Erikson's Psycho-social Development Theory Explained
The question asks to identify the psychologist who proposed the 'Theory of Psycho-social development'. This influential theory outlines the stages of human development across the lifespan, emphasizing the social and cultural influences on the ego.
Proposer of Psycho-social Development Theory
The proponent of the 'Theory of Psycho-social development' is Erik Erikson. He was a German-American developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst known for his influential theory on the psychosocial stages of human development.
Erikson's Stages of Psycho-social Development
Erikson proposed that personality develops through eight distinct stages across the entire life span. Each stage is characterized by a psychosocial crisis, a turning point that requires the individual to confront and resolve a particular conflict. Successfully navigating each crisis leads to the acquisition of a basic virtue or strength essential for that stage and later life.
| Stage Number | Psychosocial Crisis | Approximate Age Range | Key Virtue Acquired |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trust vs. Mistrust | Infancy (0 - 1.5 years) | Hope |
| 2 | Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt | Early Childhood (1.5 - 3 years) | Will |
| 3 | Initiative vs. Guilt | Preschool (3 - 5 years) | Purpose |
| 4 | Industry vs. Inferiority | School Age (5 - 12 years) | Competence |
| 5 | Identity vs. Role Confusion | Adolescence (12 - 18 years) | Fidelity |
| 6 | Intimacy vs. Isolation | Young Adulthood (18 - 40 years) | Love |
| 7 | Generativity vs. Stagnation | Middle Adulthood (40 - 65 years) | Care |
| 8 | Ego Integrity vs. Despair | Late Adulthood (65+ years) | Wisdom |
Distinguishing Erikson's Theory
Understanding Erikson's contribution is clearer when compared to the other notable psychologists mentioned in the options:
- Lawrence Kohlberg focused on the development of moral reasoning, proposing stages of moral judgment.
- Jean Piaget is famous for his Theory of Cognitive Development, which describes how children's intelligence and thinking abilities grow.
- Lev Vygotsky developed the Sociocultural Theory, highlighting how social interactions and cultural context shape cognitive development.
While all these theorists made significant contributions to understanding human development, Erikson's unique focus was on the lifelong journey of navigating social challenges and forming a sense of self within society.
Important Questions from Dimensions of Development - Teaching
Changes in emotion, self-perception and interpersonal relationships with families, peers and friends are studied under _________domain of development.
- According to Piaget, the ability to say and write numbers in reverse order begins in which stage of cognitive development ?
- Which of the following is related to cognitive development of a child ?
- Which period is known as 'Stage of stress and strain'?
- Which of the following shows the development of understanding ability of a learner ?
