Thread by @ThatJohnChaffee

An Introductory Primer on Erickson’s Stages of Development.

So, why should you bother familiarizing yourself with #Erikson and his #StagesofDevelopment?

Because you or someone you know may possibly be stuck trying to fulfill a task in life and don’t know how to move on!

Erik Erikson essentially raised himself and so over the years became fascinated with how people become fully formed and functioning human beings. He subsequently developed 8 stages (there are now hypothetically 12) to the human lifespan and published his work to much approval.

Essentially, a human being has different tasks they must do at different stages of life. The stages are fast in the beginning of life and then take more and more time.

Let’s dive in.

1. Trust vs Mistrust (Infancy)

Can I learn to trust other human beings?

2. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt (Toddler Years)

Can I do things for myself?

3. Initiative vs Guilt (Preschool Years)

Can I venture into new arenas?

4. Industry vs Inferiority (Elementary Years)

Do I have the ability to be creative or achieve difficult tasks?

5. Identity vs Confusion (Middle School/High School)

Do I know who I am in differentiation from other people?

6. Intimacy vs Isolation (Young Adulthood, 18-40yrs)

Can I have close and meaningful relationships?

7. Generativity vs Stagnation (Adulthood, 40-65yrs)

What do I have to uniquely give to the world?

8. Integrity vs Despair (Later Adulthood, 65+)

Does the whole of my life stand with integrity upon reflection?

It is important to note that every one of us must experience both sides of each stage, the positive as well as the negative. We must learn to be grateful for the positives and respond in healthy ways to the experience of the negative.

Not only that, but each stage builds momentum for the next. Each successfully navigated stage sets the next one up for further success. This is why the early years are so formative. If one does not trust or gain a sense of autonomy or initiative then that will create hurdles.

Every one of us are capable of growing in age but still being stuck answering the stage question of a previous stage. We call this “arrested development.”

And yes, the tv show is fascinating to watch knowing Erikson’s work.

Imagine an adult still not know their identity. Imagine a grandparent that is still working as if they were in their 30s. Imagine a teenager that is not able to trust or venture into a new hobby or discipline.

I’m sure you can think of other examples.

Swiss pastor and theologian #KarlBarth said that it is the job of the pastor to take people more seriously than they take themselves.

Parents, coaches, leaders, and mentors would all benefit from being familiar with these stages.

Why?

Because they may be trying to help someone do THEIR stage rather than the stage of development of the person they hope to help! We see this all the time.

Plus, we might be in a unique place to affirm and congratulate someone for doing their stage well!

The best part is that parents, coaches, leaders and mentors don’t even need to let others know they know this framework. It can be used in the background of conversations or decision making. Certainly the person doesn’t need to know this framework.

So, think about yourself and the people around you. Are you stuck in a loop of answering a previous question? Is someone you know and love stuck? What would it take to help them do THEIR work and to celebrate, encourage and cheerlead for them?

Thanks for following this thread. I hope it helps you to think about yourself and the people around you differently, with more compassion and with more intentionality.

Cheers.