psycho-social theory 2nd lecture

Psychosocial Theory

2nd Lecture





? Theory that focuses on developmental task, focuses on EGO as this develops from social interaction
? The developmental tasks are sequential and depend on prior successful mastery
? An individual who fails to “master” the task at appropriate age may return to work on mastery


Use of the theory in Nursing
? Assessment can be done focusing on the psychosocial development at specific age
? Appropriate interventions can be selected based on task
? Nurses can promote healthy behaviors and encourages hope that re-learning is possible

Erikson’s Psychosocial theory(Erik Erikson (1902–1994)

? Trust versus mistrust
? Autonomy versus shame and doubt
? Initiative versus guilt
? Industry versus inferiority
? Identity versus role confusion
? Intimacy versus isolation
? Generativity versus stagnation
? Ego integrity versus despair

Life Stages

I. Trust vs Mistrust (0 – 18 months of age)
? Child develops sense of trust or mistrust of others;

? Shares openly and relates to others;

? Interpersonal skills start to develop

II. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt

? 18 months – 3 y/o;

? Child learns self-control or becomes very conscious and full of doubt;

? Negativistic attitude;

? Exhibits motor self-control and independence thru negativism;

? Parallel play is the social skill.


III. Initiative vs Guilt (3 – 5 y/o)
? Child initiates spontaneous activities or develops fear of wrongdoing;

? Shows appropriate social behaviors;

? Curiosity and exploration;

? Social Skill: Cooperative Play

IV. Industry vs Inferiority (6 – 12 y/o)
? Child develops the social and physical skills necessary to negotiate and compete in life;

? Acquisition of competence;

? Ability to cooperate and compromise;

? Identification with admired others (teachers, parents)












Identity vs Role Diffusion ( 12 – 20 y/o )
? Teenager either integrates childhood experiences into a personal identity;

? May develop self-doubts about sexual or occupational roles;

? Establish relationship with the opposite sex;

? Fidelity with friends;

? Also value importance of beauty or self-image;




Psychosocial Stage VIRTUE PATHOLOGY
T vs MT HOPE Psychosis Addiction Depression
A vs S and D WILL Impulsivity Paranoia Obs/Comp
Initiative vs G PURPOSE Conversion Phobia Inhibition
Ind vs Inf COMPETENCE Creative inhibition
Identity vs RD FIDELITY Gender-related identity disorders
Inti vs Iso LOVE Schizoid
G vs S CARE Midlife crisis
Integrity vs D WISDOM Despair Alienation








VI. Intimacy vs Isolation (18 – 25 or 30
? The person develops commitment to work and to other people;

? Ability to give and receive love;

? Responsible sexual behaviors;