Erik Erikson
Strengths
- Erik Erikson’s theory helped develop the eight stages, which played an important role in time and several cultures.
- These stages helped many understand what needs need to be meeting at each stage of development throughout the lifespan.
- it provides a vast outline of the impact these stages can have on us regarding our social relationships at each stage. (
Erik Erikson
4. Industry (competence) vs. Inferiority
Erikson's 8 Stages
Weaknesses
- Erik Homberger Erikson was born on June 15, 1902 in Frankfurt Germany. His father left him at a young age.
- During his younger years, Erik studied several subjects including art, chemistry, biology and several languages.
- However, when he graduated he was not too fond of the schooling system and refused to attend college.
- In 1933 in Boston, he filled a position to become America’s first child analyst.
- His theory failed to expand on adult development.
- His research was mainly geared towards the baby and adolescence stage.
- In addition, while he was addressing all the needs at each stage, he failed to address that not everyone is the same.
• It is at this stage that the child’s peer group will gain greater significance and will become a major source of the child’s self-esteem. The child now feels the need to win approval by demonstrating specific competencies that are valued by society, and begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
1. Trust vs. Mistrust
• During this stage, the infant is uncertain about the world in which they live. To resolve these feelings of uncertainty the infant looks towards their primary caregiver for stability and consistency of care.
2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
3. Initiative vs. Guilt
• The child is discovering that he or she has many skills and abilities, such as putting on clothes and shoes, playing with toys, etc. Such skills illustrate the child's growing sense of independence and autonomy.
• During this period the primary feature involves the child regularly interacting with other children at school. Central to this stage is play, as it provides children with the opportunity to explore their interpersonal skills through initiating activities.
5. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Erik Erikson’s theory in society
8. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Erikson's great theory helps to tell us why theory is helpful for child development, and for adults. His theory is very interesting because his ideas develop over time. His own journey through the psychosocial crisis stages model that support his work. I believed that his psychosocial principle is genetically predictable in shaping human development, it occurs in all people in this world.
7. Generativity vs. Stagnation
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation
• As we grow older (65+ yrs) and become senior citizens, we tend to slow down our productivity, and explore life as a retired person.
It is during this time that we contemplate our accomplishments and are able to develop integrity if we see ourselves as leading a successful life.
• During middle adulthood (ages 40 to 65 yrs), we establish our careers, settle down within a relationship, begin our own families and develop a sense of being a part of the bigger picture.
• Occurring in young adulthood (ages 18 to 40 yrs), we begin to share ourselves more intimately with others. We explore relationships leading toward longer term commitments with someone other than a family member.
• This is a major stage in development where the child has to learn the roles he will occupy as an adult. It is during this stage that the adolescent will re-examine his identity and try to find out exactly who he or she is. Erikson suggests that two identities are involved: the sexual and the occupational.