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Introduction. Erik Erickson’S Interest In How One’S Environment

Decent Essays

Introduction Erik Erickson’s interest in how one’s environment and social interaction drives human behavior and the development of personality, led him to create the psychosocial theory, “Eight Stages of Man.” Erikson’s final four stages of psychosocial development describes a person’s development from adolescence to late adulthood. This paper will analyze the final four stages of development, which includes: Adolescence, Young Adulthood, Middle Adulthood, and Late Adulthood. However, one of the major criticisms of the stage theories is that they do not equally apply to all individuals. Each stage of development looks different depending on a person’s culture, gender, environment, etc. This paper will analyze how each stage is impacted …show more content…

22).” This stage may also be impacted by a person’s sexual identity. According to Levy (2009),
“sexual identity is not simple or clean-cut and does not stand alone. It intersects with other aspects of identity such as race, ethnicity, class, gender, religion, education, and so forth (p. 982).” What is considered normal sexual behavior does not constitute homosexuality. Therefore, adolescents who are struggling with their sexuality, may run into an identity crisis by trying to find themselves while trying to appeal to societal norms. “While the pressure to conform to the heterosexual norm, gays and lesbians may struggle with their same sex desires. Further, with this schism between their desires, behaviors, and identities, individuals may experience isolation, low self-esteem, depression, and anger (Levy, 2009, p. 983).” Unsuccessful resolution of this crisis may lead to role confusion or identity diffusion (Robins et. all, 2012, p. 215).” According to Robins et. Al (2012), youths who emerge with a strong sense of identity and individuality gain a lasting ego quality of fidelity, or freely pledged loyalties (p. 215).”

Intimacy Vs. Isolation Erik Erikson’s sixth stag of psychosocial development is Young Adulthood (early to late 20s). Erikson describes this stage as the young adult “develops ability to give and receive love;

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