Erikson's Epigenetic Theory

Test Question 3(B) Erik Erikson claims that human development follows the epigenetic principle. This principle states that humans develop through a predetermined unfolding of personalities over eight stages which are a development of Freud’s psychosexual development. The progress through these stages are in part determined by the success, or lack of success in previous stages. These stages are as follows: Trust vs. Mistrust, Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, Initiative vs. Guilt, Industry vs. Inferiority, Identity vs. Role Confusion, Intimacy vs. Isolation, Generativity vs. Stagnation, and finally Integrity vs.Despair. During stage one or trust vs. mistrust, the infant (0 to 1 years old) develops basic trust. Here the child learns the value hope. In stage two (autonomy vs. shame and doubt) which develops from the ages 1 to 2, the child begins to develop a sense of self-consciousness where they become aware of themselves. There is a learned value of will. During stage three or initiative vs. guilt, the play age or ages 3 to 5, the child begins develop a virtue of purpose. The child develops a creative consciousness. During stage four, industry vs. inferiority (years 5-12), the child is in the school age. The …show more content…
The first stage (1) is biological and physiological needs (i.e. air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sex, sleep). The second stage (2) is safety needs. Examples of these are protection from elements, security, order, law, stability, freedom from fear. The third stage (3) is love and belongingness(i.e. friendship, intimacy, affection and love). The fourth stage (4) is esteem needs(i.e. achievement, mastery, independence, status, dominance, prestige, self-respect, respect from others) The fifth and final stage (5) is self-actualization. Examples of this stage are realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak