Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory



Erikson’s Psychosocial Development TheoryTammy McCreery Jacoyia RoseberryErikson’s Psychosocial Development TheoryErik Erikson, a developmental psychologist (1902-1994) is credited for his theory on psychosocial development of human beings CITATION Kat101 \l 1033 (Berger, 2010). His psychosocial development theory is described in eight stages, five of which were based off of Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytical theory. Erikson was one of Freud’s followers, however, their theories differ from each other in that Erikson emphasized family, culture, and society’s impact on personality development, whereas Freud emphasized sexual urgesCITATION Kat101 \p 24 \y \l 1033 (Berger, p. 24). Erikson described his stages as developmental crises that one must successfully complete to develop a healthy personality and gain basic virtues CITATION Sau08 \l 1033 (McLeod, 2008). Erikson also described three adult crises, recognizing that development continued into adulthood. This may be because Erikson’s adult life was full of dramatic change. Both Erikson and Freud believed that experiences in childhood years influence the later adulthood years, this idea been accepted by most developmental psychologistsCITATION Kat101 \p 24-25 \y \l 1033 (Berger, pp. 24-25). Erikson believed that personality developed in a predetermined order, with each stage building upon the previous, he emphasized the period of adolescence believing that this was a crucial stage of identity developmentCITATION Sau08 \y \l 1033 (McLeod). Erikson belief of genes and biological impulses being strongly influenced by individual’s social environment is called epigenetic principle. He called his theory psychosocial to describe the individual (psycho) needs conflicting with those of society and cultural norms (social) CITATION Sau08 \l 1033 (McLeod, 2008). Each of Erikson’s stages is named using two directly opposite tendencies, which is why versus is used to describe each crisis. He acknowledged that there were many possible outcomes and knew that most individuals didn’t usually fall on one extreme but rather displayed somewhat of both outcomes. Failure to complete a stage was thought to result in reduced ability to complete further stages and therefore would lead to development of an unhealthy sense of self and personalityCITATION Sau08 \y \l 1033 (McLeod).Stage Psychosocial crisisVirtueApproximate Age1Trust versus MistrustHope 0 to 1 year2Autonomy versus Shame and DoubtWill1 to 3 years 3Initiative versus GuiltPurpose 3 to 5 years4Industry versus Inferiority Competence6 to 11 years5Identity versus Role ConfusionFidelity12 to 18 years6Intimacy versus IsolationLove18 to 40 years7Generativity versus Stagnation Care40 to 65 years8Integrity versus DespairWisdom65 + yearsDescription of the StagesCITATION Kat101 \p 410 \l 1033 (Berger, 2010, p. 410) CITATION Sau08 \l 1033 (McLeod, 2008)Erikson’s stages begin with trust vs mistrust. In this crisis infants are weary about the world they live in and therefore gain trust if provided with consistent care, comfort and food from their primary care giver. The described success of this crisis is the development of hope, failure of this stage can lead to mistrust, fear and, anxiety. This experience of attachment can resound throughout life affecting relationshipsCITATION Sau08 \y \l 1033 (McLeod). Autonomy versus shame and doubt is Erikson’s second psychosocial stage, in this crisis toddlers ages 1 to about 3 years are becoming more mobile and becoming more self-awareCITATION Kat101 \y \l 1033 (Berger). The primary caregiver must allow their toddler to test their skills and abilities, encouraging this new independence to flourish while still providing assistance to avoid repetitive failures. Caregivers that are overly critical or overly controlling may cause their child to feel inadequate leading them to lack self-esteem feeling shame, and doubt in their abilitiesCITATION Sau08 \y \l 1033 (McLeod). Erikson acknowledged that cultural variations in that mistrust and shame could be destructive or not depending on the norms of the toddler’s culture, and that toddlers seem to manifest traits based on their cultures valuesCITATION Kat101 \p 150 \y \l 1033 (Berger, p. 150). Initiative versus guilt is the third crisis explained by Erikson, in this stage of early childhood, children ages 3 to 5 years attempt new skills and activities. Success of this crisis depends on outcomes and reactions of others, this will cause a child to either feel proud or guilty of their ability to attempt these tasks. Erikson acknowledged that children were unrealistic in their attempts thinking that any goal is achievable, because of this support and guidance must be given to allow for success of this crisisCITATION Kat101 \p 206 \y \l 1033 (Berger, p. 206). The fourth crisis is industry versus inferiority ages 6 to about 11 years old. In this stage of middle childhood, children feel tension between their productivity and incompetence. This is time period were children are attending school and interacting with their cohort. Experiences at school and social interactions allow children to develop industry. Industry is displayed in learning language, math, or collecting and categorizing things of interestCITATION Kat101 \y \l 1033 (Berger). It is from these attempting these new skills that children judge themselves as industrious (competent) or inferior. Parents and teachers have a great influence on this process of judgement. If support and encouragement are given a child will develop a sense of industry. If a child is ridiculed and discouraged, personal judgement of themselves will reflect their treatment and they will likely doubt their abilities therefore affecting developing self -confidenceCITATION Ken15 \y \l 1033 (Cherry).The fifth crisis begins between ages 12 to about 18 from adolescence into the teen years. This stage is called identity versus role confusion. During this crisis adolescence are searching for understanding of themselves. This crisis marked this stage with the question, “Who am I?”CITATION Kat101 \p 356 \y \l 1033 (Berger, p. 356). This is a period of transitions and ever increasing independence, which gives way for self-exploration. This search for a sense of self may is usually accompanied with experimentation of new behaviors, activities, and interestsCITATION Ken15 \y \l 1033 (Cherry). Those individuals that are provided with independence but maintain a fair amount of reinforcement are likely to develop a healthy and strong sense of self, confidence and independence. If an individual struggles with this crisis they may remain unsure of themselves leaving them to likely feel confused and weary of the future. Erikson’s theory includes four aspects to identity formation. These are; religious, political, vocational, and sexual identity. Erikson’s aspect of sexual identity has been renamed gender identity to be more appropriate, considering he didn’t include those individuals that identify different from the gender they were born with. Erikson also described identity foreclosure, which can be were one fully accepts and takes on the beliefs and wishes of parents. Also negative foreclosure is described as those who do just the opposite of their parents’ wishes and go against their beliefs. A more mature way of sheltering and delaying identity decisions is called moratorium, in which one explores and examines different paths. This is mostly commonly done by joining military services or in enrolling in collegeCITATION Kat101 \y \l 1033 (Berger).Intimacy versus isolation is the sixth crisis encountered in young adulthood years 18 to later adulthood years, about 40 years. This crisis involves individuals seeking close bonds and intimacy with another human being. Intimacy is a two way street and must be reciprocated, which requires dedication, time, and energyCITATION Kat101 \p 464 \y \l 1033 (Berger, p. 464). Loneliness and Isolation can occur from unreciprocated intimacy, death, or divorce. Being that Erikson believed in sequential steps of development, it is thought that those who have struggle with any previous stage, especially identity versus role confusion, are not going to be able to establish healthy intimate and committed relationshipsCITATION Ken15 \y \l 1033 (Cherry). Erikson believed that the formation of strong committed bonds was essential, and failure to do so could result in isolation.Middle adulthood ages 40 to 65 years marks the next crisis described by Erikson as generativity versus stagnation. Erikson first thought that generativity, the feeling of needing to care and contribute to the next generation was through parenting. Later he included other ways that generativity could be achieved such as finding ways to contribute to one’s communityCITATION Kat101 \p 464 \y \l 1033 (Berger, p. 464). Adults in this stage aim to nurture or create things that are going to extend beyond their lifespan, this can be done by having children, joining a community organization, or being a mentor for younger generations. When one is unable to obtain generativity it may leave them vulnerable to feel disconnected and rejected within society and the world.Erikson’s final psychosocial crisis ages 65 to end of life is integrity versus despair. At this late adulthood stage, one is likely to ask themselves, “Did I live a meaningful lifeCITATION Ken15 \y \l 1033 (Cherry)?” Adults reflect upon their past experiences and achievements. This reflection of one’s life will either lead them to feel satisfied and fulfilled or feel bitter and have despair from their regrets. Erikson believed that those who were satisfied with their reflection would gain wisdom.Erikson’s psychosocial development is not without its flaws, but his theory is still used as basic frame work to several studies and professions in which psychology applies. I was able to find a multitude of scholarly articles and journals that used Erikson’s theory as framework, of which I will list a few under references. Criticism I read about in an article that was examining psychosocial developmental theories pointed out that Erikson’s stages were too descriptive to be tested empirically and that it is not sufficiently accurate. The article also argued that development should not be a one way stair case, that is be a fixed trajectory with only one direction of progression CITATION KAR15 \l 1033 (KARKOUTI, 2015). A part of Erikson’s theory that seems to hold strong in the current research and that is that unresolved conflicts from childhood is likely to be carried along into later life and must be addressed to be resolved CITATION Suz09 \l 1033 (Suzanne E. Vogel-Scibilia, 2009)Struggle of the Stages1I probably could elaborate on each of Erikson’s crises of development in regards to my psychosocial development. But for the purposes of this essay I will evaluate my struggle during the fourth crisis industry versus inferiority and the how it has impacted the two following stages of my development. I grew up with several unstable and inconsistent caregivers, these conflicts did lead to issues in years of adolescence, teen and, now currently in early adulthood. During my childhood crisis of industry versus inferiority I was living with relatives because I had been removed from my maternal mother’s custody. My relatives very negatively influenced my self-concept of industry causing me to consistently feel inferior. My relatives exercised an authoritarian parenting style. I did as I was told and didn’t ask why and when in trouble, only spoke when spoken to. If I did otherwise I was severely punished with physical and verbal abuse. Little independence was given to me as far as clothing myself and doing my hair. In fact my outfits were picked out for me and my hair was done for me every day before school. It didn’t help my cause that I was a target for bullies at school and had few to no friends throughout grade school. I can confidently say these experiences lead me to feel incompetent and that I was far from industrious. I felt deep shame that I was not good enough. At this developmental stage I should have been focusing on acquiring skills and gaining interest, and interacting with my cohort, but I was stuck in flight-or-fight mode. Thus leading to what Erikson would call unsuccessful completion of the crisis of industry versus inferiority. Throughout my years of adolescence this impacted me and lead me to the extreme of role confusion while struggling with identity. I was pretty confused about life in general and my self-concept had been corrupted with negativity and depression. Dealing with Developmental ConflictsDuring my adolescence I bounced around a lot from facilities, and foster homes. Who I interacted with changed on a semi-regular basis but I did always have a teachers, therapist, and foster parents, and other foster kids to interact with. Those around me dealt with my developmental conflicts usually in one of a few ways. Usually, I received nothing but encouragement and guidance from my therapist and teachers. I unfortunately lived with several discouraging foster parents who judged for reasons I still don’t quite understand, but I was often out-casted, and belittled. Fellow foster kids could be just as harsh but for the most part I remember a few really good hearted ones that I looked up to as role models. My grandparents were my main support from my family while I was growing up. I never lived with them but they would take me places and get me some time out of my foster homes. There love and support was always there for me growing up but always at a distance with limits. This is partly because I never lived with them but also because my family held a bias against me due to actions of my maternal mother. It was thought by many people in my family that I was going to turn out like my mother, who was disliked for several reasons. I used to call my-self the offspring of the black sheep of the family, if that gives a little insight of my past self-perception. I struggled with shame, doubt and role confusion, and didn’t always have a strong support system guiding me with encouragement and positive reinforcement. I was conflicted by the foster care agency’s control of my life and my desire to be connected to my maternal family. All while trying to figure out my identity and escape the role confusion I was stuck in, and gain some confidence in my abilities and sense of industry. I felt to be limited in opportunities within family and society. I internalized my misconceptions and was unable to address my developmental conflicts without the assistance of therapy. Even with therapy I struggled to face, accept, and challenge these conflicts appropriately. Not only was my self-concept negatively affected, but also my ability to have healthy relationships. Growing up I had several unhealthy friendships, and was unable to bond with any of the foster parents I was placed with.I would like to say I have resolved my inability to build and maintain healthy relationships, but this is one of my primary issues I face now in my early adulthood years. Not to say that I have no healthy relationships because I do, but I struggle with attachment and detachment to those I care for. It is a process I can’t fully explain yet, but it involves me feeling unsure of bonds I have with others, causing me to either push away or hold on when I shouldn’t. Any form of attachment usually gives me anxiety and fear of the outcome and, especially in intimate relationships. Though I still face struggles due to my psychosocial development, there has been a number of positive outcomes that counter the negative ones. Positive Outcomes and Transition through Stages of Psychosocial Development. I overcame many of my destructive behaviors and perspectives through maturity and reflection. There was a lot of growth that came later on from my developmental conflicts I faced in my younger years. With maturity and guidance along the way I have been able to approach my past more positively and deriving more strength and resilience. In retrospect, my conflicts that I once thought as limitations turned out to be opportunities of growth and character development. My last few years in custody I entered a program for foster kids to help the transition into adulthood. This program taught me about resources available to me such as financial assistance in college, as well as offered scholarships to foster adults. I was awarded the Olene Walker TAL (transition to adult living) scholarship of which provides me not only with financial assistance but also a mentor. My mentor helps me so much in accessing further resources, and being a strong support. College is probably the best thing that I was ever given the opportunity to partake in. I believe the influence of gaining a formal education has allowed me to mature in a way that reflection of my past has become a constructive process rather than one that sent me into manic state of mind as it once did. Altogether I came out of my childhood psychosocial development with a number of experiences that forced me to remain humble while forcing me to challenge all the limitations set in front of me. By challenging different conflicts I have learned better ways to cope, manage and choose my battles and how I let them affect me. Though this process is not in perfection it is a one that I use to help me make good choices for my life knowing but also acknowledging that I only have control of so much. However, with college, mentors, and maturity I can face my development more successfully and transition through the ages and stages!References BIBLIOGRAPHY Berger, K. S. (2010). Erikson's Stages. In K. S. Berger, Invitation to The Lifespan (pp. 24-25). New York : Worth Publishers.Cherry, K. (2015, april 10). Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory. Retrieved from psychology.: , I. M. (2015, December 4). EXAMINING PSYCHOSOCIAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT THEORIES: A GUIDELINE FOR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE. Education. Winter2014, Vol. 135 Issue 2, p257-263. 7p. McLeod, S. (2008). Erik Erikson. Retrieved from Simply psychology: erik-erikson.htmlRANDALL M. JONES, J. M. (2014). Friendship characteristics, psychosocial development, and adolescent identity formation. Journal of the International Association for Relationship Research, Personal Relationships, 21(1), 51-67. doi:10.1111/pere.12017.Suzanne E. Vogel-Scibilia, K. C. (2009). The Recovery Process Utilizing Erikson's Stages of Human Development. The Community Mental Health Journal Springer, 45(6):405-414. ................
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