Erik Erikson was a psychologist who did most of his work in the post-Freudian era, in the 1930s to the 1950s. He was a student of Freud, and was greatly influenced by the latter's theories of personality development. However, unlike his predecessor, Erikson gave a great deal of importance to the social environment in a person's psychological development.
Thus his theory is generally called a psychosocial theory of personality development. Erikson's theory posits that every human being passes through several distinct and qualitatively different stages in life, frombirth to death. According to him, the stages are universal, and the ages at which one is said to have passed from one to another stage are also fairly universal. However, it must be kept in mind that Erikson did not have much knowledge of cultures and societies other than his own, and thus the universality of his theory can and must be questioned.
The key idea in Erikson's theory is that the individual faces a conflict at each stage, which may or may not be successfully resolved within that stage. For example, he called the first stage 'Trust vs Mistrust'. If the quality of care is good in infancy, the child learns to trust the world to meet her needs. If not, trust remains an unresolved issue throughout succeeding stages of development.
According to Erikson, although there is a predominant issue at each stage, the stages are not watertight. Issues of one stage overlap with issues of another; how one has dealt with earlier issues determines how one will resolve later issues. Most important, there is a connection between present patterns of thinking and feeling, and earlier unresolved or resolved developmental issues. But Erikson also said that developmental blocks at any stage can be resolved at any point.
I shall now present a brief sketch of those parts of Erikson's theory of developmental stages that are relevant to schooling, and what each of these means for me as a teacher.
Stage I: 0 - 2 years. Trust vs Mistrust
Trust comes from the consistent meeting of needs. An infant who can trust the mother or father to meet her needs, will take from this stage a basic sense of trust in the world (to meet her needs). A sense of trust helps the acceptance of limits and boundaries.
Stage II: 2 - 4 years. Autonomy vs Shame
A child of this age is beginning to explore the world at will. This is the age commonly known as the 'terrible twos'. The very young child learns by feeling with all the senses, and an expression of autonomy in this process seems very relevant to the child's growth. If this autonomy is thwarted, three consequences may ensue:
- A sense of shame develops.
- It prevents a healthy acceptance of limits.
- The child feels devastated by small crises.
I have personally never been able to understand why a child is restricted from touching various objects at home, and then sent to a Montessori school to play 'sensorial' games!
This is also the age when feelings are beginning to be expressed. It is important not to condemn feelings the child may hold, such as anger or jealousy, but to help the child be sensitive to his behavioural expressions in a particular situation.
Stage III: 4 - 6 years. Initiative vs Guilt
The child in this stage is beginning to make decisions, and carry them out, primarily through play activities. Imagination is the key mover. A sense of purpose develops when she is able to envision something in her imagination and pursue it. Such initiative must be encouraged.
Some features of a kindergarten programme suggest themselves fromthese perceptions.
- The child must be allowed room for the expression of imagination, such as playing with various natural, simple materials, and role-playing. Ready-made toys often inhibit this expression, as there is very little that can be done imaginatively with most of them. For example, a matchbox can become a car or an aircraft, but a ready-made car cannot become anything other than what it is. It can only be manipulated.
- Stories and songs that stimulate the imagination can be introduced.
- Real-life activities like serving food, chopping vegetables or making chappatis, prepare children for participation in the community around them. Children of this age are capable of contributing productively to the environment in which they live. I would go so far as to say that it is vital that they do so, and that they feel their contribution is 'real' and not just 'pretend'. This is commonly observed in poorer families, where children of this age take charge of the younger siblings and certain home responsibilities.
- Child-directed activities where the child chooses her activity and repeats it as often as she wants must be encouraged. This again is an opportunity for the child to show initiative and take responsibility. Ridiculing, making fun of the child's imagination, and subtle or overt expectation can inhibit the natural sense of initiative. One may also distort the child's initiative by linking it to reward and performance. Lying should be dealt with sensitively at this age, as spinning imaginative stories may not be the same as lying. Discouraging initiative by inducing guilt or shame may lead to a repressed child, or to one who does things on the sly.
Stage IV: 6 - 12 years. Industry vs Inferiority
These are the years when a child can begin to work hard academically and gain competence in various areas of activity.
This is also a time when the child is praised for the 'doing', for achievement. The question I would ask is, what do we communicate to the child about his 'being'? Adults affirm competence, and that becomes a strong motivation for the child to pursue an activity. While that may be a strong encouragement to a child, it also makes him value himself for his achievements alone, and may promote a sense of comparison and inferiority. What then happens to all those parts of him that are not visible to the world as 'achievement'? It seems to be a very sensitive balance. It also seems relevant not to affirm only certain kinds of aptitudes, as that may restrict the areas of exploration to those that are approved of.
At the same time, it is vitally important to help the child feel that he can pursue a task and do it well. Sometimes, in this age group, there is a tendency for teachers to excuse lack of skill, lack of completion or lack of accuracy in a child's work, the child being young and there being enough time to learn. This may be counterproductive to developing a sense of competence. Small learning targets may be set in a variety of areas. There seems to be a clear case for a firm and consistent demand for the child to actually reach the target, and show proof of learning, not just of engagement. This phase is directly linked to productivity in later life. Thus the junior and middle school is a time to validate the child in his or her own multiple talents and to build a work ethic.
The later part of this phase begins a redefining of the child's relationship with the world. So the curriculum must include a different kind of input to cater to this. Observational exercises, area studies, understanding the flow of resources and materials, examining lifestyle through resource audits, are some of the activities that have been tried out in our school, and have proved very helpful in this regard.
Stage V: 12 - 19 years. Identity vs Role Confusion
The questions arising at this stage are, 'Who am I?', 'What are my values?', 'What is my identity?' Identity is defined as the ability to exercise choice. This is the last stage relevant to school education.
Being able to take initiative and show proof of learning would be appropriate at this stage. There is a book called the Walkabout Papers by Dr Maurice James, which talks of this process of student initiative in great detail. In it is described how a student sets a challenge for himself in certain areas, and plans and executes a project in each of these. Teachers and resource persons in the community can act as facilitators in this process, but the student is working independently. At the end of this process, there can be a presentation to the community of the work done as tangible proof of effort and achievement.
For Erikson, this is also the stage where values have to be chosen, beliefs understood and the 'self' explored. If values are imposed rather than chosen by the child herself, they are not internalised and there is a lack of meaning in later life. How are these values chosen? Erikson says that adolescents are often influenced by role models and tend to imitate and hold their values. Individuating without rebellion is important for a healthy sense of self.
How do we respond to the characteristics of this developmental stage? Of supreme importance is the need for an open and warm relationship between the adult and the young adolescent, which will keep channels of communication open. For instance, since it is evident that the young adult is influenced by role models promoted by the media or society at large, it is important that we help her see that all imitation is limited and cripples creativity. This is also the stage when we can explore issues of responsibility to society and the world at large.
An awareness of such psychological findings does, no doubt, widen a teacher's horizons. It sets us thinking about what is appropriate at each stage, in our approaches to teaching and learning, and may thus help enrich the school's curricular objectives. All the same, the limitations of a theory, any theory, must be underscored. Any theory is just a framework and cannot substitute for but only aids the teacher's ability to observe and respond to students.
I would like to acknowledge the contribution of Ms. Anita of Parivarthan whose lecture on Erik Erikson provided me with many of the facts presented.
FAQs
The key idea in Erikson's theory is that the individual faces a conflict at each stage, which may or may not be successfully resolved within that stage. For example, he called the first stage 'Trust vs Mistrust'. If the quality of care is good in infancy, the child learns to trust the world to meet her needs.
How can teachers use Erikson's theory in the classroom? ›
Having activities, like reading, where children get to choose their own books or do their own work step by step is important for reinforcing making choices. Additionally, helping students fix their own mistakes, like with breaking toys or in work, can help at this stage.
What aspect of Erikson's theory are most important for teachers to understand? ›
The aspects of Erikson's theory that are the most important for educators to understand is stage 4 Industry vs. inferiority that are being developed and the crisis that is happening in the lives of their students.
What is the main idea of Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory? ›
Erikson's theory postulates that people advance through the stages of development based on how they adjust to social crises throughout their lives. These social crises instruct how individuals react to the surrounding world.
What is the importance of knowing about Erikson's stages of psychosocial development for you as educator? ›
Why Was Erikson's Theory Important? The theory was significant because it addressed development throughout a person's life, not just during childhood. It also stressed the importance of social relationships in shaping personality and growth at each point in development.
How can a teacher apply the concept of positive psychology in the classroom? ›
Applying positive psychology in school settings involves helping students set, prioritize, and place clear markers on what they want to achieve. Once students achieve the goals they have set, they may feel more accomplished and experience positive emotions, such as satisfaction.
How to apply cognitive development theory in the classroom? ›
Supporting Cognitive Development
- Encouraging problem-solving in the classroom.
- Making planful choices when arranging the classroom environment.
- The value and importance of play.
- Using active music and play experiences to support infant and toddler thinking.
Developmental knowledge can also help you teach learners who are experiencing learning and adjustment problems. Developmental psychology can help you identify the many forces that affect growth, maturation, learning, and development and that affect your learners' behavior.
How Erikson's theory can be beneficial for you as a future teacher? ›
I think that Erikson's theory is important as a future school teacher because it helps us teachers to know the goal that the child is trying to mean and we can insure them that they are on the right track. Piaget's theory of cognitive development explains that there are three basic ideas that that make us think.
What is an example of Erikson's theory in real life? ›
REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES OF ERIKSON THEORY AT WORK
And integrity is the key to trust. If your company claims to be green and to love the environment, for example, but your employees know you secretly dump waste into the ocean, they question your integrity. And that means they can't really trust you.
In conclusion, Erikson's development theory demonstrates that it is essential for personality to pass through the eight stages successfully. The theory is important guidance for adults who want to reflect on their lives' experiences or to analyze what is essential for raising happy and psychologically healthy children.
What was Erikson's most important contribution to human development? ›
Erikson's best-known work is his theory that each stage of life is associated with a specific psychological struggle, a struggle that contributes to a major aspect of personality.
Which stage of Erikson's psychosocial development teachers play an important role in students self esteem? ›
Stage 4: Industry Versus Inferiority
Teachers play an essential role in our continued growth within this stage. At the same time, peer groups and social interactions are increasingly relevant in the development of our self-esteem, and feelings of pride arise as we successfully perform or complete tasks.
Why is it important to know about a child's psychosocial development? ›
The sooner children learn this, the more beneficial it is because their minds are still developing. This is important in ensuring the success and happiness of a gifted child.
What does Erikson describe in his theory of psychosocial development as the most important task for school age children? ›
According to Erikson, an adolescent's main task is developing a sense of self.
Why is it important for educators to focus on positive psychology in the classroom? ›
Positive psychology in the classroom can also have practical benefits. Students who feel supported and engaged will be more focused in class, will connect better with their teachers and classmates, and will achieve better academic outcomes.
How can teachers create a positive learning environment? ›
13 Ways to create a positive learning environment in your classroom
- Build positive relationships with students and parents. ...
- Foster student connections. ...
- Outline classroom rules for positive behavior. ...
- Use positive reinforcement. ...
- Ensure content is culturally relevant. ...
- Keep a positive mindset.
The teacher can also assist learners to recall prior knowledge and experiences. Cognitive development theory can affect teaching in the classroom as it encourages teachers to use concrete props and visual aids whenever possible (appealing the tangible and visual learning development of students).
What is the teacher's role in cognitive learning theory? ›
Answer and Explanation: The teacher's role in cognitivism learning theory is to guide students through the problem-solving process, while allowing them to use their own mental capacities to find solutions.
Why cognitive development is important in learning and how a teacher can implement it in classroom? ›
Developing cognitive skills allows students to build upon previous knowledge and ideas. This teaches students to make connections and apply new concepts to what they already know. With a deeper understanding of topics and stronger learning skills, students can approach schoolwork with enthusiasm and confidence.
An understanding of learning theories helps teachers connect to all different kinds of students. Teachers can focus on different learning styles to reach different students, creating teaching that focuses directly on student needs and aptitudes.
What is the importance of theory and practice to a teacher? ›
Theory and practice in education is created for getting better understanding, teaching, and learning in broader areas of interests within the educational fields. It is set up for the experienced educators so that theory and practice could be use together among individuals for improving knowledge.
What best practices should the teacher apply to make teaching learning more meaningful? ›
How can Teachers make Learning “Meaningful” to Students?
- Debates. This active learning technique helps develop critical thinking and logical reasoning skills in students. ...
- Brainstorming Sessions. ...
- Case-based Problem Solving Exercises. ...
- Group Discussions.
What conclusion can you draw about a teacher's need for understanding child development? Teachers must incorporate their knowledge of child development into their routine planning of classroom instruction in order to maximize student learning.
What are the strengths of Erikson's theory? ›
Using Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which gives a complete framework for this kind of analysis, one can look at how a person's social and emotional development changes throughout life. The idea is to treat mental illnesses at each stage of development to promote healthy growth and development.
What is a good example of Erikson's trust vs mistrust? ›
If a baby cries and a caregiver fails to comfort him by providing his needs, he develops a sense of mistrust. He does not feel that the world is a safe, secure place.
What is a good example of Erikson's identity vs role confusion? ›
An example of identity is a teenager who has adopted the identity of a gardener after exploring gardening interests. An example of role confusion is a teenager who has not committed to any particular identity and feels confused about their place in society.
What are some arguments against Erikson's theory? ›
Erikson's theory has been criticized for focusing so heavily on stages and assuming that the completion of one stage is prerequisite for the next crisis of development. His theory also focuses on the social expectations that are found in certain cultures, but not in all.
How will you apply Erikson's theory in your classroom? ›
Having activities, like reading, where children get to choose their own books or do their own work step by step is important for reinforcing making choices. Additionally, helping students fix their own mistakes, like with breaking toys or in work, can help at this stage.
What is Erik Erikson's main theory? ›
Erikson believed that humans' personalities continued to develop past the age of five, and he believed that the development of personality depended directly on the resolution of existential crises like trust, autonomy, intimacy, individuality, integrity, and identity (which were viewed in traditional psychoanalytic ...
Erikson's theory suggests that your ego identity develops throughout your entire life during eight specific stages: Infancy – Basic trust versus mistrust. Toddler – Autonomy versus shame and doubt. Preschool-age – Initiative versus guilt.
How is Erik Erikson's theory used today? ›
Therapists also still use the assessment tool called the Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory or EPSI to assess a person's development. Erik Erikson's Stages of Development serve as an assessment framework for mental health professionals today.
What is the most important stage in Erikson's theory? ›
The first stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development occurs between birth and 1 year of age and is the most fundamental stage in life. Because an infant is utterly dependent, developing trust is based on the dependability and quality of the child's caregivers.
What is the best description of Erikson's psychosocial development? ›
Psychosocial development is just a fancy phrase that refers to how a person's individual needs (psycho) mesh with the needs or demands of society (social). Erikson's theory of psychosocial development gives us a way to view the development of a person through an entire lifespan.
Why is Erikson's psychosocial theory important to educators? ›
Erikson's psychosocial theory is a very powerful way for building self-awareness and for improving oneself, as it helps to understand a persons learning according to his or her personal differences. Hence, it is an integral part of the academics because it helps in teaching and helping others.
What aspects of Erikson's theory are most important for educators? ›
The aspects of Erikson's theory that are the most important for educators to understand is stage 4 Industry vs. inferiority that are being developed and the crisis that is happening in the lives of their students.
Which of Erikson's personality stages emphasizes a child's success in school? ›
Stage 4.
Erikson's fourth psychosocial crisis, involving industry (competence) vs. Inferiority occurs during childhood between the ages of five and twelve. The child is coping with new learning and social demands. Success leads to a sense of competence, while failure results in feelings of inferiority.
Why are developmental milestones important for teachers? ›
Early childhood development milestones are important because they help teachers and families know that children are developing skills at an appropriate pace.
Why is it important to know Erikson's stages of development? ›
Studying Erikson's stages serve as a basis of treatment for different recovery stages of mental illness.[8] For example, the initial stage of trust vs. mistrust parallels the mental illness recovery stage concerning the acceptance of the mental illness and trusting the idea of recovery.
What is the most important influence on child development? ›
Family is almost certainly the most important factor in child development. In early childhood especially, parents are the ones who spend the most time with their children and we (sometimes unwittingly) influence the way they act and think and behave.
Educational Psychology is an important tool for teachers. It helps them understand what students need to succeed in school. It also helps them to teach effectively. Teachers can help students by using teaching methods and strategies according to the behavior and understanding of the students.
What should be the teacher's role in the classroom according to cognitive psychologist concepts? ›
The teacher's role in cognitivism learning theory is to guide students through the problem-solving process, while allowing them to use their own mental capacities to find solutions.
How teachers used problem based learning in teaching science in their classroom? ›
With PBL, the teacher acts as a facilitator; the learning is student-driven with the aim of solving the given problem (note: the problem is established at the onset of learning opposed to being presented last in the traditional model).
What is the role of a teacher in problem-solving method of teaching learning process? ›
Problem-solving is a learner-centered approach that emphasizes the learner's active involvement in the learning process. In this approach, teachers create a problematic situation for students and then assist them in perceiving, defining, and stating the problems in a fear-free classroom environment.
Why is it important for teachers to learn and understand the stages of child development? ›
When teachers understand how children develop, they'll know to separate the child from the behavior to prevent children from internalizing harmful messages. Looking at how children grow and what they need at different stages of development will also help teachers see a bigger picture of education.
How a teacher shall consider cognitive development in teaching and learning? ›
Examples of cognitive learning strategies include:
Encouraging discussions about what is being taught. Helping students explore and understand how ideas are connected. Asking students to justify and explain their thinking. Using visualizations to improve students' understanding and recall.
What is Erikson's psychosocial theory as it applies to early childhood? ›
According to Erikson, preschool children must resolve the task of initiative versus guilt. By learning to plan and achieve goals while interacting with others, preschool children can master this task. Those who do will develop self-confidence and feel a sense of purpose.
What is the main emphasis of Erik Erikson's theory of development quizlet? ›
Explanation: C) According to Erikson's stage theory, emphasis is placed on the individual's formation of a self-image or personal identity as he/she resolves each crisis corresponding to the developmental stages.
What is the most important aspect of Erikson's stage 4 of development? ›
The important event at this stage is attendance at school. As a student, thechildren have a need to be productive and do work on their own. They are bothphysically and mentally ready for it. Interaction with peers at school alsoplays an imperative role of child development in this stage.
