Erikson's Eight Stages Of Psychosocial Development Essay

Psychologist Eric Erikson’s eight stages of socioemotional development, span from infancy to maturity. He analyzed each level of development to recognize the different dilemmas of each developmental stage. Each of his eight stages covers an age specific psychosocial crisis, which impacts development, life choices, relationships, and psyche. Erikson’s first psychosocial crisis occurs during infancy to a year. During this stage, the infant is uncertain about the world. In order to resolve these feelings of uncertainty, the infants look to their primary caregiver for consistency and stability of care. If the care the infant receives is consistent, predictable, and reliable, they will develop a sense of trust. The implementations of hope in this crisis result in the ability to learn the virtue of hope. The infant will see others as a source of support. If the infant receives harsh care, they will develop a sense of mistrust and will not have confidence in the world or their abilities.

Isolation, the 6th crisis, occurs during adulthood from ages 18 to 40. In this stage, the person, no longer a child, looks to share themselves intimately with others. This stage involves the exploration of long-term relationships and seeking commitment with someone other than family members. Success in this crisis results in happy relationships, commitment, safety, and care within a relationship. Effects of failure are avoiding intimacy, fearing commitment, isolation, loneliness, and depression. The 7th crisis, Generativity vs. Stagnation takes place much later in life during the ages of 40-65. At this point in life, the individual is ready to settle down, establish a career, begin a family, and get the sense of being part of the bigger picture. There is an urge to give back to society through raising children, being productive and working, and being involved in the community. Failing in this crisis life leads to a stagnant and feeling