Erikson's Three Stages Of Life

Everybody has their very own way of thinking, very own way of doing things, and very own way of living. Most people go through similar circumstances at certain stages of life. Whether it is deciding what game to play as a young kid, deciding what career will be best, or worrying about deteriorating health. Throughout life, the choices that are made and the problems faced will determine what the future will be. Many personality theorists have different beliefs of how they think we change and grow throughout life. Erik Erikson believes someone will have a dilemma or “crisis” for each stage of life (Coon and Mitterer p.124). To test out his theory I have interviewed three different people from different stages of life to see if they fit into this theory, and I have asked each person a series of three different questions and based my thoughts upon their answers. The three people I have chosen to interview are people from my family that are at very different life stages. …show more content…
He is in the middle and late stage of childhood. Erikson believes that the dilemma is “industry versus inferiority” in this stage (Coon and Mitterer p.124). One question I asked him was to name three words that describe himself. He answered that he was “funny, good, and smart.” Another thing I asked was what brings him happiness. He answered, “My happiness is seeing my little brother grow up doing the right things.” From his answers to the questions I asked, I believe that he is well advanced in Erikson’s proposed stage. I think he has a feeling of industry. He has already figured out that he has all of these good characteristics. He knows by the way people will laugh at his jokes, praise him for his behavior, and compliment his school work that he is pleasing them. Personally, I think he has been in this stage but is on the ending side of