Weebly



Running head: PSYCHOSOCIAL THEORY AND HIERARCHY OF NEEDS 1Psychosocial Theory and Hierarchy of NeedsLindsey M. GuytonUniversity of North Carolina PembrokePsychosocial Theory and Hierarchy of NeedsIntroductionMany theories exist explaining human behavior within the social environment. Two of the most influential of these are Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory and Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory. Both theories explain psychological development throughout a lifespan highlighting advancement throughout a process of stages. Understanding each theory, it’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as how they contrast gives a better understanding of psychological development as interaction with the social environment.Literature ReviewAccording Yount (2009), Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory can be used to explain development of human personality throughout critical stages in which certain systems are best developed. Interestingly, Yount (2009) cites Erikson’s view that this development, as a result to one’s environment, begins in the womb in which the environment, the womb, interacts with the fetus developing the first traces of personality. Throughout each critical stage there is a crisis in which one must develop as part of a innate scheme beginning at conception (Yount, 2009).Yount (2009), describes eight stages in which one must resolve a crisis. Positive resolution results in movement to the next stage. Failure to resolve the crisis creates difficulty in later resolution as well as problems within the developing psyche and interaction with the social environment (Yount, 2009). In addition to the psychological crisis of each stage, Berman, Markstorm, Sabino, and Turner (1997), introduce development of ego strengths as outcomes to successful resolution of each crisis and antipathies resulting from negative resolution. According to Yount (2009), The first stage occurring in the first two years of life is Trust versus Mistrust. During this stage, children are completely dependent upon others within their environment. When the child’s needs are being met physically, and emotionally the resolution is a positive trusting relationship with feelings of contentment. When the child’s met are not met adequately, the negative resolution of mistrust occurs involving other negative feelings concerning their environment including fear and suspicion (Yount, 2009). During this stage, according to Berman et al. (1997), hope is the emerging ego strength as a result of a trusting relationship with the object of affection characterized by a positive outlook. The opposite to this quality is withdrawl in which little growth occurs due to lack of anticipation of stimuli (Berman et al., 1997). According to Yount (2009), the second stage, occurring when children are ages two and three is Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt. As children become less helpless and more independent, parents must impose guidelines to control behavior. Autonomy, the positive outcome to the crisis, is characterized by feelings of independence and self control while adhering to ever changing external demands. Shame and doubt, developed in a demanding environment of punishments and little autonomy, can be characterized by a lack of confidence (Yount, 2009). Will is the ego strength of this stage characterized by free choice and self control, while compulsivity is the antipathogy occurring when autonomy is not encouraged (Berman et al., 1997). Yount (2009), describes the third stage as Initiative vs. Guilt occurring between the ages four and five in which children begin to participate in a larger environment. As children begin to explore their environment with a desire to “help” and try new things, parents who encourage this behavior instill the positive resolution, initiative, within their children. Parents who restrict and punish children’s exploration result in the negative resolution guilt and inhibition as well as a child fearful to try new things (Yount, 2009). A sense of purpose brought on by an understanding of roles is the ego strength present in this stage, while inhibition in which neuroticism can occur is the antipathy resulting from feelings of guilt when the child’s initiative is discouraged or punished (Berman et al., 1997). Yount (2009) explains the fourth stage, Industry versus Inferiority, occurs during the ages of six to eleven, during which time the social environment transitions from relationships among family to peer relationships. Industry, the positive resolution, is encouraged by praising the child, and giving appropriate tasks in which the child maintains a positive attitude. Inferiority, the negative resolution, is a result of consistent failures (Yount, 2009). Competency is the ego strength resulting during this period resulting from successive task completion characterized by feelings of competence, ability, and intelligence, while inertia the antipathy results in decline in productivity (Berman, et al., 1997). According to Yount (2009), the fifth stage, Identity versus Role Confusion, occurs during the time of adolescence between the ages of twelve and eighteen in which great periods of influx of emotions, the social environment, and changes biologically and psychologically. Identity, producing stability and knowledge of oneself as well as appreciation of that status, is the positive resolution of the crisis resulting from positive reactions from peers, parents, and teachers as well decisions made in role models. Role confusion characterized by uncertainty about identity is the negative pole of this crisis (Yount, 2009). Berman et al. (1997) describe fidelity, the ability to achieve loyalty within peer groups in the midst of conflicting values, as the ego strength resulting from positive resolution of this crisis. Role repudiation shown through diffidence, and defiance is the antipathy of this stage in which youth commit to negative identities, or fail to commit to identities (Berman et al., 1997). Yount (2009) explains the sixth stage, Intimacy versus Isolation, occurs during young adulthood between the ages of eighteen and thirty during which time individuals approach the crisis concerning intimate relationships. The positive resolution occurs when intimacy is achieved, in which one is able to interact with another on an intimate level including giving of oneself without expectation. The negative resolution, isolation, usually occurring when failure in previous stages has occurred, is characterized by inability to form relationships with others as well as seclusion and isolation (Yount, 2009). According to Berman et al. (1997), love is the ego strength resulting from intimacy while exclusivity is the antipathy. Yount (2009) states the seventh and longest stage, Generativity versus Stagnation, occurs between the ages of thirty and sixty-five and directly relates to interpersonal relationships with one’s parents, children, and community involvement. Gernerativity, the positive resolution, concerns one’s involvement in preparing the next generation. Stagnation, the negative resolution, results from self-absorption in which little guidance is offered to passing generations, future generations, or involvement within the community (Yount, 2009). The ego strength present is care, in which one who guides other generations is able to develop a care for others while rejectivity, characterized by the objection to caring for others, is the antipathy (Berman et al., 1997).According to Yount (2009), the final stage of Integrity versus Despair is a time of reflection on one’s life in the midst of impending death. The positive resolution, integrity, is produced as a result of feelings of satisfaction and acceptance of one’s life. Despair, the negative resolution, is the result of examination of one’s life with feelings of regrets, and despair in which little time exists to recreate better circumstances (Yount, 2009). According to Berman et al. (1997), wisdom is the ego strength emerging from an appreciation of one’s life experiences and knowledge acquired. It has also been described as the reemergence of hope within the closure of one’s life. Disdain, the resulting antipathy, is characterized by confusion and feelings of helplessness during the impending end of one’s life.According to Yount (2009), Abraham Maslow believed individuals are born with a need of self actualization in which one is continuously driven toward. The hierarchy of needs theory describes how one progresses toward the fulfillment of this need of self actualization throughout a series of other need satisfactions including intellectual, social, physical and emotional needs. The lower levels are known as deficiency needs pertaining to self esteem, love, safety and survival. Higher level needs, known as growth needs, including self actualization, understanding and appreciation, have infinite possibilities never fully reaching satisfaction. As each deficiency need is met, one moves on to the next stage or need. For example survival needs are located at the bottom followed by safety, belonging and love, and self-esteem. Once basic survival needs of food water and shelter are met, one can move to the next level of safety needs. Growth needs include intellectual achievement aesthetic appreciation and self actualization. Later, transcendence was added as the final stage in which one fulfills spiritual needs (Yount, 2009). According to Hvezda, Lester, Plourde, and Sullivan (1983), psychological health correlates with the level of needs satisfaction one is located. StrengthsErik Erikson’s psychosocial theory has many strengths. Understanding of this theory can help one understand how psychological development correlates with biological development. It can be used to asses the needs of an individual at any developmental stage, and better provide a supporting environment. With knowledge of how antipathogies occur, one can avoid them or revisit psychological crisis to try to produce more positive outcomes. Because the theory progresses through stages, it is easily applicable to a variety of individuals. According to Berman et al. (1997), the Psychosocial Inventory of Ego Strengths (PIES) is used to asses psychological development. Each strength can be applied to social work practice or personal understanding. Strengths of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs include it’s ability to help professionals pinpoint the needs requiring fulfillment and help clients achieve these needs. Also, Maslow’s theory is adaptable as it will change throughout development. For example, as one progresses though development prior met needs may return in new ways. Adolescents will have a new set of needs to be met before self actualization within the new environment occurs, although the needs were met in prior life stages. According to Rowan (1999), Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can be ascended and descended as one seeks homeostasis within the environment. He claims that abundance motivation is just as important as the reaction to deficiency in needs, in which one seeks to relieve tension through stimulation not necessarily in the self actualization stage but in lower stages. This gives the ability to move up and down the hierarchy making the theory adaptable to more possibilities (Rowan, 1999). Like Erikson’s this theory is used in professional practice in understanding clients as well as personal understanding. Weakness One weakness present in psychosocial theory is it’s failure to be culturally diverse. It deals mostly with opinions of Western culture failing to realize the dependent relationships of Eastern culture specifically in the stage of Autonomy versus Shame. One weakness in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is the inability to measure and assess at what stage one is currently in or how close one is to progressing to the next stage (Hvezda et al., 1983). Another weakness according to Hoffman (2008) is the fact that one can progress to another stage without fully satisfying the previous stage. Also, Hoffman believes the theory is overly generalized to the population including the fact that it pertains more to Western culture than that of the east, as well as religious subgroups (Hoffman, 2008).DifferencesAlthough both theories similarly progress throughout stages, various differences are visible. For example, Erikson’s theory deals with the stages associated with biological and psychological development, while Maslow’s theory relates only to psychological development. Psychosocial theory does not require a satisfaction of a need for progression. In fact, negative or positive resolution insights progression to the next stage as opposed to fulfillment of needs. The next stage comes whether positive outcomes have occurred as opposed to Maslow’s theory which insists on positive needs being met before progression occurs. ConclusionAlthough the theories differ greatly and each have weaknesses, both are successful in understanding psychological development and how it progresses throughout a lifetime. Both can be used to understand oneself and how one interacts to the social environment. Maslow’s theory helps one understand the importance of an environment that fosters satisfaction of needs. Likewise Erikson’s theory provides an understanding of how the environment can cause a positive or negative psychological development as well as how to provide that type of environment. An understanding of both theories, their implications and limitations, and how the two compare is helpful in understanding how individuals are affected by social environments as wells as how individuals development psychologically. References-Berman, R. C., Markstorm, C. A., Sabino, V. M., Turner, B. J. (1997). The psychosocial inventory ego strengths: Development and validation of a new Eriksonian measure. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 26(6), 705-729. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Hoffman, E. (2008). Maslow in retrospect: Editorial board member assessments. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 48, 456-457. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.-Hvezda, J., Lester, D., Plourde, R., & Sullivan, S. (1983). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and psychological health. Journal of General Psychology, 109(1), 83-85. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.-Rowan, J. (1999). Ascent and descent in Maslow’s theory. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 39, 125-133. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.Yount, W. R. (2009). Transcendence and aging: The secular insights of Erikson and Maslow. Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging, 21(?), 73-87. doi: 10.1080/15528030802265361Theory Paper Part I of SWK3450LindseyPoint deductedCommentsAPACoversheet0.20.2no page no. in the cover sheet and running head needs to be a header1.6Page no0.1Headings0.3Citation of source0.5References0.50.1 Volume needs to be italicizedWritingOrganization0.41.3Grammar0.4Punctuation & spelling0.50.3typo and punctuationContentsIntroduction0.312.1EriksonBasic concept1.5Major emphases2.5Strengths & weaknesses1.5Difference between Erikson & the text0.5MaslowBasic concept1.5very goodMajor emphases2.5Strengths and weaknesses1.5Conclusion0.3Total150.614.496 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download