, I wanted to become a teacher, and indeed, I became one.
A: Its quite long (laughs). But all I can say is that I am happy to be married with my
husband.
A: Well, I have land title and some jewelry (laughs). But honestly, I just want them to
have a happy and contented life.
V. Discussion
In the table shown above, we can conclude that in the first stage of Erik Eriksons
psychosocial theory which is the trust vs. mistrust, all of the twenty respondents develop
trust to their caregivers during their infancy and none of them experience mistrust. This
means that their parents were very reliable and adequate in providing their needs which
help them develop the feeling that the world is a safe place to be.
On the second stage of Erik Eriksons psychosocial theory which is the autonomy
vs. doubt and shame, there were seventeen respondents who had achieved the degree
of autonomy. The respondents during this stage were given the permission to explore
and manipulate his or her environment which helps them develop the sense of
independence or autonomy. On the other hand there were three respondents who had
develop the sense of doubt and shame for during this stage for their parents come down
hard on any attempt to explore and be independent.
On the third stage of Erik Eriksons psychosocial theory which is the initiative vs.
guilt, there were fifteen respondents out of twenty, who had learned initiative without too
much guilt. Their parents encourage them to try out their ideas, learn new skills and
develop the feeling of purposeful. On the other hand there were five respondents who
had developed guilt for the process is done too harshly and too abruptly.
On the fourth stage Erik Eriksons psychosocial theory which is the industry vs.
inferiority, there were eight respondents who had achieved the task to develop the
capacity for industry while avoiding an excessive sense of inferiority. In this stage the
respondents dedicate themselves to education and to learning the social skills their
society requires of them. While there were twelve respondents develop the sense of
inferiority for they are allowed too little success, because of harsh teachers or rejecting
peers.
On the fifth stage of Erik Eriksons psychosocial theory which is the identity vs.
role confusion, there were sixteen respondents who had develop the sense of identity
for during this stage they were able to use all theyve learned about life and themselves
and mold it into a unified-self-image, one that their community finds meaningful. On the
other hand there were four respondents who failed to achieve the sense of identity
instead they had this role confusion for they were uncertain about there place in society
and the world.
On the sixth stage of Erik Eriksons psychosocial theory which is the intimacy vs.
isolation, there were seventeen respondents who had achieved the degree of intimacy.
This means that they have already a clear sense of who they are. They develop the
ability to be close with others, as a lover, a friend and as a participant in society. On the
other hand there where three respondents who had develop the sense of isolation
which certain hatefulness in compensation for ones loneliness where develop.
On the seventh stage of Erik Ericksons psychosocial theory which is the

generativity vs. stagnation there where nineteen respondents who achieve the task to
develop generativity. This means that the respondents during this stage had developed
the concern for the next generation and all future generations. On the other hand there
is only one respondents who had develop the sense of stagnation in which he/she stops
to a productive member of the society.
On the last stage of Erik Erickson psychosocial theory which is the integrity vs.
despair there where seventeen respondents out of twenty who had develop the sense
of integrity in which he/she accept the course of events, the choices made in their life
as they lived it as being necessary, then you neednt fear death. On the other hand
there were three respondents who views life as very negative and full of hate.
After conducting a mini research we had gathered some data that helps us to
determine the importance of Ericksons psychosocial theory for the childs development
in to becoming an adult. Each stage involves a psychosocial crisis of two opposing
emotional forces. If a stage is managed well, we carry away a certain virtue or
psychosocial strength which will help us through the rest of the stages of our lives.
Successfully passing through each crisis involves achieving a healthy ratio or balance
between the two opposing disposition that represents each crisis. On the other hand, if
we dont do so well, we may develop maladaptation and malignancies, as well as
endanger all our future development.
Crisis stages connect with each other like inter-laced fingers, not like a series of
neatly stacked boxes. People dont suddenly wake up one morning and be in a new life
stage. Changes dont happen in regimented clear- cut steps. Changes are graduated,
mixed- together and organic.
Erikson's stages of psychological development were complex, but simple. It is

something everyone will go through and experiences will always be different.
Surprisingly, previous stages are highly influential to the proceeding stage.
While Erikson's model emphasizes the sequential significance of the eight

character-forming crisis stages, the concept also asserts that humans continue to
change and develop throughout their lives, and that personality is not exclusively
formed during early childhood years. It is certainly a view that greatly assists
encouraging oneself and others to see the future as an opportunity for positive change
and development, instead of looking back with blame and regret.
The better that people come through each crisis, the better they will tend to deal
with what lies ahead, but this is not to say that all is lost and never to be recovered if a
person has had a negative experience during any particular crisis stage. Lessons can
be revisited successfully when they recur, if we recognize and welcome them.
Finally I should say that he was keen to improve the way children and young
people are taught and nurtured, and it would be appropriate for his ideas to be more
widely known and used in day-to-day life as it is very powerful for self-awareness and
improvement, and for teaching and helping others.

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Erik Eriksons Theory on Psychosocial Development

"Human personality in principle develops according to steps predetermined in the

Eriksons psychosocial theory of development considers the impact of external

Initiative vs. Guilt Purpose

The most significant relationship is with the basic family.

Identity vs. Role Confusion Fidelity

Some attempt to delay entrance to adulthood and withdraw from responsibilities

Intimacy and Solidarity vs. Isolation Love

Generativity vs. Stagnation Care

Integrity vs. Despair Wisdom

Name: Oliva H. Lopena

Name: Eutropia L. Hontanosas

Name: Delia L. Yana

Name: Rolando Y. Baldo

Name: Crisentita L. Baldo

Name: Gil H. Lopena

Name: Julia Palacat

On the seventh stage of Erik Ericksons psychosocial theory which is the

Erikson's stages of psychological development were complex, but simple. It is

While Erikson's model emphasizes the sequential significance of the eight

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