Human psychology is very complex to understand, we have range of emotions, behaviours and problems to deal with. Understanding each problems and phase through which a person goes at different levels needs a specialised person. We often given opinions on people about their choices, work, behaviour and attitude, but the truth is that at every phase, person goes through different problems which must be understood. Today in order to understand psychosocial behaviour of people, we have an expert Dr. Tanu Singh, Clinical Psychologist from Healthcare Clinic, Lucknow.
Psychosocial Development
As told by Dr. Tanu, Psychosocial development is a growth of person according to social norms and understanding. People tend to have different emotional traumas and challenges which are not easy to acknowledge, hence there is need of psychoanalysis of a person. This means understanding mental growth of person according to the best possible needs and conditions. For example psychology of a person having a independent background may be very different from one with dependent sources.
Therefore there are 8 stages in which humans are characterised according to their development in lifespan. This is a theory which is given by a renowned psychologist Erik Erickson. These stages help to understand issues and related developmental goals according to age.
8 Stages of Psychosocial Development
1. Trust Vs Mistrust
Birth to 12-18 months old
This is the stage where the child is totally dependent for everything on their parents. Therefore it is important for the child to develop trust in their parents and people who live with them in order to order to rely on them. If parents do not develop proper trust between their children, then the child may not be comfortable with them and keeps crying when you are nearby them.
- To develop trust you need to feed the baby
- Spend time with them
- Play with them, cuddle with them
- Tell them stories
- Give them warmth and care
2. Autonomy Vs Shame
18months to 3 years
This is the time where major development of kids occur, they start realising and understanding things. Children at this stage also become little aware of situations and conditions. Hence the child should observe a positive feedback from their parents in order to be autonomous. This means that the child must be encouraged to do small things on his own, like eating, wearing sleepers, etc.
If the child is questioned or scolded very often for not doing things told, then it might create shame inside him to do anything on their own. Hence it is important to give them their time and guide in a positive constructive way to help them grow.
3. Initiative Vs Guilt
Age 3-5 years
This is where motor functions of child becomes very active and grow at a fast pace. Hence as a result the child tries to indulge in different things, do mischievous activities and play. During these activities, the child may also break or do something wrong by mistake or unknowingly. This is where parenting comes into play, parents must make the kids understand the importance of constructive activities and encourage them to take responsibility of what they have done.
If parents scold them for their every action, then it may create fear in their mind because of which they may feel guilty telling about some of their doings in future. This will increase lies in them, hence let them ask and be curious about understandings.
4. Opportunity and Inferiority
Age 5-12 years
This is the age when the child starts going to school and learns new skills and gains knowledge. This age is also a time to experiment different things such as playful activities, games, extracurricular programs and much more. If parents give right platform for their child to explore, then he tends to grab the opportunity and come out expressing his talents. Whereas if the child is kept quiet, there is no one to hear them out in home, then the same happens to him in school and the child gets inferiority complex. Therefore it is important to give them space to try and improve their skills.
5. Identity and Confusion
Age 12-18 years old
This is the stage where the holistic and social development of child takes place. Adolescence is an age group which needs to be tackles and handled very carefully. In this age group, the child can explore and create his own identity for himself or get subdued and get confused at every point of time.
If the adolescent child is not heard and his questions remain unanswered, then it can create a whole lot of issues and he may end up being confused about every decision in life. And being confused at this stage can affect further psychosocial development in later stages as well.
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6. Intimacy and Isolation
Age 18- 40 years
This is the stage where adolescence ends and time to take responsibilities start. You develop your own personal identity and there is a need of taking your own stand. Not all people are straight forward and they do need someone to be there with them. This is the stage you fall in relationships with people, know and understand every individual and take some most crucial decisions of your life.
According to psychosocial development, it is important for parents to be a guiding light but prevent themselves from coming in between their decisions. People who do not manage to have strong relationships and goals tend to have security issues and isolate themselves often. This may have a negative impact on their mind resulting to obstacle in their social growth as a person.
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7. Generativist and Stagnation
Age 40 to 65 years old
This is a stage where people are generous and have kids. This is the age of giving to the society and your children. Stage seven is all about raising your children, giving them right education and knowledge as well as imparting skills that may further be fruitful for them. You need to give time to yourself at this stage as well, the body demands rest and work, kids and socialism cannot be handled together sometimes. So it is better to be easy on yourself and give time for yourself to enjoy and explore different places. However keep yourself engaged otherwise you may fall in the category of stagnation.
8. Integrity and Despair
After age of 65 years
It is the time where you need to take conscious decision about your life. This is time where people try to asses on what you have done so far and sometimes end up in despair or unsatisfied. Spend time with your family and look forward to life in a positive aspect. Important this is to be positive and do not compare yourself with any other person to avoid depression.