Erikson Theory Essay

Erik Erikson was a psychologist made famous for his ideas on psychosocial development. “Identity crisis” is a term he coined within his career describing what results from an unsuccessful completion of a psychosocial stage of development. In Erikson’s theory, children advance following an order that is predetermined. He focused less on cognitive development and more so on how one relates with others in social interactions. Each stage of Erikson’s theory of development has one of two outcomes. A wholesome identity ensues when completion happens within a stage along with effective communication with others. When a stage is not completed successfully, the individual may become “stuck,” but may complete the stage at a later time. The first stage in Erikson’s theory is trust versus mistrust. A child comprehends the meaning of trust in others by trusting his or her caregiver. This stage begins at birth and lasts to one year of age. In the event that trust successfully develops, he or she attains security within the world and is able to maintain this security even when threatened. If this stage is not completed, it may result in a marked inability to trust and perception that the world is inconsistent, resulting in anxiety, mistrust, and insecurities. Autonomy versus shame and doubt occurs between the ages of one and three. This is when a child begins to assert his or her independence through separation from caregivers, choosing his or her own toy, and making choices about what he or she prefers. If an individual in this stage is supported in his or her increased individuality, he or she will develop secure in his or her survival. If an individual is condemned, excessively controlled, or is not allowed to assert his or her desires, he or...

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...s avoided, ensuing fear may lead to personal isolation that is conducive to feelings of depression. Generativity versus stagnation occurs during middle adulthood. He or she founds his or her career and is now occupied with the larger scope of things. He or she is productive by rearing children, producing things at work, and connecting through organizations. Without meeting these goals, he or she feels idle within society. Ego Integrity versus despair is the final stage in Erikson’s theory. When an individual reaches an elderly age, he or she begins to reduce productivity and attempts to find new meaning in retirement. This stage is when an individual reminisces about his or her own successes and perceives his or her self as successful. When observation does not bring forth feelings of accomplishment, feelings of hopelessness and defeat may result due to unmet goals