Erikson’s Psycho-

Social Theory of
Development
KRISTINA ACIDRE EE 1-1
 GENERAL CONCEPTS:
▪ PSYCHOSOCIAL derived from:
PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIAL
- ‘Psycho’ relating to mind, - External relationships &
brain, personality, etc. environment.

▪ The epigenetic principle.

We develop through predetermined unfolding of our
personalities in 8 stages. Our progress in each stage is
determined by our success or lack of success in all
previous stages
▪ Each stage involves a psychosocial crisis of two
opposing emotional forces/ “contrary dispositions”.
TRUST “VS.” MISTRUST
First Listed To signify conflicting Second Listed
SYNTONIC (+) relationship. DYSTONIC (-)

▪ If stage is managed well we carry:

Virtue- psychosocial strength w/c helps us through
rest of our lives.
▪ If we don’t do so well, we may develop:
MALIGNANCY MALADAPTATION
• Too little positive, too much • Too much positive, too little
negative. negative.
• Ex. Person who can’t trust • Ex. Person who trusts too
others. much.
▪ Can help teacher become knowledgeable &
understanding of various environmental factors that
affect his own & students’ personality & behavior.