Erikson's Theoretical Framework

Theoretical Framework Erik Erikson’s theory of psychological development is comprised of eight stages in which an individual's identity emerges and matures as they progress from one stage to another. Being the first psychologist to explain predictable stages of human development from childhood through adulthood, Erikson perfectly proves the importance of fully developing one stage before moving on to the next. His theory is based on fully developing the ego and being able to create your own identity based on social and cultural contributions. He defines identity as an individual's stable awareness of who he or she is and what he or she believes in. The basis of his theory is that at each stage, the individual will experience a psychological

At this stage, the individual must make a contribution to society, and by doing so, acquire the basic sense of caring. In this stage. The individual establishes a life for themself and begin to develop a sense of being a part of a bigger picture. By doing so, they receive a sense of accomplishment and therefore care about their life and their achievements. Erikson suggests that in order to complete this stage, one must also have acquired fidelity and love in the previous stages in order to be

The dilemma presented in this stage of Wills life was the friendship between himself and Sean and the relationship between himself and Skyler. At the beginning of this case study, when Will had not yet formed his identity, he was unable to completely share his life with Sean and Skyler. This is evident when he would sit in Sean’s office for weeks without saying anything and was not ready to go to California with Skyler when she proposed the idea or say “I love you” when she asked him to. This was because he was unable to completely share his life with the other person until he truly knew who he was as an individual (which is developed in the previous stage of Erikson’s theory). However, as he created and began to understand his own identity and goals in his life, he was able to acquire the basic strength of love, which pushed him to open himself up to both Sean and Skyler. This is evident when him and Sean shared a moment of friendship as Sean emotionally supports Will when he is crying in the office. This is also evident when Will goes to California to find Skyler. In both instances, Will uses love to overcome his dilemma which therefore allows him to create both a friendship and relationship. Instead of being isolated, Will chose to be intimate with both Sean and Skyler and was ready to fully share his life with them both. Will has demonstrated the understanding of choosing intimacy over