Erickson’s Theory of Psychological Development Essay Example

and the likes. Successful completion leads to healthy relationships, safety, and care and if not may cause depression, loneliness, and isolation (Sokol, 2009).

During middle adulthood, one establishes his career, settles within relationships, and sense of family. The person gives back to the society by raising children, being productive at work and community projects and organizations. A failure to complete the stage leads to a feeling of stagnation. The final phase develops as one grows old, and tends to slow on productivity. At the stage, one contemplates on achievements and integrity if they are living a successful life. If not, one becomes dissatisfied with life and develops despair that may lead to depression or hopelessness (Sokol, 2009).

A study by Wu et al. (2010) reviles a prevalence of childhood traumas among adults with comorbid substance use and mental health disorder. It also assesses the relation between traumatic childhood events and adult health outcomes. The study used nine adverse childhood experiences and descriptive analysis to determine the prevalence in comparison with a sample from primary healthcare. The result establishes that significant exposure to traumatic childhood events increased the odds of severe adult outcomes including depression, substance abuse among other mental health disorders.

Sokol (2009) also establishes identity development through the lifetime by examining Erickson’s theory of development. Through an analysis of Erickson’s theory and empirical studies, he states that Erickson places emphasis sociocultural factors because they are a significant influence on development. Sokol uses identification to describe development during childhood and identity formation during adolescence. He agrees that identity development is an ongoing process through adulthood and therefore, extend beyond adolescence.

Erikson’s theory of development is a tool for self-awareness

and improvements as well as teaching and helping others at various stage of development. As a tool for self-awareness, one can acknowledge the different sources of stresses or emotional challenges and relates them to the developmental stage in a bid to address them. If one has a negative personality, all is not lost since the theory dictates that such stages can be revised successfully to address an issue. As an educationist and beyond clinical and counseling professions the theory is keen on improving teaching methods of children and young adults. If I apply the theory in the classroom, I can create an environment where each child feels appreciated and comfortable in learning and relates with others. For example, in middle, or high school, I should treat student equally, and engage them in activities to expose them to various careers. The approach should also encourage different approaches to problem-solving and develop confidence (Sokol, 2009).

Although Erikson believes that identity developed after adolescence, he did suggest that it continues to evolve through adulthood. He does not provide details on the characteristics of the process. Research establishes that identity development is an ongoing process through adulthood. It places the emphasis on predetermined stages other than biological and environmental factors. Erickson also uses various terms when describing the process of identity development. It presents a challenge to establish continuity in development periods and ages. Future researcher, therefore, needs to agree on a common understanding of terms. Nonetheless, no matter what they develop, identity development remains a significant cognitive task, and that appears in different stages of life.

References

• Sokol, J. T., (2009) "Identity Development Throughout the Lifetime: An Examination of Eriksonian
  

Theory," Graduate Journal of Counseling Psychology: Vol. 1: Iss. 2, Article 14.