Erikson's Stages of Development: What Parents Should Know
Erik Erikson's eight-stage theory of psychosocial development explains how individuals evolve from infancy to adulthood through a series of psychosocial conflicts or crises. In this blog, we will discuss the different stages of Erikson's theory and what parents should know about them.
Introduction to Erikson's Stages of Development
- Erikson's theory of psychosocial development emphasizes the importance of a person's interactions with others throughout their lifetime.
- His model of eight distinct stages of psychosocial development spans from infancy to maturity.
- Successful conflict resolution leads to the development of character strengths (essential virtues) that can be applied to predicting future conflicts and reducing future risks.
Erikson's Eight Psychosocial Developmental Stages
| Stage | Age Range | Primary Virtue | Expected Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Birth-18 months | Hope | Sense of security and trust in others |
| 2 | 18 months-3 years | Will | Independence and confidence |
| 3 | 3-5 years | Purpose | Ability to play and socialize in groups |
| 4 | 5-12 years | Competence | Development of self-esteem and peer group importance |
