Erik Erikson's Stages of Human Development

Curriculum goal: Students will increase their general knowledge of the arts and sciences.

Lesson objective: Students will be able to explain Erik Erikson's eight stages of human development

Length: 1 class period (50 minutes)

Developmental psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on human development and the various life stages we go through. One of the most important theories about human development was developed by a man named Erik Erikson. He believed that humans pass through eight stages, each of which consists of a major crisis that must be overcome if healthy development is to take place. If any of these stages are "skipped" then a person will probably have to deal with that issue later in their life. The stages are as follows:

1. Trust vs Mistrust (age 0-1) - At this stage, babies must learn to trust their parents to meet their needs.
   
   
2. Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt (age 1-3) - Children eventually develop some autonomy (independence). They may doubt their abilities or feel shame over doing things on their own but it is important for them to work through it and develop confidence.
   
   
3. Initiative vs Guilt (age 3-5) - As their confidence continues to build, children start to initiate (start) things on their own. If they are not allowed to do this, they may feel guilty about their desire to take initiative.
   
   
4. Industry vs Inferiority (age 5-13) - This is the age when children start to go to school. They become interested in learning and being productive (industrious). If they are not given enough opportunities to develop, they will start to feel inferior (that they are not as good as others).
   
   
5. Identity vs Role Confusion (age 13-19) - During the teenage years, young people try to discover who they really are. They want to create a unique identity for themselves. If they are unable to do this, they may become confused over their role in society. [Note: BHA students are most likely finishing this stage and going on to the next]
   
   
6. Intimacy vs Isolation (age 19-30) - During early adulthood, most people get married and start building a family. If people are unable to find intimacy (closeness with others), they will begin to feel isolated (lonely).
   
   
7. Generativity vs Stagnation (age 30-60) - This is the longest period of a human's life -- the period where they are working and contributing to society in some way as well as raising their children. If they do not generate (produce useful things), they will feel like they are stagnating (going nowhere).
   
   
8. Integrity vs Despair (age 60+) - As humans enter old age, they reflect on their time spent on earth and want to know that they have lived good and meaningful lives. If they feel they have not, they might feel despair (hopelessness).

Assessment: Include a question on the unit-end test based on the objective of this lesson

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