Abstract
This chapter will take a closer look at the COVID-19 pandemic and its underlying effects on human development in relation to Erik Erikson's psychosocial stages of development. Erikson developed his eight stages of psychosocial development in 1950, and they have been used as development benchmarks ever since. The authors look at trust vs. mistrust and the inability of some parents to adequately care for their children in the current climate, followed by autonomy vs. shame and doubt and the lack of independence children may have been able to experience. Thirdly is initiative vs. guilt and the inability children had to develop curiosity about the world. The final stage of childhood, industry vs. inferiority, has been affected by the restriction of social interaction. The fifth stage is identity vs. role confusion, which is a time that has been plagued by an onset of increased substance use and abuse. We then see the first stage of adulthood, intimacy and solidarity vs. isolation, in which many have been unable to marry or start families. This continues into middle adulthood, generativity vs. self-absorption or stagnation, during which many have been either unable to start a family or have suddenly been unable to care for their families. The final stage in late adulthood, integrity vs. despair, has been impacted by isolated seniors forced into retirement or isolation in homes. Despite each developmental stage being affected by this pandemic, the authors are hopeful that by educating ourselves about our own development and our immediate environments, we will be able to nurture its continuing growth.
TopStage 1: Trust Versus Mistrust
In order to begin exploring the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on human development, it is significant to take a look at Erikson’s first stage, Trust vs. Mistrust, which occurs during infancy and continues until about 18 months old. This is considered to be the most crucial stage, since it sets the child’s personality and views of the surrounding world. During this time, children are completely dependent on their caregivers to supply them with everything they need, including being fed, washed, and loved. Receiving these things builds trust in those caregivers, as well as a feeling of safety and security. On the other hand, not having their needs met by caregivers can result in distrust of them, and subsequently, distrust of the world. This differentiation is generally where people are able to predict if a child will be capable of forming trusting relationships throughout his/her life. While this stage primarily involves a child’s immediate caretakers rather than the surrounding society, it would appear as if development in this stage would be very mildly affected by the pandemic. In recent research looking specifically into developmental disruptions during these trying times, scientists are able to discern that the pandemic has actually brought about more factors than ever that could affect this developmental milestone (Rafanelli, 2019).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Stagnation: The lack of movement.
Self-Absorption: To be consumed with oneself or one’s own priorities.
Autonomy: The capacity to self-govern.
Solidarity: To have a feeling of unity amongst a group with common interests or goals.
Pandemic: An epidemic or outbreak that is widespread across a population.
Milestone: A marker signifying change.
SARS: A disease encompassing symptoms such as fever, cough, and headache, which is caused by a coronavirus.
Role Confusion: To be uncertain about oneself and one’s place in various social settings.