Psych 212a Erikson’s Model of Psychosocial Development
Chapter 3 – Psychosocial Theory
Psychosocial Crisis – refers to a state of tension
that results from the discrepancies between a
Basic Concepts person’s competencies.
Erikson’s Model of Psychosocial Development Central process – suggests a way that the person
takes in cultural expectations and changes self-
Basic Concepts concept.
Psychosocial Evolution – range of abilities that Radius of Significant Relationships:
allow us to gather knowledge from our ancestors Defined as the groups of important people
and transmit it to our descendants. in one’s life.
Stages of Development: Over the lifespan, the radius expands, in
adulthood, the radius condenses.
Developmental stage – is a period of life that is
Context of development – iinclude social,
characterized by a specific underlying
economic, and historical factors.
organization.
3 Major Network Contexts:
Epigenetic principle – a biological plan for
growth that allows each function to emerge 1. Families – the universal primary context
systematically until the fully functioning system of childhood.
has developed. 2. Culture – refers to socially standardized
ways of thinking and acting shared by
members of society.
3. Ethnic groups – persistent subcultural
forces that shapes the daily lives of
children and adults.
Coping – refers to people’s conscious, adaptive
efforts to manage:
Stressful events
Emotions associated with the stressors
