Development Throughout the Lifespan - Research Paper Example

Using Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, I observed that the child wanted to develop a sense of personal control in that at some point he disregarded some of the rules and regulations laid by his mother. The seemed restless and uneasy every time his mother rebuked his actions. This shows that he wanted to develop autonomy. The child did not like the idea his mother controlled him every time. According to Erikson’s theory, the ability of a child to control himself and other body functions led to a feeling of control and a sense of autonomy.

I observed that the child wanted to control more his food choices, clothing selection and toy preferences. From my observations, I think that this child successfully completed this stage. Therefore, I concluded that the boy would feel secure and independent in future. She felt that she has wasted her life. In sum, the old woman developed many regrets and feeling of despair and bitterness (Erikson, 1998). 65 year old female (Genital stage, Integrity versus despair) Freud in his psychosexual theory asserted that the genital stage starts at puberty and it involves the development genitals, and libido starts to be utilized in its sexual roles (Geyskens, 2005).

After observing a 65-year-old female, I noticed that the old mother used to recall her days as a young girl, and the time she share with her parents when she was young. It was hard to determine how her libido was used because I found it difficult to observe it. Therefore, in order to understand her development in life, I used Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory (Erikson, 1998). Erikson asserted that older adults should reflect back on life and develop a sense of fulfillment in what they did with their life.

At this stage, success leads to a feeling of integrity and wisdom while failure leads to regret, despair, and bitterness for life wasted. From the observation of the old mother, I realized that she was in a state of despair because every time I saw her, she was thinking of what would happen after she dies. She felt that she has not lived her life well for failing to educate her children who were lacked stable jobs. In my interview with her, she said that she had the chance to educate her children and nurture them in a good manner but instead she chose to engage in worldly pleasures such as buying alcohol and going to parties.

She spend all the money she had on this things and at the end, her children lacked school fees and were forced to drop out of school. The old mother wished to die since she did not see the reason why she was living and yet she had the chance to nurture her children in an upright manner. The old woman looked at her unproductive life and she felt bitter about her past life, and that she failed to attain her goals. At the end, I observed that the old developed hopelessness and depression. 25-year-old male (genital stage, Identity versus role confusion) I have successfully transitioned from adolescent stage to adulthood (Erikson, 1968).

I have recognized that this stage relates to young adults who do not have enough capital to be independent, have no children, and do not stay in their own homes. I m in a position to explore different opportunities and become autonomous. I have observed that during this stage of development, Self-focus, instability, identity