Erik Erikson Analysis

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An individuals sense of self-importance or self-esteem can go a long distance in determining their perspective of themselves and their world around them. Erik Erikson, a developmental psychologist, highlights the importance of how the role of society and culture can affect an individual's ego. Erikson’s theory on the development of human beings discusses how a person’s level of confidence influences their ability to solve problems in society. Erikson believed that a persons potential in trusting others, or how a person views themselves personally is affected by how their confidence levels developed throughout certain stages of their life (McLeod, Saul). In order to expand on Erikson's ideas of the development of the human ego, he created a model that represents eight stages of development that occurs in a person's lifespan. In this model, the first five stages take place up to adulthood and the other three stages take place into and after adulthood. The progression and development of these stages is dependent on the previous stage (Davis & Clifton, 1995). The first stage in the development of human behavior is trust vs. mistrust which occurs from infancy to one year in the half of age. In this stage the infant is oblivious to the new world that they have entered, which results in the infant becoming dependent on their guardian for safety and care. If this infant is constantly presented with care and stability, then they will develop the ability to trust in future relationships. If the infant becomes successful of human development, then when a problem arises, then they will solve this problem with the help of others. However, if this infant lacks this ability then this will result in the development of fear. This will lead to ... ... middle of paper ... ...eling isolated which can lead to depression. The seventh stage is generativity vs. stagnation which is between the ages or forty and sixty five. This is when people are most productive with themselves and their families. Being productive is important so that the person carry their knowledge to other generations. Failing to being productive can leave to a feeling of stagnant. The eight stage is sixty five years and older. This is when people become retired, and either regret the choices they make or are proud of them (Mcleod, Saul). Erikson’s theory of human development helped provide ideas and information on the development of these eight stages affects the confidence levels of other individuals. These ideas can help parents to teach their children. His theory can help future psychologist research how events in certain ages can influence the way people look at life.

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