fei75766_ch07_206-241.indd 213  02/06/20 11:52 AM
Chapter 7    Erikson: Post-Freudian Theory213
Stages of Psychosocial Development
Comprehension ofErikson’s eight stages ofpsychosocial development requires an
understanding ofseveral basic points. First, growth takes place according totheepi-
genetic principle. Thatis,onecomponent partarises outofanother andhasitsown
timeofascendancy, butitdoesnotentirely replace earlier components.
Second, inevery stage oflifethere isaninteraction of opposites —that is,acon-
flictbetween asyntonic (harmonious) element andadystonic (disruptive) element. 
Forexample, during infancy basic trust (asyntonic tendency) isopposed tobasic 
mistrust (adystonic tendency). Both trustandmistrust, however, arenecessary for
proper adaptation. Aninfant wholearns onlytotrustbecomes gullible andisill
prepared fortherealities encountered inlaterdevelopment, whereas aninfant who
learns onlytomistrust becomes overly suspicious andcynical. Similarly, during each
oftheother seven stages, people must havebothharmonious (syntonic) anddisrup -
tive(dystonic) experiences.
Third, ateachstage, theconflict between thedystonic andsyntonic elements 
produces anegoquality oregostrength, which Erikson referred toasabasic strength. 
Forinstance, from theantithesis between trustandmistrust emerges hope, anego
quality thatallows aninfant tomove intothenextstage. Likewise, eachoftheother 
stages ismarked byabasic egostrength thatemerges from theclash between thehar-
monious andthedisruptive elements ofthatstage.
Fourth, toolittlebasic strength atanyonestage results inacore pathology for
thatstage. Forexample, achild whodoesnotacquire sufficient hope during infancy 
willdevelop theantithesis oropposite ofhope, namely, withdrawal. Again, eachstage 
hasapotential corepathology.
Fifth, although Erikson referred tohiseight stages aspsychosocial stages, he
never lostsight ofthebiological aspect ofhuman development.1
InfancyParts
3
Play age
2
Early childhoodAB C
3A 3B 3C
2A 2B 2C
1A 1B 1CStage
FIGURE 7.1   Three Eriksonian Stages, Depicting the Epigenetic Principle.
Source: Erikson, ErikH.The Life Cycle Completed. NewYork, NY:W.W.Norton, 1982.Final PDF to printer