Question

How does a psychosocial development approach that enhances the maturity level of youth compare with the repentance process in our faith? Does the repentance process enhance the maturity of those who confess and forsake their personal issues? Why or why not? Explain. (300–400 words)

Answer 1

Repentance is a life long process of cleansing and forgiving. It is a personal, absolute, ultimate unconditional surrender to God as sovereign. The focus here is to completely change lives toward God. Repentance does enhance the maturity of those who confess and forsake their personal issues, This is because it calls for forgiving oneself, changing one's environment and believing that things will change. This approach could be taking time, but is known for its positivity.

Like the process of Repentance, psychosocial development of human beings also focuses on cognitive, emotional, intellectual and social capabilities and functioning. The psychosocial development also takes place throughout ones lifespan.

However, the psychosocial approach is more scientific in nature. It is a comprehensive psychoanalytic theory that identifies a series of eight stages. The eight stages are :

Trust vs Mistrust

Autonomy vs Shame

Initiative vs Guilt

Industry vs Inferiority

Ego identity vs Role confusion

Intimacy vs Isolation

Generativity vs Stagnation

In every stage, a healthy developing individual should pass through from infancy to late adulthood. Successful completion of these stages lead to psychosocial development in individuals.