Question

Which is the second stage of psychosocial development according to Erik Erikson ?

• A. Initiative vs Guilt
• B. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt
• C. Industry vs Inferiority
• D. Generativity vs Stagnation

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt

Erik Erickson

• The psycho-social theory of Erik Erickson considers the growth and development of individuals through eight stages.
• These eight stages put forward by Erikson are developmental stages that are dependent on each other, with the present stage of development being impacted by what had gone on in the earlier stages of development and what goes on in the present stage to affect the mastery of the next stage of development. 
• In this theory, the focus is on how the individuals learn the ways and means of coming to understand themselves, how they understand others in the environment and what meaning they have for the individual, etc.

Erickson's eight psychosocial stages of development:

1. Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy): The first stage occurs in infancy, and the main developmental task is developing a sense of trust in the world and others. 
2. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood):
   
   • This stage occurs during early childhood, and the central focus is developing a sense of independence and autonomy while exploring the environment. 
   • Autonomy develops if a child is guided positively through praise, firmness, encouragement and gentleness to become independent and if parents are too permissive, harsh or demanding the child can be feel defeated and experience extreme shame at doubt.
3. Initiative vs Guilt (Preschool Age): The third stage occurs during the preschool years, and the key task is developing a sense of purpose and taking the initiative in one's activities.
4. Industry vs Inferiority (School Age): This stage occurs during the school years, and the primary task is to develop a sense of competence and accomplishment in academic, social, and extracurricular activities.
5. Identity vs Role Confusion (Adolescence): The fifth stage occurs during adolescence, and the central focus is forming a coherent sense of self-identity and establishing personal values and beliefs. 
6. Intimacy vs Isolation (Early O Adulthood): This stage occurs in early adulthood, and the main developmental task is establishing intimate and meaningful relationships with others. 
7. Generativity vs Stagnation (Middle Adulthood): The seventh stage occurs in middle adulthood, and the primary task is to contribute to society and the next generation through work, parenting, mentoring, or other forms of productivity. 
8. Integrity vs Despair (Late Adulthood): The final stage takes place in late adulthood, and the central focus is on reflecting on one's life and accepting the inevitability of death with a sense of integrity and fulfilment.