As an example, the stage of intimacy can be considered a combination of autonomy and trust. This is why his theory is sometimes referred to as an ‘epigenetic principle.’ Additional research suggests that the latter four stages are, to an extent, a repetition of previous stages. Additionally, with advancement to a new stage, preceding stages are questioned and must be reintegrated. Resolution is not required to move on to the next stage. While there is a fixed sequence, resolution can be a life-long process, re-activated at various times depending on life events that affect the ego strength or maldeveloped belief pattern. The sequential layout of Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development might initially suggest that stage outcomes become fixed once the next stage is engaged. It considers new challenges experienced with continued aging and incorporates aspects from all previous eight stages of psychosocial development. MistrustĮxample: Contemplation and acknowledgment of personal life accomplishmentsĪ ninth stage was added by Erik Erikson’s wife, Joan Erikson. Each stage provides an example in which the positive attribute may be furthered. Instead, there are periods within childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Some scholars have attempted to confine stages to specific ages, but Erikson did not initially define this. Straying too far towards the positive tendency can be maladaptive, while leaning too far toward the negative can be malignant. One must navigate the two opposing values in each stage to find a balance, instead of only striving for the positive quality. Extreme ego identity can become fanaticism, which can create unhealthy interactions with the self and others. While adopting the syntonic attribute is clearly beneficial in this example, doing so should be done within reason. With a stronger sense of ego identity, the interaction with the outer and inner world is of rejecting incongruent evaluations of self and a decreased level of anxiety, respectively. Those who develop ego identity yield the virtue of fidelity, while the inability to do so – ego confusion – creates a quality of repudiation. The two opposing qualities are ego identity and confusion/diffusion. The opposite is true with the adoption of the maldeveloped quality.Īs an example, the ego identity crystallizes in stage 5, during adolescence. It will also help subsequent stages of development and contribute to a stable foundation for core belief systems in relating to the self and the outer world. If the virtue is adopted, it can help to resolve the current decision or conflict. From this develops an ego virtue/strength or maldevelopment, respectively. Each stage is defined by two opposing psychological tendencies – one positive/syntactic and negative/dystonic. Stages arise as individuals grow and face new decisions and turning points during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
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