Psychosocial Stages

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The second psychosocial stage is Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt. It takes place during early childhood, and it’s focused around children developing a better sense of personal control. They starting to gain some independence around this time, making simple decisions about preference. Adults can help children at this stage by allowing them to make decisions and take some control. Erikson viewed toilet training as a vital part of this process, as gaining control of one’s bodily functions provides a certain degree of autonomy and decreases dependence on caregivers, but gaining control over food, toy, and clothing preferences were also included (among other things). Those who do not successfully complete this stage begin to feel self-doubt and inadequacy, …show more content…
It takes place during the teenage years, and plays an essential role in developing a personal identity. This will continue to influence the person’s development and behavior throughout their lives. In adolescence, they explore their independence and develop a sense of self. If they receive a proper amount of encouragement and reinforcement, they emerge with feelings of independence and control, and a strong sense of self. If they do not, they’ll remain unsure of their beliefs and desires, and they’ll be confused about themselves in the future. Completing this stage successfully leads to fidelity, which is defined by Erikson as an ability to live by society’s standards and expectations. Erikson viewed each stage as crucial, however he placed a particular emphasis on this stage. He said that ego identity is ever-changing through new experiences and exposure to new circumstances and environments; some challenges may hinder the development of identity. Personal identity serves as a guide for future actions, beliefs, and behaviors throughout life.
The sixth psychosocial stage of development is Intimacy vs Isolation. This is a period where early adults explore personal relationships. Erikson believed that each previous step impacts the development of this stage, and that they were important for developing intimate relationships that are stable and secure. A poor sense of self leads to a higher risk of suffering depression, emotional isolation,
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It occurs during old age, and it centers around looking back on the life the person lived. At this point, people look back on key events in their lives and form an opinion as to whether or not they’re satisfied with the life they lived or not. Those who fail to succeed at this stage experience many regrets and feel despair and bitterness. Those who are proud of their lives’ accomplishments feel a sense of integrity. Passing this phase successfully is marked by general satisfaction, and these individuals attain wisdom, even at the time that they begin to confront

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