Erickson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development

📄 Words:	929
📝 Subject:	Developmental Psychology
📑 Pages:	3
📚 Topics:	Adulthood, Relationships, Social Development

Introduction

The psychosocial development theory by Erickson is an expansion of a model by Sigmund Freud’s study on ego, super-ego, and identity. The theory describes the impact of social experiences across the whole lifespan of a human being (Samsanovich, 2021). Erickson focuses on the social interactions and the relationships that an individual experiences from childhood to adulthood and how they define an individual. Erickson’s psychosocial model is based on the epigenetic principle that states that individuals grow in an order that happens over time and in a community setting (Darling-Fisher, 2018).

The stages, in theory, build a foundation for the preceding stages, and people go through conflicts that cause turning points in growth (Samsanovich, 2021). The approach comprises eight stages of psychosocial development, with each step having a continuous effect on the development of the consequent stages.

The motivation behind choosing the psychosocial development theory is that it plays a vital role in nursing. There is a need for knowledge about the development of humans in the nursing practice. Implementing this model, more so in the NFP field, will help in the field’s growth and give more positive outcomes on the health of patients. As nurses, we should assess the patient’s development stages to make an informed intervention for a patient’s care plan. The theory helps nurses explain each intervention and how it will affect them, improving the patient’s psychological functioning.

Below is a table showing Ericson’s psychosocial theory features and their application by a family nurse practitioner with five fundamental stages of the development of a person.

Model Characteristics Ericson’s psychosocial theory of development	Application to Your Advanced Practice Role Family nurse practitioner (FNP)
First stage: Trust vs. mistrust (Orenstein & Lewis, 2021)	The biopsychological stage occurs between the age of infancy to 18 months. It is the most crucial stage in life because the infants are dependent; the second stage of the biopsychosocial development of trust is dependent on the caregiver’s quality and dependability (Orenstein & Lewis, 2021). The FNP is essential in advising the caregivers on handling the infant. The FNP helped the caregivers take care of the infant by advising them on providing care, love, feeding, and nurturing (Alligood, 2021). The FNP visits the family regularly to ensure the infant is healthy and normal.
The second stage: is autonomy versus doubt and shame (Baldwin, 2019)	Development takes place first in childhood and is aimed at a child developing a sense of personal control. The stage happens between 18 months to 3 years. The child starts gaining a little control and can perform tasks independently (Baldwin, 2019). The FNP, at this stage, will advise the caregivers on how to handle the child since they are a little independent. They help the caregivers in assisting the child develop an autonomy sense (Alligood, 2021). For example, they can advise the parents that the child can be trained on how to use a potty at this stage.
Third stage: initiative vs. guilt (Baldwin, 2019)	Psychosocial growth takes place during the preschool years. At this stage, a child starts to show their influence and control over life through social interactions (Baldwin, 2019). At this stage, the caregiver directs a child’s behavior through punishment whenever they do wrong. The FNP can assist the caregivers in suggesting the form of punishment they may use to reduce early childhood traumatic experiences (Alligood, 2021). For example, the FNP can advise the parents and caregivers to use positively reinforced punishment, like spanking a child who throws a tantrum
Fourth stage: industry versus inferiority (Orenstein & Lewis, 2021)	The fourth stage of psychosocial development takes place between the age of 5 to 11 years old. At this stage, the child develops a sense of pride in their abilities and accomplishments. The infant stage is one of the most critical stages of a child’s life since it shapes adulthood. The FNP can help children appreciate achievement and embrace failure, which will help them become better adults. The FNP can advise the parents on the need to reward and encourage the children to develop feelings of competence and belief (Orenstein & Lewis, 2021). For instance, giving presents when the child has done well in exams or a task.
Stage five: identity and confusion (Orenstein & Lewis, 2021)	The stage takes place during the turbulent adolescent age. The stage plays a vital role in shaping a person’s sense of identity (Orenstein & Lewis, 2021). The FNP at this stage in life can help a child develop beneficial relationships and advise them on the consequences of their actions. The FNP can also observe the teenager’s behavior to determine if they have been subjected to traumatic experiences. Identity gives a person cohesive and integrated senses that help us endure in our life. The family nurse practitioner can help the teenager shape their behavior and, thus, identity, which guides them in their actions and belief (Alligood, 2021).

Conclusion

Ericson’s psychosocial theory provides a broad background of viewing the development of people throughout their entire life, which allows individuals to emphasize on the social nature and the benefits of social relationships for the child’s development (Alligood, 2021). According to research, people who experience solid personal identities in their adolescent age are capable of forming better intimate relationships during adulthood. Nurses can use the Psychosocial Development model to comprehend better family dynamics and patients’ behavior (Alligood, 2021). The ability of an individual to progress through the stages of development influences an individual’s response to life challenges and illness (Darling-Fisher, 2018). Therefore, it can aid nurses and healthcare providers in improving and managing illness and disease.

References

Alligood, M. R. (2021). Nursing theorists and their work (10^th ed.). Elsevier.

Baldwin, L. (2019). Cognitive and emotional development of young people and the development of resilience. In Nursing Skills for Children and Young People’s Mental Health (pp. 37–53). Springer.

Darling-Fisher, C. S. (2018). Application of the Modified Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory: 25 years in review. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 41(3), 431–458. Web.

Orenstein, G. A., & Lewis, L. (2021). Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. Web.

Samsanovich, A. (2021). Theory and diversity: A descriptive study of Erikson’s psychological development stages. Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. Web.

Introduction

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