Erick Theory
Erik Erikson’s Theory
Child Development
Instructor Stephanie Stocking
August 8, 2011
I believe that Erik Erikson’s theory focused more on the development of emotional life, different personalities, cultures, and psychological traits. His theory gives steps of development of life, in which he describes into eight different stages. Each stage represented the life crisis the people may have encountered during their childhood/ adulthood. Ego identity was one of his main elements he focused on his theory. Ego identity is the new experiences people come across in life and the different interaction they have with people, which can be influential. These interactions can influence our behaviors and change our identity. Erikson’s theory of ego psychology holds certain tenets that differentiate his theory from Freud’s, some include: the ego is of utmost importance, part of the ego is able to operate independently of the id and the superego, the ego is a powerful agent that can adapt to situations, thereby promoting mental health, social and sexual factors both play a role in personality development. (www.haverford.edu/psych/ddavis/p109g/erikson.stages.html)
This theory can be used by teachers and parents to better understand children’s behaviors and foster healthy psychosocial development because by providing and teaching children, we are giving them guidance and knowledge of healthy outlook in life. As caregivers we are committed and dedicated in providing a loving, positive and caring environment. According to Erik Erikson’s “The parent-child relationship and the infant’s dependence and helplessness are responsible for the nature of the earliest stages of development.” (Rathus, p.6) This is actually true, as parents we need to be the best role-models out there. We need to provide, support and nurture our children. By providing good parenting skills and establishing rules, we are teaching and giving children a safe and secure environment to be brought up in and
Child Development
Instructor Stephanie Stocking
August 8, 2011
I believe that Erik Erikson’s theory focused more on the development of emotional life, different personalities, cultures, and psychological traits. His theory gives steps of development of life, in which he describes into eight different stages. Each stage represented the life crisis the people may have encountered during their childhood/ adulthood. Ego identity was one of his main elements he focused on his theory. Ego identity is the new experiences people come across in life and the different interaction they have with people, which can be influential. These interactions can influence our behaviors and change our identity. Erikson’s theory of ego psychology holds certain tenets that differentiate his theory from Freud’s, some include: the ego is of utmost importance, part of the ego is able to operate independently of the id and the superego, the ego is a powerful agent that can adapt to situations, thereby promoting mental health, social and sexual factors both play a role in personality development. (www.haverford.edu/psych/ddavis/p109g/erikson.stages.html)
This theory can be used by teachers and parents to better understand children’s behaviors and foster healthy psychosocial development because by providing and teaching children, we are giving them guidance and knowledge of healthy outlook in life. As caregivers we are committed and dedicated in providing a loving, positive and caring environment. According to Erik Erikson’s “The parent-child relationship and the infant’s dependence and helplessness are responsible for the nature of the earliest stages of development.” (Rathus, p.6) This is actually true, as parents we need to be the best role-models out there. We need to provide, support and nurture our children. By providing good parenting skills and establishing rules, we are teaching and giving children a safe and secure environment to be brought up in and
References: Rathus, S. A. (2011). CDEV 2010-2011 Edition. Bellmont, CA: Wadsworth CENGAGE Learning. ISBN-13: 978-0-495-90553-0. Doug Davis and Alan Clifton, http://www.haverford.edu/psych/ddavis/p109g/erikson.stages.html Michelson, E. (2005). The parent-adolescent relationship scale. In K. Moore & L. Lippman (Eds.) What do children need to flourish (pp. 183-202). New York: Springer Science.