Erik Erikson Analysis Essay Example

development and the opportunity to achieve a positive outcome to the 'crisis' experienced. Unlike Freud, Erikson places more emphasis on the ego and believes that human beings are rational creatures controlled by the ego. His model includes eight stages of development, which unfold throughout the life cycle. Each stage presents a 'crisis' that must be faced.

Erikson coined the term epigenetic principle to explain the process that steers development across the life cycle. Integral to this principle is the notion that every growth follows a blueprint, each with its own designated period of control until all components merge to create a "functional whole" (Siglemann and Shaffer). Erikson's psychosocial model comprises of eight developmental stages that extend throughout an individual's lifespan. This concept of "discontinuity" posits that development unfolds through abrupt transitions from one stage to another. According to Erikson, individuals undergo a rapid period of change and reorganization before progressing to a new and more advanced developmental stage.

However, theorists would argue that human development is a gradual and continuous process, consisting of small steps rather than sudden change. A prime example of this is seen in physical growth and language development, which exhibit smooth and steady progress. Erikson does not completely dismiss this argument. He proposes that experiences during earlier stages have an impact on later stages, implying a connection between early and later development. Therefore, it can be concluded that Erikson does not align himself with either perspective.

According to Wikipedia, Erikson acknowledged that development has ongoing aspects and also stage-like characteristics. He identified important periods in the human life cycle, which represent significant developments where an unavoidable turn occurs. However, Erikson did not

suggest that these were major crises. The psychosocial model he developed is a generalized one, and he himself recognized that he did not attempt to account for the differences in ego development between genders beyond childhood. He justified this decision by arguing that there are no consistent differences in development between men and women after childhood. Some critics have pointed out that the stages overlap, but this may actually reflect how things truly are rather than being a flaw in the model.

Erikson’s model was built on his clinical work and studies across various stages of life, which granted valuable insights into individuals' life experiences. Moreover, Erikson further enhances our comprehension of the life cycle in two distinct manners. Firstly, through his examination of specific individuals' biographies, he uncovers intricate details. Secondly, he delves deeper into the concept that becomes predominant as we enter adulthood – identity. According to Erikson, adolescence represents a pivotal period characterized by significant transformations.

He is the author who described adolescence as a crucial stage in the lifelong process of developing one's identity (Sileman and Shaffer). Identity is a recurring theme in his work, and there are multiple reasons why it holds great importance for Erikson, including its significance in contemporary society. According to Erikson, the societal characteristics are reflected in the psychological issues commonly faced by its members (wikipedia). Presently, he asserts that identity confusion is the most significant concern. Erikson believes that during the "identity versus identity confusion" stage, teenagers confront the task of discovering their true selves and defining their life goals. This phase involves the exploration of various new roles, and parents should facilitate this process in

a healthy manner, allowing their child to fully engage and ultimately achieve a positive sense of identity.

When an adolescent is coerced into adopting an identity and is deprived of the opportunity to explore on their own, it results in 'identity confusion' (Santrock). Some individuals may resort to withdrawal or rely on drugs and alcohol to alleviate their anxiety. There are valid grounds supporting his theory, as an individual's sense of identity tends to undergo significant changes during adolescence. It is during this stage of the life cycle that physical transformations occur, influencing one's body image and perception of oneself. Additionally, this period requires making decisions regarding sexual relationships while societal expectations pressure young people to choose a career path.

The research on identity status and its application of Erikson's theories has yielded intriguing results, but it can be subject to criticism on three fronts. Firstly, it is inaccurate to suggest that adolescents experience a stagnant status across various domains simultaneously. It is evident that at any given moment, they may have different areas of contentment (e.g.

Religious belief, as a form of identity, may remain stable while another aspect of life decision, such as sexuality, is in a state of crisis. This highlights that problems can arise at any stage in adult life, but identity development is particularly prominent during early adulthood (Cowie and Smith). Furthermore, research suggests that most young individuals experience gradual changes in their identity, rather than abrupt stage-like transitions. Consequently, the use of status categories as a measure of identity may not be as effective as initially thought.

The main idea of Erikson's approach is not to redefine the fundamentals of psychoanalysis. Instead, he

wants to improve and broaden it by taking into account culture and historical context. He also shows how these factors impact a person's identity. Therefore, his theory should be seen as a "tool to think with" rather than a rigid "prescription to abide by" (wikipedia). This viewpoint has allowed me to understand and approach the entire theory from a new perspective, giving me a fresh outlook on the subject.

Works Cited

1. Cowie, H., & Smith, P. K. (2008), 'Understanding Children’s Development, Oxford, Blackwell Publishers Ltd.
2. Rice, F. P. (2007), 'Title Human development: a life-span approach Santrock J. W,
3. (2008), 'Title Life-span development, Iowa, W. C. Brown.

Sigelman, C.K. and Shaffer, D.

R. (2007),

There was a mention of Erik Erikson on May 15, 2009. You can find more information about him at this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_Erikson.