Erik Erickson Human Development Analysis

Superior Essays
Human Development – Application of Theory

Markal Clark
PSYC1000
Professor Lau
Capella University
February 14, 2016

Thomas is an eighteen year old in his final year in high school. Now a senior at the end of the school year he is unsure if he is ready to leave high school at this time. The feelings he have now is very different from the feelings he experience in the past. Thomas has been feeling really grouchy and directing his anger towards his parents. He’s been irritable and also depressed about his recent brake up with his girlfriend. He is also worried since he is supposed to leave for soon and really nervous since he is not really sure about pursuing engineering. He is undecided of his future career choice
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Erik Erikson’s is also known for his well-known cycle of life that included his eight-stage theory and identity formation of psychosocial task identified as a normative event. “Erik Erikson points out the ways in which significant identity formation takes place after adolescence, for certain people depending on cultural and historical contexts”. (Erikson, 1958). Erikson further explains, many people can experience of psychological limbo and void during an identity crisis. In Erikson 's words, "as long as the establishment of identity is incomplete a crisis exists which amounts to a confusion.”(Erikson, 1959). Thomas is still discover his path and not sure what he need to do to secure his …show more content…
“Erickson reveals this identity confusion can manifested in terms contradictory self-images or aspirations and loss of center" (Erikson, 1968, p. 212). Erikson psychosocial stage Identity vs. Role Confusion describe during adolescence, children explore their independence and develop a sense of self. This describes Thomas and where he is in his life at the present time. We learned Erickson stated; “those who receive proper encouragement and reinforcement through personal exploration will emerge from this stage with a strong sense of self and a feeling of independence and control” (Erikson, 1975, p. 46). People who stay unsure about their desires and belief will become confused and feel insecure about themselves and their future. Upon completing stage five successfully most will experience fidelity, which is described as an ability to live by society 's standards and expectations; says Erickson, (Erikson, 1975, p.

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