Theories of Personality 9th Edition

Chapter 7 Erikson: Post-Freudian Theory 203

Stages of Psychosocial Development

Comprehension of Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development requires an
understanding of several basic points. First, growth takes place according to the
epigenetic principle. That is, one component part arises out of another and has its
own time of ascendancy, but it does not entirely replace earlier components.
Second, in every stage of life there is an interaction of opposites—that is, a con-
flict between a syntonic (harmonious) element and a dystonic (disruptive) element. For
example, during infancy basic trust (a syntonic tendency) is opposed to basic mistrust
(a dystonic tendency). Both trust and mistrust, however, are necessary for proper adap-
tation. An infant who learns only to trust becomes gullible and is ill prepared for the
realities encountered in later development, whereas an infant who learns only to mistrust
becomes overly suspicious and cynical. Similarly, during each of the other seven stages,
people must have both harmonious (syntonic) and disruptive (dystonic) experiences.
Third, at each stage, the conflict between the dystonic and syntonic elements
produces an ego quality or ego strength, which Erikson referred to as a basic
strength. For instance, from the antithesis between trust and mistrust emerges
hope, an ego quality that allows an infant to move into the next stage. Likewise,
each of the other stages is marked by a basic ego strength that emerges from the
clash between the harmonious and the disruptive elements of that stage.
Fourth, too little basic strength at any one stage results in a core pathology
for that stage. For example, a child who does not acquire sufficient hope during
infancy will develop the antithesis or opposite of hope, namely, withdrawal. Again,
each stage has a potential core pathology.
Fifth, although Erikson referred to his eight stages as psychosocial stages,
he never lost sight of the biological aspect of human development.

1

Infancy

Parts

3

Play age

2

Early childhood

ABC

(^3) A (^3) B (^3) C
(^2) A (^2) B (^2) C
(^1) A (^1) B (^1) C
Stage
FIGURE 7.1 Three Eriksonian Stages, Depicting the Epigenetic Principle.
Source: Erikson, Erik H. The Life Cycle Completed. New York, NY: W. W. Norton, 1982.