Erickson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development

Origin of Theory

Erikson studied Freud’s Psychoanalysis Theory under Freud’s daughter, Anna

Expansion of Freud’s concept of ego

Only developmental theory that extends through adulthood

Sources: London, Ladewig, Ball, Bindler, & Cowen, 2011

McEwen & Wills, 2007

Theory Overview

Eight stages of psychosocial development with an identified challenge to be mastered

As each challenge is mastered strengths are gained contributing to character and health

Development is primarily qualitative - occurring in stages

Also quantitative because one’s identity becomes stronger with mastery of challenges

Nature determines the sequence of stages

Must pass through one stage prior to entering next stage

Sources: Sharkey, 1997 Tomey-Marriner, 1989

Erikson’s Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development

STAGE (AGE) I Infancy (0-1 )

II Toddler (2-3)

III Preschooler (3-6)

IV School-age (7-12)

V Adolescence (12-18)

VI Young Adult (20’s)

VII Middle Adult (up to 50)

VIII Old Adult (≥ 50)

CRISIS

Trust vs.. Mistrust

Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt

Initiative vs. Guilt

Industry vs. Inferiority

Ego Identity vs. Role Confusion

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Generativity vs. Self-absorption

Integrity vs. Despair

Source: Boeree, 2006

Application to Nursing Practice Directly applicable to nursing care of

children Health promotion & maintenance visits help

caregivers meet child’s needs Educate parents to identify normal tasks Educate parents to encourage healthy

development Provides framework to assess hospitalized

child & provide care to ensure progression through the developmental stages

Source: London, et al., 2011

Application to Nursing Practice Integral to holistic nursing

Essential in assessment to determine age appropriateness or arrested development of patients

Results of ego strengths evaluation used by nurses for assessment and treatment outcomes

Ego strengths used by nurses to empower patients to take control of their lives

Source: McEwen & Wills, 2007

Application to Research

Research studies were conducted in the following areas:

Impact of diabetes on the development of psychosocial maturity and the older adult

How school age children deal with disaster

Self-care practices of adolescents Concept of generativity in middle-aged

women attending graduate schoolSource: McEwen & Wills, 2007

Application to Personal Nursing Practice

I personally use Erickson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development each time I am in the clinical area with students. A section of the assessment tool that we use is devoted to assessing the psychosocial issues of the assigned patient. I use this information to identify the patient’s strengths & weaknesses. When planning care, I capitalize on the strengths to assist the patient promote recovery/health maintenance and promotion.