Erikson's Identity Theory Quiz

Study Notes

Erik Erikson's Identity Theory

Erik Erikson (1902-1994) proposed a lifespan approach to personality
His theory emphasizes psychosocial development across the entire lifespan
Development is driven by crises at each stage, leading to either positive or negative resolutions

Stages Summary

Trust vs. Mistrust (0-1 year): Interaction with primary caregiver forms foundation of trust. Consistency in care leads to trust, inconsistency leads to mistrust. Basic Strength: Hope
Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt (2-3 years): Development of physical and mental abilities fosters a sense of independence. Success leads to autonomy; difficulty leads to shame and doubt. Basic Strength: Will
Initiative vs. Guilt (3-5 years): Children initiate activities, develop fantasies, and learn about social rules. Successfully navigating these experiences leads to initiative; difficulties lead to guilt. Basic Strength: Purpose
Industry vs. Inferiority (6-11 years): School and social interactions are crucial during this stage. Successfully mastering skills leads to a sense of industry; difficulties result in feelings of inferiority. Basic Strength: Competence
Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18 years): Adolescents explore different roles and identities to form a sense of self. Successfully navigating this exploration leads to identity; difficulty leads to role confusion. Basic Strength: Fidelity
Intimacy vs. Isolation (19-35 years): Young adults establish intimate relationships with others. Successful intimacy fosters care; isolation leads to avoidance of relationships. Basic strength: Love
Generativity vs. Stagnation (35-55 years): Adults focus on the future, raising families, and contributing to society. Success leads to generativity (sense of contribution); difficulty leads to feelings of stagnation. Basic strength: Care
Ego Integrity vs. Despair (55+ years): Older adults reflect on their lives, assess their accomplishments, and accept their experiences. Positive reflection leads to ego integrity; negative reflection to despair. Basic Strength: Wisdom

Epigenetic Principle

Development unfolds through a predetermined sequence of stages, influenced by genetic factors.
Crises and turning points happen at each stage

Additional Research Focus

Assessment strategies include play therapy and anthropological/historical analyses of major life themes
Research focuses on case studies, play constructions, and psychosocial development through lifespan
This is a theory based on lifespan development of a person, from conception through adulthood

Motivating/Maladaptive Characteristics of Crises

Resolution of crises results in strengths, while unsatisfactory resolutions lead to motivating characteristics (or maldevelopment.)
Maldevelopment is when the ego consists of exclusively one way of coping with conflict.

Critiques of Erikson's Theory

Some criticisms focus on ambiguities in terms and concepts, as well as problematic treatment of maturity, negative aspects of aging, and differing experiences for women or individuals facing economic hardship.