Comparison of Erikson and Maslow
Comparison of Erikson and Maslow
Tianna Hillis
PSY 405
January 30, 2012
Jill Bean
Comparison of Erikson and Maslow
Personality affects many aspects of life. It influences behavior and social relations. Erik Erikson is a theorist known for his stages of personality development. He explains that certain stages of development affect personality in separate ways. Abraham Maslow is a theorist known for his hierarchy of needs. He explains that fulfilling needs influences personality. This paper will discuss personality characteristics of both theories and how personality affects situational behavior and interpersonal relations.
Erikson’s theory of personality is based on his eight stages of development. In each of these eight stages of development, the individual attains personality traits, either beneficial or pathological based on experiences while in each stage (Feist & Feist, 2009). Through successful acceptance and understanding of the trust vs. mistrust (infancy stage) you acquire hope. From hope and trust in the outside world, comes the will to make your own decisions and begin the search for independence. In the third stage, the sense of purpose becomes aware during playtime where, you are either needed or able to join in and make a difference in the experience for others or one’s self (Feist & Feist, 2009). Once a sense of purpose is established curiosity grows, yearning for knowledge, information, and gaining sense of competence. All the stages up to this point are interrelated to the progression of one’s self-esteem and confidence. After establishing these basic strengths you reach adolescence. At this stage and struggle you learn who you are and in return become accepting of that person (Feist & Feist, 2009). As a young adult, one seeks meaningful and lasting relationships. Care comes in the next stage as one learns to care for family. The last stage of development, old age, offers the individual the characteristic trait of wisdom in
Tianna Hillis
PSY 405
January 30, 2012
Jill Bean
Comparison of Erikson and Maslow
Personality affects many aspects of life. It influences behavior and social relations. Erik Erikson is a theorist known for his stages of personality development. He explains that certain stages of development affect personality in separate ways. Abraham Maslow is a theorist known for his hierarchy of needs. He explains that fulfilling needs influences personality. This paper will discuss personality characteristics of both theories and how personality affects situational behavior and interpersonal relations.
Erikson’s theory of personality is based on his eight stages of development. In each of these eight stages of development, the individual attains personality traits, either beneficial or pathological based on experiences while in each stage (Feist & Feist, 2009). Through successful acceptance and understanding of the trust vs. mistrust (infancy stage) you acquire hope. From hope and trust in the outside world, comes the will to make your own decisions and begin the search for independence. In the third stage, the sense of purpose becomes aware during playtime where, you are either needed or able to join in and make a difference in the experience for others or one’s self (Feist & Feist, 2009). Once a sense of purpose is established curiosity grows, yearning for knowledge, information, and gaining sense of competence. All the stages up to this point are interrelated to the progression of one’s self-esteem and confidence. After establishing these basic strengths you reach adolescence. At this stage and struggle you learn who you are and in return become accepting of that person (Feist & Feist, 2009). As a young adult, one seeks meaningful and lasting relationships. Care comes in the next stage as one learns to care for family. The last stage of development, old age, offers the individual the characteristic trait of wisdom in
References: Feist, J., & Feist, G. (2009). Theories of personality (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. (n.d.). Abraham Maslow. Retrieved from http://homepages.rpi.edu/~verwyc/MASLOW.htm