Study notes and quiz on Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development

📝 Study Notes
Topic: Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development Author: Erik Erikson (1902–1994) Field: Developmental Psychology

1. Overview of Erikson’s Theory
Erik Erikson proposed that human development occurs in eight stages across the lifespan. Each stage presents a psychosocial crisis that must be resolved for healthy psychological growth. Successful resolution leads to the development of virtues and strengths.

2. Key Concepts
Psychosocial Crisis: A central conflict at each stage that influences personality development.

Virtue: A positive trait developed when a crisis is successfully resolved.

Identity Formation: A major focus in adolescence, involving self-concept and role exploration.

Lifespan Perspective: Development continues from infancy to late adulthood.

3. The Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development
a. Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy: 0–1 year)
Infants learn to trust caregivers for basic needs.

Virtue: Hope

b. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood: 1–3 years)
Children develop independence and self-control.

Virtue: Will

c. Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool: 3–6 years)
Children begin to assert power and control through play and social interaction.

Virtue: Purpose

d. Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age: 6–12 years)
Children strive for competence and achievement in school and activities.

Virtue: Competence

e. Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence: 12–18 years)
Teens explore personal identity and values.

Virtue: Fidelity

f. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood: 18–40 years)
Adults seek deep relationships and emotional connections.

Virtue: Love

g. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood: 40–65 years)
Focus on contributing to society and helping the next generation.

Virtue: Care

h. Ego Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood: 65+ years)
Reflection on life and acceptance of one’s journey.

Virtue: Wisdom

4. Educational and Social Implications
Understanding psychosocial stages helps educators, counselors, and social workers support age-appropriate development.

Encouraging autonomy, identity exploration, and generativity fosters well-being.

5. Criticisms of Erikson’s Theory
May not fully account for cultural and gender differences.

Stages may not be strictly linear or age-bound.

Lacks empirical measurement tools.

✅ 15-Question Quiz
Topic: Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development

1. What is the first stage in Erikson’s theory? A. Autonomy vs. Shame B. Trust vs. Mistrust C. Initiative vs. Guilt D. Identity vs. Role Confusion Answer: B

2. What virtue is developed in the Trust vs. Mistrust stage? A. Love B. Hope C. Will D. Wisdom Answer: B

3. Which stage focuses on developing independence? A. Industry vs. Inferiority B. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt C. Intimacy vs. Isolation D. Ego Integrity vs. Despair Answer: B

4. What age range corresponds to the Initiative vs. Guilt stage? A. 0–1 year B. 1–3 years C. 3–6 years D. 6–12 years Answer: C

5. What is the central conflict during adolescence? A. Trust vs. Mistrust B. Industry vs. Inferiority C. Identity vs. Role Confusion D. Generativity vs. Stagnation Answer: C

6. What virtue is associated with the Identity vs. Role Confusion stage? A. Fidelity B. Care C. Competence D. Hope Answer: A

7. Which stage involves forming intimate relationships? A. Initiative vs. Guilt B. Intimacy vs. Isolation C. Industry vs. Inferiority D. Ego Integrity vs. Despair Answer: B

8. What is the virtue developed in the Intimacy vs. Isolation stage? A. Love B. Wisdom C. Purpose D. Will Answer: A

9. What is the focus of the Generativity vs. Stagnation stage? A. Building trust B. Exploring identity C. Contributing to society D. Forming relationships Answer: C

10. What age range is associated with Generativity vs. Stagnation? A. 18–40 years B. 40–65 years C. 65+ years D. 12–18 years Answer: B

11. What virtue is developed in the final stage of Erikson’s theory? A. Hope B. Fidelity C. Wisdom D. Competence Answer: C

12. What is the psychosocial crisis in late adulthood? A. Intimacy vs. Isolation B. Ego Integrity vs. Despair C. Identity vs. Role Confusion D. Autonomy vs. Shame Answer: B

13. What does “industry” refer to in Erikson’s theory? A. Forming romantic relationships B. Developing competence and productivity C. Exploring identity D. Reflecting on life Answer: B

14. What is a criticism of Erikson’s theory? A. It is too focused on biology B. It lacks cultural sensitivity C. It ignores personality D. It is based on animal studies Answer: B

15. What is the virtue developed in the Industry vs. Inferiority stage? A. Competence B. Will C. Love D. Wisdom Answer: A

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