Erikson's Crisis Theory

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The Crisis Theory by Erik Erikson

Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development is a psychoanalytic theory which identifies eight stages every human experiences between infancy and late adulthood. In these stages the person meets new challenges and learns from them. These stages naturally work as building blocks and those who master the prior challenges are more prepared to face the next. While mastery of a stage is not required to move on, challenges avoided or not conquered are usually expected to reappear in the future. I was asked to give an honest self analysis using this theory and I could not be more nervous.
Even though I like to keep myself in check and look into why I think how I think, I have never asked why I have become who everyone …show more content…

This is the question Erikson says we ask between 2-4 years which of course builds and continues throughout life. As a child starts to learn motor skills and begins to explore, most have a sense of independence. However, the parents still provide a strong base of security and a parent's patience and encouragement helps foster autonomy in the child. Children at this age enjoy exploring of course and they are constantly learning through trial and error. Through this trial and error they begin to discover their first interests. During this stage parents play an important role, if caregivers encourage self-sufficient behavior, toddlers learn independence and try to solve problems on their own. On the other hand, if the parents/caregivers expect too much too soon, insist on helping, etc. the child experiences ridicule and ends up doubtful of their ability to handle problems. In my case, while I can’t do everything by myself I always try my very best to solve my own problems and sometimes neglect asking for help even when I need it. I think i’m a bit in between the two options at this point in my life. I don’t feel asking for help is wrong or shameful but I do not doubt my ability to solve my own problems and i strive to do things on my …show more content…

On top of this they begin to form moral values, recognize cultural and individual differences. Because of this most become disobedient or rebellious in attempt to express their independence. I have always had a different way of thinking than most i’ve had the privilege to meet but I have never felt like an outsider, while compared to most people I have always thought I was a bit of an oddball with much stricter values than my peers but none of us are really that different so there were always friends who made me feel welcome. In my Cooley project I explained my view on individualism and discussed my early realization of the inexistence of the universes spotlight. So, as you probably know I’ve always been quite confident in myself and have also always had a slight desire to stand out. This is most likely caused by my experiences in this

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