Erikson's Theory of Psychological Behavior - Essay Example

Each of these stages has two possible outcomes, one being adaptive and the other being maladaptive in nature (Gerlach, 2011). Erikson believed that when an individual successfully completes a stage by resolving the conflict, he develops sufficient strength to face the next stage of development (Heffner, 2001). He also suggested that failure to complete a stage successfully resulted in the individual having diminished ability to proceed to other stages and inability to deal with the issue later in life (Heffner, 2001).

Following are the eight stages of psychosocial development identified by Erikson (Heffner, 2001): Stage 1: Oral – Sensory (Trust versus mistrust) This stage is typically seen from birth to 18 months in infants. During this time, children develop a sense of trust towards their caregivers as they consistently provide care and affection. If children are able to develop a sense of trust towards their caregivers, they would gain confidence and would not feel threatened in the world around him. On the contrary, lack of this sense would cause the infants to develop a sense of fear, anxiety and insecurity. Eg. If a mother feeds her child as soon as the baby shows signs of hunger, the child would begin to trust her.

However, if the mother lets the baby cry for a long time before feeding it, the child would not learn to trust the mother. Stage 2: Muscular – Anal (Autonomy versus shame and doubt) This stage occurs between the ages of one and three when children begin to develop a sense of personal control over their physical skills and assert their independence. If children are encouraged to express their independence, they tend to develop a sense of security and confidence in their ability to survive in this world.

When criticized and overly controlled, the child would lack self-esteem and develop a sense of shame and doubt. Eg. If a child is shouted at or criticized during toilet training, he would begin to feel ashamed, but when he is allowed to take his time he feels more confident about his ability. Stage 3: Locomotor (Initiative versus guilt) This stage occurs between the ages of three and six when children begin to assert themselves more frequently as they develop and initiate activities with others.

If children are given the opportunity to assert themselves, they tend to feel secure in their ability to lead others and make decisions. When criticized and controlled, children tend to feel guilty and would lack self-initiative. Eg. A four year old child who is asked to hand certain tools to his father, who is fixing his car, feels secure about his abilities. Stage 4: Latency (Industry versus inferiority) This stage occurs between the ages of six to eleven when children begin to develop a sense of pride in their social and academic achievements.

If children are encouraged to take initiative, see a project through to completion and be reinforced for their initiative, they tend to feel confident and competent. On the contrary, suppressing their desire to take initiatives would cause them to feel inferior and doubt their abilities. Eg. When students are encouraged to assist their teachers by collecting and distributing materials for their teacher, they feel a sense of competency. Stage 5: Adolescence (Identity versus role confusion) This stage occurs between the ages of twelve to eighteen when teens begin to develop