Learning Theories

Erik Erikson was a psychoanalyst that was inspired by Sigmund Freud and was interested in different aspects of identity. He explored three different identities which are self, personal, and social/cultural. Erikson's theory investigated how external factors affected childhoods' development through childhood to adulthood. There were eight stages that had to be fulfilled for the whole life cycle. Here are the stages:

1. Infancy (Birth to 18 months old): Basic Trust vs. Mistrust (Hope)

• In the first two years of a child's life, it is important for the mother and father to nurture and care for that child so the child can develop optimism, trust, and security. On the other hand, if the child does not receive this connection than the child will be insecure and have mistrust in the world. 

       2. Toddler (18 months old to 3 years old): Autonomy vs. Shame (Will)

• During this stage, the child will learn self-esteem and autonomy. There is the possibility that the terrible twos can happen. If a child is having a hard time learning a skill it is going to affect their self-esteem. 

       3. Preschoolers (3 to 5 years old): Initiative vs. Guilt (Purpose)

• The children will look at adults to copy their behavior and they will use their imagination to make up stories during play. This is the time where the kids start to ask why. 

      4. School-Age Child (6 to 12 years):  Industry vs. Inferiority (Competence)

• These children at this stage are able to learn more skills and retain more information. At this stage, it is all about social development. Even though parents are still significant in these kids lives the authority figure shifts a bit and the focus is more on the school and neighborhood. 

     5. Adolescents (12 to 18 years): Identity vs. Role Confusion (Fidelity)

• So there is a lot that is going on in this stage because they have to find their own identity and they have to deal with social interactions. There is a lot of pressure for these adolescents to fit into a preconceived idea developed by society. Some will refuse to enter adulthood and have confusion on their role. 

    6. Young Adults (18 to 35 years): Intimacy and Solidarity vs. Isolation (Love)

• Intimate Relationships start to form at this age and families are created. Relationships can also be between friends as well. If these relationships are not successful then isolation will occur. 

    7. Middle Aged Adult (35 to 55): Generativity vs. Self-absorption (Care)

• The individual cares about their career and family at this stage. The individual has to worry about being lost because children leave the household during this time or a career change can happen.   

    8. Late Adult (55 to Death): Integrity vs Despair (Wisdom)

• At this time, they reflect on their life and their accomplishments, which makes them proud. There is a chance that it is the total opposite and the reflection leads to regret. This will fear death because to them they haven't found their purpose yet. 

I loved learning about these stages and what it meant to an individual life cycle.