What is Erikson's psychological theory?

Answer 1

Erik Erikson's theory in the field of psychology is known as Psycho-social theory of human development. In this theory Erikson explains that their are various transitions that an individual goes throughout in life, and that each transition is impacted with some very difficult challenges that must be overcome. When the individual has successfully passed through one phase of his life he attains a "token" if you will of virtue as a reward for successfully surpassing the former stage. The stage are as thus followed:

1. Infancy [Birth-2], (Basic trust vs. Mistrust)-----virtue: Hope
2. Toddler [2-4], (Autonomy vs. Shame)-----------virtue: Will
3. Early Childhood [4-6], (Initiative vs. Guilt)----- virtue: Purpose
4. Late Childhood [6-12], (Industry vs. Inferiority)--virtue: Confidence
5. Adolescent [12-18], (Identity vs. Role Confusion)--virtue: Fidelity
6. Early Adulthood [18-35], (Intimacy vs. Isolation)------virtue: Love
7. Middle Adulthood [35-60], (Generativity vs. Stagnation)---virtue: Care for significant other
8. Late Adulthood [ 60 and up] , (Ego integrity Vs. Despair)----virtue: Wisdom

Each stage is involved with this idea of the Ego identity, Which is what one try's to acquire by going through all the obstacles of the 8 stages of Erikson theory of Human Development.

For example take the first stage of life which is from birth to two years of age, the infant at this stage of his life must either depending on how his mother responds to his needs develop a sense of trust or mistrust ( this imply's the concept of the mothers capabilities in breastfeeding her child depending on when the need for it is called upon by the baby), and this is what is primarily the most basic understand of the concept.

E.B -SS520