Erick Erikson's Theory of Stages
Running head: Erick Erikson’s Theory of Stages
Stages in Human Development
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(August 11, 2010)
Abstract Erick Erikson is renowned for his role in improving and expanding Sigmund Freud’s theory of stages. He accepted Freud’s suggestions as actually right, including the more arguable thoughts such as the oedipal complex (Schnell, 1980, p. 591). Erikson also welcomed ideas with reference to the ego that were brought forth by other psychologists such as Heinz Hartmann and Anna Freud. These two also had an inclination toward Freudian ideas. On the other hand, Erikson is to a larger extent societal and customs-oriented than a majority of other Freudians. One of his well-known developments is the epigenetic principle, which states that humans grow through a predestined unfolding of their individualities in eight phases. One’s advancement through each phase is in part established by their success, or lack of it, in all the phases gone by (Schnell, 1980, p. 514). It is much like the unfolding of a flower bud. Each petal opens up at a given time; however, if this natural occurrence is messed about, then that flower’s development is ruined. Erikson’s theory of stages has had an influence in my understanding of the personalities and behaviors of people in society and in workplaces. This is the case especially in stages four, five and six.
Stage four This phase lasts from six to twelve years old. According to Erikson, the main thing here is to develop some diligence while keeping inferiority at bay. Children need to learn what society expects of them. Parents, teachers and peers, all have a role to play during this stage (Erikson, 1979, p. 6). A child whose success is restrained, because of harsh peers, for example, grows a sense of incompetence within them. In later stages of life, such a child will be out to correct whatever injustices were
Stages in Human Development
Customer Inserts His/her Name
Customer Inserts Name of Tutor
Customer Inserts Grade/Course
(August 11, 2010)
Abstract Erick Erikson is renowned for his role in improving and expanding Sigmund Freud’s theory of stages. He accepted Freud’s suggestions as actually right, including the more arguable thoughts such as the oedipal complex (Schnell, 1980, p. 591). Erikson also welcomed ideas with reference to the ego that were brought forth by other psychologists such as Heinz Hartmann and Anna Freud. These two also had an inclination toward Freudian ideas. On the other hand, Erikson is to a larger extent societal and customs-oriented than a majority of other Freudians. One of his well-known developments is the epigenetic principle, which states that humans grow through a predestined unfolding of their individualities in eight phases. One’s advancement through each phase is in part established by their success, or lack of it, in all the phases gone by (Schnell, 1980, p. 514). It is much like the unfolding of a flower bud. Each petal opens up at a given time; however, if this natural occurrence is messed about, then that flower’s development is ruined. Erikson’s theory of stages has had an influence in my understanding of the personalities and behaviors of people in society and in workplaces. This is the case especially in stages four, five and six.
Stage four This phase lasts from six to twelve years old. According to Erikson, the main thing here is to develop some diligence while keeping inferiority at bay. Children need to learn what society expects of them. Parents, teachers and peers, all have a role to play during this stage (Erikson, 1979, p. 6). A child whose success is restrained, because of harsh peers, for example, grows a sense of incompetence within them. In later stages of life, such a child will be out to correct whatever injustices were