The Psychosocial Development Theory by Erik Erikson - Essay Example

The study will be concluded by the researcher identifying and drawing measures (plans) that will assist the individual in maintaining or achieving the required tasks of the specific stage of development. The theory chosen for the study is the psychosocial development theory by Erik Erikson. The works of Erik Erikson borrow significantly from the results of Sigmund Freud. However, Erik’s approach focuses on other development issues and is not built on sexual interest as the driving force of growth and development (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2010).

According to Erikson's theory, the individual chosen for the study is in the bracket of 13 to 18 years. Under this age bracket, the individual’s psychosocial crisis is identity versus role confusion (Papalia, Olds & Feldman, 2011). The virtue at this development stage is fidelity with the individual having significant relationships with his peers and role models. The main questions the individual asks himself at this age are identity questions with confusion on who exactly the individual is and what they can turn out to be.

At this developmental stage, the individual is still growing and is perceived to have completed the preceding stages of development highlighted by the theory. The individual's behaviour is highly dictated by what peers will think about every action taken by the individual. With my subject, for example, I observed his dressing style and sense of fashion were influenced by what peers considered to be “cool” and fashionable. While going to school, my subject could take considerable time to ensure that their attire would appeal to both themselves and their peers.

The subject of study also portrayed characteristics of exploration and experimentation. This is normal at this stage of development as the individual is constantly transitioning from childhood to adulthood. My subject, for instance, showed affiliation with certain political and religious groups. The individual would also tinker with cars with the hope of fixing them or identifying areas that may be mechanically spoilt. The development of the individual at this stage is characterized by the unique quality of the person’s life. This is because this stage acts as a bridge between child life and adult life. It is a period of radical change with significant physical changes (puberty) occurring or still occurring in the individual's life. The subject of the study had a deep voice with masculine bodily forms. At this stage, the individual has also undergone cognitive development.