Defining Social-Emotional Development

Social emotional development is the continuing development of one’s social and emotional abilities.  The process begins at infancy, and while the most crucial time for development is between infancy and the age of three the process continues into old age.  The social skills we develop as infants and toddlers are basic but fundamental. We continue to build upon these basic skills as life’s experiences become more complex.

One of the most famous theories regarding psychosocial development was introduced by Erik Eriksson. He ascertained that development occurred in 8 stages through out the individual’s life time. At each stage, there is an important skill to be learned.

Erik Eriksson’s 8 Psychosocial Stages of Development

1. Trust vs Mistrust: This stage occurs in the first year of life. The child must learn to trust others. The infant is dependant on the outside world to survive and therefore must learn to trust that he will be taken care of.
2. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt:  This occurs in early childhood, typically until 3 years old. This is the phase of life where a child must learn to go to the bathroom like a grown up, to eat on their own etc.  The inability to find autonomy leads to feelings of shame.
3. Initiative vs Guilt: Between the ages of 3 and 5. Children begin to demonstrate a need to control external factors.  If the child isn’t able to achieve the right balance of assertiveness, guilt can be a consequential feeling.
4. Industry vs Inferiority: This stage is longer and carries through the elementary school years. This is the first time the child will be faced with real world expectations and demands and the inability to weigh up to their peers will cause feelings of inferiority
5. Identity vs Role Confusion: During adolescent years a teen will often question who they are and where they fit in.  This is the first stage of becoming an introspective individual. Failure to figure out your own identity leads to role confusion
6. Intimacy vs Isolation: From the ages of 19 to 40 the main struggle is concerning relationships. Being able to develop sense of intimacy and closeness with other people during these years is crucial. Failure leads to feelings of isolation
7. Generativity vs Stagnation: During middle adulthood the individual experiences the need to serve a purpose or leave a legacy behind. Some do this through having children while others find it to be securing a family business.
8. Ego Integrity vs Despair: This is the last stage.  It involves a reflection of one’s life.  One’s outlook on their lifetime can greatly affect whether the individual will develop wisdom or despair.

Some other elements of social emotional development follow:

• Resilience: The ability to bounce back from moments of failure.
• Emotional intelligence: The ability to understand and control emotions.
• Interpersonal relations: ability to sustain friendships and work relationships.
• Empathy: is being able to understand and feel others’ troubles.
• Self-confidence: Developing a strong sense of self and maintaining a positive outlook of who you are.