Erik Erickson Research Paper

Erik Erikson was a German ego psychologist who expanded psychoanalytic theory by exploring human development in stages of childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Erikson was the child of an extramarital affair and was raised by his Jewish mother, Karla Abrahamsen, for some time before she married physician, Theodor Homberger. The fact that Dr. Homberger was not Erikson’s biological father was hidden from him for some time. When he came to learn the truth, Erikson was left feeling confused about who he really was, which was what initially sparked his interest in identity formation. His identity was further questioned during his school years, when he attended a Jewish school and was constantly questioned for his distinct appearance, with his blonde …show more content…
It is the duty of the infant’s caregiver to give them a nurturing environment full of love, so that the infant can in turn learn to trust their guardian, and other significant figures in their life. Given the proper care and trust, infants develop the psychological quality of hope. Continuing on, between the ages of two and three, the ideas of autonomy versus shame and doubt come into play. In order for a child to develop will and determination, said child must gain a sense of independence and understand that they are responsible for their actions. Next, between the ages of three to six, as children learn to be responsible for the outcomes of their choices and actions, they face the prospect of initiative versus guilt. Successful completion of this stage is typically accompanied by a sense of purpose, according to Erikson. Further, as the child interacts with others at school, they are faced with the question of industry versus inferiority. By developing a sense of personal pride and accomplishment, a child gains a sense of …show more content…
During these years of personal exploration, a teen is faced with the question of their personal identity, versus role confusion due to external influences such as friends and social media. Successful completion of this stage leads to a clear idea of one’s morals and beliefs, rather than confusion about their goals and purpose in life. The sixth stage in Erikson’s theory occurs in early adulthood, when meaningful relationships are being formed. An individual is faced with the choice between intimacy and isolation, where they must form healthy, long lasting relationships with others in order to move forward with their life, such as getting married and starting a family. During middle adulthood, the relationships developed in the past years typically lead to creations of families. According to Erikson, this stage in life focuses around the ideas of generativity versus stagnation. To be successful in this seventh stage, properly nurturing the future generation, as well as helping the world by working a stable job, is needed to leave a positive mark in society. Lastly, the final stage of psychosocial development takes place during late adulthood, where the prospects of ego integrity versus despair come into play. As an individual reflects back on their life, they can either feel a sense of fulfilment leading to integrity and wisdom, or regret for not