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

The psychosocial development theory was a response to the psychosexual theory of development proposed by Freud. Erikson in fact proposed 8 distinct stages that spanned over the human lifespan and explained how each one is encountered with a psychosocial crisis that needs to be addressed. Erik Erikson maintained that personality develops in a predetermined order, and builds upon each previous stage. This is called the epigenetic principle. With the successful accomplishment and accurate resolution of the psychosocial crisis, each individual develops the basic virtues and healthy personality that have been talked about in most theories. The theory relates to the concept of repentance since the theory also postulates improvisation and identification of flaws and working upon them in order to successfully pass through a psychosocial crisis. Each phase is characterized by self improvisation and modulation for one’s betterment. The idea of repentance in faith is also characterized by the same. It focuses on identifies the sins that one commits during their lifetime and having compassion as well as the basic virtues that lead to improvisation and a better spiritual evolution/journey ahead. It has been a concept that has been talked about in the Holy Bible on account of the crucifixion and has been thoroughly stressed. That is the similarity and the connecting point between the psychosocial development approach and that of the repentance framework.