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- Stage 1:<\/strong> Trust versus Mistrust<\/li>\n
- Stage 2:<\/strong> Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt<\/li>\n
- Stage 3:<\/strong> Initiative versus Guilt<\/li>\n
- Stage 4:<\/strong> Industry versus Inferiority<\/li>\n
- Stage 5:<\/strong> Ego Identity versus Role Confusion<\/li>\n
- Stage 6:<\/strong> Intimacy versus Isolation<\/li>\n
- Stage 7:<\/strong> Generativity versus Stagnation<\/li>\n
- Stage 8:<\/strong> Ego Integrity versus Despair<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Being aware of these can help us as counsellors to understand issues<\/strong> that clients of different ages may bring.<\/p>\n\t
Some clients come to counselling<\/a> while they are in a particular stage that they are struggling with, while others present years later with problems that have resulted from a stage not going well in the past.<\/p>\n\t
<\/div>\n\tMaturation Timetable<\/h2>\n\t
Humans are subject to a ‘maturation timetable’<\/em> – in other words, a typical timetable for how they develop over the average lifespan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
As people age, they experience a subconscious shift of priorities and desires, and have different experiences.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
![\"Eriksons](\"https:\/\/counsellingtutor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Eriksons-developmental-stages.jpg\" "\\"Eriksons-developmental-stages\\"")
\n\tStage 1: Trust versus Mistrust<\/p>\n
Age<\/strong>: birth to 18 months<\/p>\n
Description<\/strong>: a baby has an innate sense of how safe they feel in the world, drawing on their caregiver for both consistency and a sense of trust.<\/p>\n
However, not all caregivers are able to provide this environment.<\/p>\n
Possible problems<\/strong>: developing or maintaining relationships in the future, feelings of emptiness, substance misuse and sexual problems.<\/p>\n\t
Stage 2: Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt<\/p>\n
Age<\/strong>: 18 months to three years<\/p>\n
Description<\/strong>: As children experiment in their world, caregivers may be patient and understanding.<\/p>\n
But if caregivers are critical, children may grow up lacking confidence, being reluctant to try new things, and feeling worthless.<\/p>\n
Possible problems<\/strong>: lack of self-esteem, low self-worth, shame, guilt and anger.<\/p>\n\t
Stage 3: Initiative versus Guilt<\/p>\n
Age<\/strong>: three to five years<\/p>\n
Description<\/strong>: at this stage, children assert themselves and interact with others. Success helps the person to feel part of society.<\/p>\n
However, if the caregiver quashes the youngster’s sense of self, the child may feel that they are a nuisance, or may feel guilty for asking questions.<\/p>\n
Possible problems<\/strong>: indecision, unassertiveness, low motivation, shame and guilt<\/p>\n\t
Stage 4: Industry versus Inferiority<\/p>\n
Age<\/strong>: five to 13 years<\/p>\n
Description<\/strong>: as children learn new skills and are influenced by their peer group, they may feel competent – or they may feel inferior and doubt themselves.<\/p>\n
Possible problems<\/strong>: isolation from peers, inability to grasp social cues, anger, shame, incompetence and sadness<\/p>\n\t
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\n\n\tStage 5: Ego Identity versus Role Confusion<\/p>\n
Age<\/strong>: <\/em>13 to 21 years<\/p>\n
Description<\/strong>: young people become sexually aware of themselves, and look to develop a sense of self.<\/p>\n
Ideally, they go on to develop clarity about who they are.<\/p>\n
Possible problems<\/strong>: conflict with parents or teachers, search for identity in different groups, lack of body confidence,\u00a0uncertainty about leaving childhood and taking on adult roles, and questions about own sexuality.<\/p>\n\t\t
Free Handout Download<\/h3>\t\t\n\t\t\t
Criticisms of Erikson’s Theory<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tClick Here to Download Free Handout\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t
Stage 6: Intimacy versus Isolation<\/p>\n
Age<\/strong>: 21 to 39 years<\/p>\n
Description<\/strong>: young people now seek longer-term relationships with people other than family members.<\/p>\n
They may be able to express their sexual orientation or they may avoid intimacy.<\/p>\n
Possible problems<\/strong>: isolation, depression, inability to form relationships, feelings of frustration and loneliness, and issues of attachment or loss.<\/p>\n\t
Stage 7: Generativity versus Stagnation<\/p>\n
Age<\/strong>: 40 to 65 years<\/p>\n
Description<\/strong>: in middle adulthood, people give back to society through raising children, being productive at work and becoming involved in community activities\/organisations.<\/p>\n
If they achieve these things, they feel purposeful.<\/p>\n
Possible problems<\/strong>: feeling stagnant, unproductive, frustrated, pointless and unfulfilled.<\/p>\n\t
Stage 8: Ego Integrity versus Despair<\/p>\n
Age<\/strong>: 65+<\/p>\n
Description<\/strong>: older people tend to slow down and be less productive than in the past. They reflect on their lives and contemplate their accomplishments.<\/p>\n
Ideally, doing so brings up feelings of contentment and satisfaction.<\/p>\n
Possible problems<\/strong>: feelings of despair, regret, loss, missed opportunity and unworthiness.<\/p>\n\t
Psychosocial Crisis<\/h2>\n
Erikson believed that as we go through stages of development<\/strong>, we must negotiate aspects of ourselves<\/strong>, and we experience ‘psychosocial crises’<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
How we deal with each crisis forms our personality, which in turn informs our outlook on life.<\/p>\n
If development does not go smoothly at a particular stage, the person may experience arrested development<\/strong> – i.e. get stuck somehow and have problems.<\/p>\n
We may see these in clients who present for counselling.<\/p>\n\t\t
Free Handout Download<\/h3>\t\t\n\t\t\t
Criticisms of Erikson’s Theory<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tClick Here to Download Free Handout\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t
- Stage 2:<\/strong> Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt<\/li>\n