Erickson's Theory Examining The Eight Stages Of Phychosocial Development

I believe Erickson’s phenomenological theory concerning the eight stages of psychosocial development was inherently designed to be very simplistic, yet impetus. Not only does Erickson’s work expand from Freud’s psychosexual stages of development but it has improved and broadened the concept and understanding (my opinion) of childhood development from a conscious perspective, thereby betiding core conflicts as a framework to support therapists for making appropriate interventions. Erickson’s stages seem to have built upon a systematic biological foundation of development. It makes sense. In life we all go through stages of life from conception to birth to adulthood and thus eldership. His theory demonstrates basic chronological characteristics.

Here is where the counselor can educate or refer the parents to parenting classes such as we do at the courthouse to teach and educate on the importance of maybe communication and spending quality time with the infant. Also, for those melancholy temperament parents, a great intervention could be addressing the fear aspect of intimacy and the lack thereof. Second stage is the toddler stage (autonomy vs. shame). This stage can produce problems if parents refuse to or just do not understand the importance of setting boundaries. The toddler then deals exhibits tantrums and disobedience. Also in this stage if the parent is too controlling or overbearing refusing to allow the child to develop independence the toddler will exhibit shame vs. autonomy. In this case the therapist can communicate on establishing limits and avoid dealing with tantrums, disrespect and or being overbearing as parents. Stage Three reflects preschool years (initiative vs. guilt). Here the child is more independent, energetic and learn social skills (positive or negative) and their roles. They like to compete with children their age and can be truculent based on the type of parenting

The framework for the therapist to establish interventions could suggest help both child a parents identify appropriate skills and behaviors. This crucial stage deals with the youth begins recognizing his or her identity. Therapist can teach the parents how to be good listeners and be mindful of their reactions to the youth’s emotional needs. The five stage is the adolescent (identity vs. role) Her the youth is more in tune with their identity or struggle with acceptance and interpersonal conflict if the parent neglects to listen, give room for growth (freedom), teach responsibilities. If a youth is unable to deal with the stressors of maturing, they will indeed transfer a lot of emotions to others. The therapist will have the opportunity to conduct family sessions that will aide the youth and parents in learning active listening skills, becoming sensitive to the youth establishing or managing the challenges of growing into their identity. The sixth stage depicts young adulthood (intimacy vs. isolation). Youth will struggle here if again there was a lack of love rendered from parents and subsequently they will fail to build intimate relationship. This can also be true if parents refuse to allow the young person have some control and responsibility