psychosocial development

• psychosocial development is defined as the interactions between cognitive and social processes throughout the lifespan
• psychosocial development are interactions that affect our development and growth as people, affects our personality
• Erik Eriksons - journey of life

  • Suggested that we face a specific dilemma (or crisis) at each stage of life
• psychosocial dilemma

  • a conflict between personal impulses and the social world
  • By resolving the crisis, a balance is created between the person and society 
• 2. autonomy vs shame and doubt

  •Early childhood (18 months to 3 years old)

  •Assert independence and autonomy

  •Navigate feelings of shame and doubt about their abilities
• 3. initiative vs guilt

  •3 to 5 years old 

  •Explore their environment 

  •Develop sense of initiative

  •Feeling guilt for their actions
• 4. industry vs inferiority

  •6 to 12 years old

  •Strive to master new skills and accomplishments

  •Develop sense of industry – confidence in their abilities •Might feel inferior if they see themselves as inadequate 
• 5. identity vs role confusion 


  •Adolescence (teen years)

  •Explore and develop sense of identity while navigating social rules and expectations

  •Experience with cohesive identity, or confused about their role in their environment
• 6. intimacy vs isolation

  •Young adulthood

  •Seeking close and meaningful relationships

  •Experiencing intimacy or isolation depending on their ability to establish emotional connection with others
• 7. generatively vs stagnation

  •Middle adulthood

  •Seeking to contribute to society and future generations

  •Experience generativity if they feel productive
• 8. ego integrity vs despair

  •Late adulthood

  •Reflection on life and accomplishments

  •Experiencing either fulfilment or despair and regret about their opportunities 
• 1. trust vs mistrust

  • infancy (0-18 months)
  • learn to trust or mistrust caregivers based on case