Contrary to Freud’s psychosexual development theory, psychologist Erik Erikson came up with a different theory which is known as the Psychosocial Development theory. This theory as explained in textbook Lifespan Development 4rth Edition consists of eight different stages in which Erikson believes every individual must go through in order to successfully accomplish development at every stage.(Boyd, Johnson, Bee, 2011) Each one of Erik Erikson stages presents us with a different challenge we face at different times of our lives. (Boyd, Johnson, Bee, 2011) I use the word “challenge” with regards to the fact that every stage is presented with a term versus another. He distinguishes each stage with regard to our age/age group, however, it is essential
…show more content…
Isolation stage is where we begin to share ourselves with a significant other who will ultimately lead to longer term commitment, this does not necessarily mean that it is strictly a sexual relationship; you may share yourself with someone on the friendship level.(Boyd, Johnson, Bee, 2011) Erikson defined intimacy as “ the ability to fuse your identity with someone else’s without fear that you’re going to lose something yourself”(as cited in Lifespan Development, 2011) It is important to notice that in this citation, he uses the word “ identity” in a context in which he means that it is already there. We cannot look for intimacy without having already figured out ourselves or our identity. Hence, we cannot look for ourselves in someone else. (Boyd, Johnson, Bee, 2011) This may explains why relationships at that age do not last very long with regards to previous personal experiences. Erikson believes that once we have a strong identity we are ready for intimacy; meaning that if we have rather weak identity we are left in isolation. (Boyd, Johnson, Bee, 2011) According to Erikson this is the result of failing intimacy which is led by initially failing identity. (Boyd, Johnson, Bee, 2011) The resolution of this stage in my opinion is when someone finds a deep/real relationship with a person on the social or sexual level. If you are not approaching people or disclosing with others, you are isolated. (Boyd, Johnson, Bee, 2011) People cannot function optimally …show more content…
Relating this theory to myself, I believe I am still exploring intimacy in a social matter. I would not say that I am at a stage where my main crisis/concern is finding a significant other. However, if an intimate relationship does occur, Erickson's theory would imply that I am ready for it now that I have myself figured out. Not fearing this commitment will imply that I have avoided isolation and that I am in a comfortable state with intimacy.(Boyd, Johnson, Bee,
Isolation stage is where we begin to share ourselves with a significant other who will ultimately lead to longer term commitment, this does not necessarily mean that it is strictly a sexual relationship; you may share yourself with someone on the friendship level.(Boyd, Johnson, Bee, 2011) Erikson defined intimacy as “ the ability to fuse your identity with someone else’s without fear that you’re going to lose something yourself”(as cited in Lifespan Development, 2011) It is important to notice that in this citation, he uses the word “ identity” in a context in which he means that it is already there. We cannot look for intimacy without having already figured out ourselves or our identity. Hence, we cannot look for ourselves in someone else. (Boyd, Johnson, Bee, 2011) This may explains why relationships at that age do not last very long with regards to previous personal experiences. Erikson believes that once we have a strong identity we are ready for intimacy; meaning that if we have rather weak identity we are left in isolation. (Boyd, Johnson, Bee, 2011) According to Erikson this is the result of failing intimacy which is led by initially failing identity. (Boyd, Johnson, Bee, 2011) The resolution of this stage in my opinion is when someone finds a deep/real relationship with a person on the social or sexual level. If you are not approaching people or disclosing with others, you are isolated. (Boyd, Johnson, Bee, 2011) People cannot function optimally …show more content…
Relating this theory to myself, I believe I am still exploring intimacy in a social matter. I would not say that I am at a stage where my main crisis/concern is finding a significant other. However, if an intimate relationship does occur, Erickson's theory would imply that I am ready for it now that I have myself figured out. Not fearing this commitment will imply that I have avoided isolation and that I am in a comfortable state with intimacy.(Boyd, Johnson, Bee,