ERIKSON’S THEORY OF PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

ORIGIN OF ERIKSON’S THEORY OF PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMEMENT

Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development is a theory introduced in the 1950s by the

psychologist and psychoanalyst Erik Erikson. It built upon Freud’s theory of psychosexual
development by drawing parallels in childhood stages while expanding it to include the
influence of social dynamics as well as the extension of psychosocial development into
adulthood.
Erik Erikson(1958, 1963) was an ego psychologist who developed one of the most popular
and influential theories of development. While his theory was impacted by psychoanalyst
Sigmund Freud's work, Erikson's theory centered on psychosocial development rather than
psychosexual development.
Erikson's theory described the impact of social experience across the whole lifespan. Erikson
was interested in how social interaction and relationships played a role in the development
and growth of human beings. Erikson's theory was based on what is known as the epigenetic
principle. This principle suggests that people grow in a sequence that occurs over time and
in the context of a larger community.
According to the theory, successful completion of each stage results in a healthy personality
and the acquisition of basic virtues. Basic virtues are characteristic strengths that the ego
can use to resolve subsequent crises.
Erik Erikson first published his eight-stage theory of human development in his 1950 book
Childhood and Society. The chapter featuring the model was titled 'The Eight Ages of Man'.
He expanded and refined his theory in later books and revisions, notably: Identity and the
Life Cycle (1959); Insight and Responsibility (1964); The Life Cycle Completed: A Review
(1982, revised 1996 by Joan Erikson); and Vital Involvement in Old Age (1989). Erikson's
biography lists more books.

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE THEORY-

The 8 stages he describes as a person age are as follows: -

Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy from birth to 18 months)

Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Toddler years from 18 months to three years)
Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool years from three to five)
Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority (Middle school years from six to 11)
Stage 5: Identity vs. Confusion (Teen years from 12 to 18)
Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young adult years from 18 to 40)
Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle age from 40 to 65)
Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair (Older adulthood from 65 to death)

Conflict During Each Stage

Each stage in Erikson's theory builds on the preceding stages and paves the way for following
periods of development. In each stage, Erikson believed people experience a conflict that
serves as a turning point in development. In Erikson's view, these conflicts are centered on
either developing a psychological quality or failing to develop that quality. During these
times, the potential for personal growth is high but so is the potential for failure.

Mastery Leads to Ego Strength

Erikson also believed that a sense of competence motivates behaviours and actions. Each
stage in Erikson's theory is concerned with becoming competent in an area of life.

ERIKSON’S PSYCHOSOCIAL STAGES

Stage Basic Conflict Virtue Description

Infancy (birth to Trust vs. Mistrust Hope Trust (or mistrust) that basic
18 months) needs, such as nourishment
and affection, will be met
Early Childhood Autonomy vs. Will Develop a sense of
(2 to 3 years) Shame and independence in many tasks
Doubt
Preschool (3 to 5 Initiative vs. Guilt Purpose Take initiative on some
years) activities—may develop guilt
when unsuccessful or
boundaries overstepped
School Age (6 to Industry vs. Confidence Develop self-confidence in
11 years) Inferiority abilities when competent or
sense of inferiority when not
Adolescence (12 Identity vs. Role Fidelity Experiment with and develop
to 18 years) Confusion identity and roles
Young Adulthood Intimacy vs. Love Establish intimacy and
(19 to 40 years) Isolation relationships with others
Middle Generativity vs. Care Contribute to society and be
Adulthood (40 to Stagnation part of a family
65 years)
 Maturity (65 to Ego Integrity vs. Wisdom Assess and make sense of life
death) Despair and meaning of contributions

EXPERIMENT CONDUCTED TO PROVE THIS THEORY

Erikson developed his theory mainly from his extensive practical field research, initially with
Native American communities, and then also from his clinical therapy work attached to
leading mental health centres and universities. He actively pioneered psychoanalytical
development from the late 1940s until the 1990s.
Erik Erikson began his psychological experiments carrying out a longitudinal investigation at
Yurok of North California and the Sioux of South Dakota. Through this research, Erikson was
able to compare how girls and boys were raised from they were babies and how this would
influence their future lives.
Experiment-
Erik Erikson conducted extensive field research in two Native American cultures: the Yurok of
Northern California and the Sioux of South Dakota. He spent a total of five years living and
working with these cultures, and his experiences there had a profound impact on his
thinking about human development.
In particular, Erikson was struck by the way in which these cultures emphasized the
importance of community and interdependence. He saw how children were raised to be
responsible members of their communities, and how adults were expected to contribute to
the well-being of others. This emphasis on community and interdependence helped to
shape Erikson's concept of the psychosocial stage of intimacy vs. isolation.
Erikson also learned about the importance of ritual and ceremony in Native American
cultures. He saw how these rituals helped to mark important life transitions, such as birth,
puberty, and death. This understanding of ritual and ceremony helped to shape Erikson's
concept of the psychosocial stage of generativity vs. stagnation.
Erikson's field research in Native America had a lasting impact on his thinking about human
development. It helped him to see the importance of culture and community in shaping
personality, and it also helped him to develop a more holistic view of human development.

Here are some of the specific findings of Erikson's field research in Native America:

1. Children were raised to be responsible members of their communities.

2. Adults were expected to contribute to the well-being of others.
3. Ritual and ceremony were important ways of marking important life transitions.
4. There was a strong emphasis on community and interdependence.
 5. Children were encouraged to explore their own identities and to develop a sense of
purpose.
6. Adults were expected to mentor younger generations and to pass on the wisdom of
their elders.

Erikson's field research in Native America helped him to develop a more nuanced and
complex understanding of human development. It showed him that there is no single path
to healthy development, and that different cultures have different ways of promoting
positive growth. His findings have had a lasting impact on our understanding of human
development, and they continue to be relevant today.

SOCIAL AND ORGANISATIONAL RELEVANCE OF THE THEORY

Erickson's psychosocial development theory has been applied to a wide range of settings,
including social and organizational contexts.
In the social context, Erikson's theory can be used to understand the development of
individuals, groups, and societies. For example, Erikson's concept of identity can be used to
understand the development of a national identity, or the development of a sense of
community. Erikson's concept of generativity can be used to understand the development of
a sense of purpose in life, or the development of a commitment to social change.
In the organizational context, Erikson's theory can be used to understand the development
of organizations, the development of leaders, and the development of employee morale. For
example, Erikson's concept of trust vs. mistrust can be used to understand the development
of a trusting relationship between an organization and its employees. Erikson's concept of
intimacy vs. isolation can be used to understand the development of a sense of community
within an organization.

Here are some specific examples of how Erikson's theory has been applied to social and
organizational contexts:

 A social worker might use Erikson's theory to help a group of refugees to develop a
sense of community.
 A business leader might use Erikson's theory to help their employees to develop a
sense of purpose in their work.
 A teacher might use Erikson's theory to help their students to develop a sense of
identity.
 A therapist might use Erikson's theory to help a client to overcome a crisis of faith.
Erikson's psychosocial development theory is a complex and comprehensive theory that can
be applied to a wide range of settings. It is a valuable tool for understanding human
development, and it can be used to promote positive growth and development in
individuals, groups, and societies.

WHAT CHANGE THIS THEORY HAS MADE IN AN ORGANISATIONAL SETTING

Erikson's psychosocial development theory has been applied to organizational settings in a

number of ways, including:

1. Recruitment and selection: Erikson's theory can be used to identify the skills and
qualities that are important for success in different roles within an organization. For
example, a company that is looking for salespeople might look for people who have a
strong sense of initiative and a willingness to take risks.

2. Training and development: Erikson's theory can be used to design training programs
that help employees to develop the skills and qualities they need to be successful in
their roles. For example, a company that is looking to promote employee leadership
might offer training programs that focus on developing the skills of communication,
conflict resolution, and decision-making.

3. Performance management: Erikson's theory can be used to create performance

appraisal systems that are fair and equitable. For example, a company might use
Erikson's theory to create a performance appraisal system that focuses on the
employee's strengths and areas for development.

4. Career development: Erikson's theory can be used to help employees to plan their
careers and to make decisions about their future. For example, a company might
offer employees career counselling services that help them to identify their interests
and skills, and to develop a plan for their career development.

5. Work-life balance: Erikson's theory can be used to help organizations to create work
environments that support employee well-being. For example, a company might
offer employees flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexitime,
that allow them to balance their work and personal lives.
In addition to these specific applications, Erikson's theory can also be used to help
organizations to create a more positive and supportive work environment overall. By
understanding the psychosocial needs of their employees, organizations can create a culture
that is more conducive to growth and development.
APPLICATION OF THEORY IN ORGANISATIONAL SETTINGS

Here are some specific examples of how Erikson's theory has been applied in
organizational settings:

A company might use Erikson's theory to create a mentorship program that pairs new
employees with more experienced employees. This can help new employees to develop a
sense of identity and belonging, and it can also help them to learn the skills and knowledge
they need to be successful in their roles.
A company might use Erikson's theory to create a team-building program that helps
employees to develop a sense of community and cooperation. This can help to improve
communication and collaboration within the organization, and it can also help to reduce
stress and conflict.
A company might use Erikson's theory to create a leadership development program that
helps employees to develop the skills and qualities they need to be successful leaders. This
can help to create a more effective and productive workforce.

Overall, Erikson's psychosocial development theory is a valuable tool for understanding

human development and for promoting positive growth and development in
organizations. By understanding the psychosocial needs of their employees, organizations
can create a more positive and supportive work environment that is conducive to growth
and development.

THANK YOU.

Submitted by-
Simran Sahu -41C
MBA (IB’25)