[Name of the writer]

[Name of the institution]

[Date of Submission]

Erick Erickson's Psychosocial Theory of Development

Introduction

I chose to work on Erick Erickson's Psychosocial Theory of Development because it is one of the theories that covers all the aspects of human life. From childhood to deathbed, Erick gives a description of the mental processes which a normal human goes through, the feelings he develops as well as the possibilities of of what going wrong and wherel thereby causing what effect in the individual.

He was a psychoanalyst from Germany and drew his inspiration from Sigmund Freud. He worked on the tri-identity aspects namely (self) ego identity, (personal idiosyncrasies separating an individual from the other) personal identity and (social role collection of a person) cultural/social identity.

Just like Piaget he believed that children evolved in an order which is predetermined. This theory examines the effect of the society, parents and other external factors on the development of personality from childhood to adult. It states that all humans pass eight stages that are interrelated to complete a life cycle. He believed that each stage had two outcomes, the favorable one took place when the child grew up right, while the negative one took place when there was shortcomings in the upbringing.

School-Age Child (Competence) - Industry vs. Inferiority

Toddler (Will) - Autonomy vs. Shame

Middle-aged Adult (Care) - Generativity vs. Self-absorption

Adolescent (Fidelity) - Identity vs. Identity Diffusion

Older Adult (Wisdom) - Integrity vs. Despair

Infant (Hope) - Basic Trust vs. Mistrust

Young Adult (Love) - Intimacy vs. Isolation

Preschooler (Purpose) - Initiative vs. Guilt

Discussion

Infancy: Birth-18 Months Old

Hope: Basic Trust vs. Mistrust

This is the initial or the second year of a child's life. The majority of the stress is on the father and the mother's ability to nurture as well as provide care, particular when it comes to touch and visual contact. He is able to cultivate confidence, security, trust and optimism, if he receives optimum care and handling. However, if he does not undergo the experience of trust, the child might develop worthlessness, insecurity and overall a sense of mistrust for the world.

Toddler: 18 Months-3 Years

Will: Autonomy vs. Shame

This stage takes place in the secondary phase of life. The child at this instant gets the chance to build autonomy and self-esteem by learning the 'new' things as well as the difference between wrong or right. A child who is provided adequate care is confident of his abilities and carries himself ...