Erik Eriksons theory

of psychosocial
development
By: Yvette Koeckritz, Christa Jackson, Taylor
Gear, Sam Phillips

Erik Homburger Erikson

Born in 1902 and died in 1994

Broadened our view of human development.
He didnt even have a bachelors degree, but he taught at
both Harvard, Berkeley, and Yale.
He recognized the childs sexual and aggressive urges,
but he believed that the need for social approval is just
as important.
He may have coined the phrase identity crisis.

Vocabulary
Issue: a problem or worry

Eriksons Studies

Erikson studied what he called psychosocial developmentlife periods in which an individuals goal is to satisfy
desires associated with social needs.

He believed childhood experiences have lasting impact on

the individual, but he saw development as a lifelong
interactive process between people.

Eriksons Argue

Argued that we all face many crisis as we grow from

infancy to old age.
Each of these crisis represents an issue that everyone
faces.
Child, adolescent, or adult may develop more strongly in
one way or another, depending on how other people respond
to his or her efforts.

How social Development affects childrens development

Children who have a strong attachment to a parent/caregiver use

the relationship as a support to meet new people and expand
social contacts.
Children who have not yet made a strong attachment with someone
at home may have a harder time dealing with the social system of
schools.
Children of strict parents who demand obedient, conforming, and
dependent children usually dont feel comfortable exploring the
world and cant relate well with others
Children living in unsafe or violent homes are more likely to be
fearful and withdrawn in social situations
T.v., video games, and other media can also affect children's
development

Levels of development

Infancy
Early Childhood
Play Age
School Age
Adolescence
Early Adulthood
Adulthood
Old Age

Comprehension Questions
1. What was the name of the man who created the Theory of
Psychosocial Development?
2. What does issue mean in relation to psychology?
3. What is the first level of development?
4. Where did Erikson teach?

example of Eriksons Theory:

A two year old is delighted with his newfound ability to

walk, get into things, use words, ask questions etc.
The fact that he acquired these abilities adds to his selfesteem, and he is eager to use them.
If a adult applauds him for his efforts and acknowledge his
achievements, the child begins to develop a sense of
autonomy, or independence.
If a adult ignores the child or is being a nuisance, the
child may begin to doubt the value of his achievements and
feel shame.

Goodbye

from erik homberger erikson