Psychology: The Self and Its Development

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding the concept of "self" in psychological perspectives.
• Differentiating between the ideal self and the true or fake self.

The Self in Psychology

• Explores how individuals perceive themselves and the factors shaping their identities.
• Examines the development and evolution of the self through different life stages.

Sigmund Freud's Psychosexual Stages of Development

• Oral Phase: Birth to 1 year; focuses on mouth-related activities.
• Anal Phase: 1 to 3 years; centered on toileting habits and control.
• Phallic Phase: 3 to 6 years; involves emerging sexual identity and relationships.
• Latency Period: 5 years to puberty; sexual feelings are repressed for social skill development.
• Genital Period: Puberty to adulthood; maturation of sexual orientation and relationships.

Erik Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development

• Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust (Birth to 1 year): Developing trust when caregivers provide reliability.
• Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Ages 1 to 3): Gaining independence and developing self-control.
• Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (Ages 3 to 5): Initiating activities and asserting control through play.
• Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority (Ages 5 to 11): Mastering skills and feeling competent in school and social interactions.
• Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion (Ages 12 to 18): Exploring personal identity and sense of self.
• Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation (Ages 19 to 35): Forming intimate relationships while balancing independence.
• Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation (Ages 35 to 50): Contributing to society and helping the next generation.
• Stage 8: Ego Integrity vs. Despair (Ages 50 and up): Reflecting on life and achieving a sense of fulfillment or regret.

True Self vs. Fake Self

• Examines the distinctions between authentic identity and socioculturally constructed personas.
• Highlights the importance of self-awareness and authenticity in psychological well-being.