Question

Describe one of the Erikson’s stages to which you can personally relate, and explain why.

Answer 1

Psychosocial Stages

Erikson’s (1959) theory of psychosocial development has eight distinct stages, taking in five stages up to the age of 18 years and three further stages beyond, well into adulthood. Erikson suggests that there is still plenty of room for continued growth and development throughout one’s life. Erikson puts a great deal of emphasis on the adolescent period, feeling it was a crucial stage for developing a person’s identity.

Like Freud, Erikson assumes that a crisis occurs at each stage of development. For Erikson (1963), these crises are of a psychosocial nature because they involve psychological needs of the individual (i.e. psycho) conflicting with the needs of society (i.e. social).

According to the theory, successful completion of each stage results in a healthy personality and the acquisition of basic virtues. Basic virtues are characteristic strengths which the ego can use to resolve subsequent crises.

Failure to successfully complete a stage can result in a reduced ability to complete further stages and therefore a more unhealthy personality and sense of self. These stages, however, can be resolved successfully at a later time.

My present stage:

6. Intimacy vs. Isolation

I am in this young adulthood (ages 18 to 40 yrs), and now Ibegin to share myselves more intimately with others. I explore relationships leading toward longer-term commitments with someone other than a family member.

I know that successful completion of this stage would result in happy relationships and a sense of commitment, safety, and care within a relationship.

I also know that avoiding intimacy, fearing commitment and relationships would lead to isolation, loneliness, and sometimes depression. Now, I am attaining success in this stage. and this stage leads me to the virtue of love.