Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development Report

It outlines the struggle an individual faces in finding stability between developing a sense of forming a unique identity while still being accepted and “fitting in” with society. Erikson believed that when teenagers adequately navigated their way through this crisis, they would transpire into having a clear understanding of their individual identity and easily share this new ‘self’ with others. However, if an individual is unable to navigate their way through this crisis period, they may be uncertain of who they are which can result in a lack of understanding, leading to disconnection from society and the people around them. If youth become stuck at this stage they will be unable to become emotionally mature adults, according to Erikson’s theory. This period of an individual’s life allows them to investigate possibilities which will lead them to discovering their own identity based upon the result of their explorations.

Erikson believed that people develop in psychosocial stages. He emphasized developmental change throughout the human life span. In Erikson's theory, eight stages of development result as we go through the life span. Each stage consists of a crisis that must be faced. According to Erikson, this crisis is not a catastrophe but a turning point. The more an individual resolves the crises successfully, the healthier development will be.

Eric Erikson was one of the most famous theorists of the twentieth century; he created many theories. One of the most talked about theories is his theory of psychosocial development. This is a theory that describes stages in which an individual should pass as they are going through life. His theory includes nine stages all together. The original theory only included eight stages but Erikson‘s wife found a ninth stage and published it after his death. The nine stages include: trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame and doubt, initiative vs. guilt, industry vs. inferiority, identity vs. identity confusion, intimacy vs. isolation, generativity vs. stagnation, integrity vs. despair, and hope and faith vs. despair (Crandell and Crandell,

Erikson’s theory of personality is based on his eight stages of development. In each of these eight stages of

During the fifth stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development it is considered the adolescence identity versus role confusion occurs. Teens need to develop a sense of self-

Erik Erikson was one of the many brilliant pioneers in child development and psychology. Erikson was greatly influenced by Freud theory in psychology. However Erikson focused on the culture and social dynamics. Through his stages, Woolfolk (2007) suggests that “Erikson offered a framework for understanding the needs of young people in relation to the society in which they grow, learn and later make their contributions” (p. 67). When it came to development of children Erikson developed 5 of his stages up to 18 years of age. Erikson assumed

Erik Erikson theory is not sole based on age criteria, but also contains behavioral and social environment. Erickson’s stages symbolize a sequence of eight phases. In the eight stages he includes the development of critical moments that must be successfully resolved in order to transition on to the next stage. At each stage there are particular conflicts which allow an individual to mature successfully. With each conflict, it can be determined by choosing the correct means or incorrect one. Erickson believes that the critical moment left unresolved will continue to reoccur throughout life; this will have the person feeling insecure in related situations during the next

Erik Erikson’s identification of the several stages of psychosocial development is a brilliant theory. He acknowledged the significance of the unconscious mind and early childhood, as well as, furthered his studies and developed his own ideas. It provides a good base of knowledge for understanding what conflicts individuals may be facing at their particular developmental levels. This involves developing a sense of trust in others, a sense of identity in society, and assisting the next generation for the future. The Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial stages of development accuracy can perhaps be demonstrated when reflected to one’s life’s span. I was surprised by the accuracy of the stages when reflected to my own, especially my current stage which is Erikson’s sixth stage (young adulthood, 20 to 39 years old) Intimacy vs Isolation. In this stage, the most important factor is intimate relationships. I can strongly relate to Erikson’s theory of this stage where he asserts, it is not the quantity, but the quality of the relationships that

Erikson’s theory focuses on psychosocial development and states that we go thru eight stages of psycho-social development in our lives. When one stage is not accomplished it can influence our social and emotional development throughout

Erik Erikson was convinced that personality development takes a lifetime, unfolding over a series of eight stages from infancy through late life. During each stage of life, a person experiences a psychological crisis. This can have a positive or negative outcome for their personality development. There are eight stages in Erikson’s theory of psychosocial

Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial stages, is considered a significant concrete basis for understanding human progression and development (Arnold, 2016)

Erik Erikson, a German psychologist of the early 1900s, is most known for his theory on psychosocial development in humans. He was heavily influenced by his work with Anna Freud and her father, Sigmund Freud. However, in his research, he put emphasis on the cultural and social impact on identity development and studying the ego, which he believed developed with successful crisis resolving throughout life (“Erikson’s Stages”, 2007). He proposed the life-long model of development, consisting of eight stages. Erikson assumes that in every stage of development, there is a crisis that the individual must overcome despite the conflict of their psychological needs and the needs of society (McLeod, 2008, ¶9). With achievement of the basic virtue associated with each stage, the individual can move forward with their development. The conflict between the ego and societal experiences, Erikson coined as an “identity crisis” (“Identity Formation”, 2015, ¶2) The ultimate idea with the stages of development is that these struggles must be overcome by individuals in order to find their sense of identity and self-knowledge. His theory heavily influences education, however not like many would expect. His research lies in helping people understand the importance in a positive relationship between students and teachers.

Development describes the growth of humans throughout the lifespan, from conception to death. The study of human development helps to understand how and why people change throughout life. This includes all aspects of human growth, including physical, intellectual, language, social and emotional and spiritual development. Development is dynamic, however, the ability to progress to each developmental phase will affect the overall health of the person. Each child is unique and develops at his /her own space. Eric Erikson was one of the most famous theorists of the twentieth century; he created many theories. One of the most known theories is his theory of psychosocial development. This is a theory that describes the stages in which an

Erikson’s first stage of development is Trust versus Mistrust. This stage occurs during the infancy phase of an individual’s life, between 0 and 18 months when the individual is totally dependent on all their needs by a parent or caregiver. During this stage of development, hope is gained and the infant soon learns an important life skill about trust. For example, if a child cries and is comforted the child will soon learn that when he/she cries someone will come to take care of their needs leading to the establishment of trust. On the other hand, if the child exhaust themselves with crying and still receives no comfort, then the infant

Erikson’s theory considers children development in terms of their potential to nurture and simplify healthful emotional and psychological feature progress. Erikson concluded that children should not rush their development. He perceived eight unique phases of development, which were trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame & doubt, initiative vs. guilt, industry vs. inferiority, identity vs. confusion, intimacy vs. isolation, generativity vs. stagnation and integrity vs. despair (Cherry, 2011). Each developmental section is major and must be allowed time to completely unfold. Erikson recounted that a baby’s development have to be compelled to not be rushed or an horrible emotional injury may be widespread and damage will be seriously challenge as a baby’s potential to understand its