Eriksons Theory - Research Proposal Example

ERIKSON’S THEORY OF LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT Alarna Bartlett: 11571846 Charles Sturt University ERIKSON’S THEORY Introduction Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development is one of the theories that are broadly used in psychology to help individuals in understanding the developmental stages of human beings, right from infancy to adulthood (McLeod, 2013). Formulated by Erik Erickson, the theory is a modification of the psychosexual theory developed by Freud. Erickson took advantage of the limitations of the psychosexual theory and extended it by discussing the human lifespan from infancy to adulthood. The theory elaborates on the eight stages that individuals pass from birth to adulthood. The theory indicates that throughout the development stages, individuals have different challenges that they go through till they attain adulthood. Erickson maintains that there are eight successive stages of development, each with an associated conflict or crisis that must be resolved for individuals to continue to the other developmental stages (Berk, 2007). The theory indicates that each developmental stage has both successful and unsuccessful outcomes. Individuals have the in different stages are faced with vices that they fight with from time to time. As they face this, they usually have those areas that they will succeed while failures are also experienced. Outcomes from one stages of development are not permanent. It might be modified at the later stages of development. The theory has characterized individuals developing through the eight stages as a function of going through his or her biological development forces and also the sociocultural forces. In each stage there is a conflicting psychological force (McLeod, 2013). . If an individual fails to reconcile the two conflicting forces successfully, then it is possible that he/she may face a corresponding virtue. For example if one enters the next development stage without satisfaction, then he/she will have hope that the remaining stages of life will be fine. Literature Review. According to Levin et al (2005) Erickson’s theory of lifespan development plays a significant role in combining the aspect of personal identity with the physical, cultural and the social framework this is a study that was conducted in the United States on the disabled. According to the author, the ability of the psychosocial development results from the interaction with the body, the psyche of an individual as well as the society, as mentioned by Erikson in his theory. Moreover, the inclusion of the entire life cycle of the humans in the psychosocial theory provides a basis of viewing psychosocial development from a holistic point of view. This study, however, focuses more on disability than the psychosocial development of the disabled. Perry et al 2015, a study that involved an examination of self- management in two sets of adults, it was discovered that the adults were capable of trusting and making known their capabilities to others. They could be able to exercise responsibilities by knowing where they were perfect than others. Moreover, the study found that the adults had the ability of showing autonomy, not allowing others to become more powerful in self -management activities (Perry, Hassevoort, Ruggiano & Shtompel, 2015). Perry et al 2015 observes that Erikson’s theory on the human lifespan development states that achieving wisdom later in life results from reconsider the previous failures and renewal of psychosocial accomplishments. Similarly, the adults in the study reasserted autonomy through problem solving and applied the skill gained earlier in life in dealing with the health problems arising at later stages on life. The accuracy of the results of this study is however questionable. Involvement of adults of 60 years and above in 90 minute interviews was a likely hindrance to the study because of the concentration span of this group of people. This is according to the findings of the study echo the psychosocial theory of development by Erikson (Perry, Hassevoort, Ruggiano & Shtompel, 2015). Although some studies support the psychosocial theory of lifespan development formulated by Erikson, other authors think that the theory does not apply in all life circumstances. According to a study conducted by Akhondi et al, 2013, there were significant differences in the levels of trust between the fertile and infertile men. The study, which involved 40 fertile and 80 infertile men revealed that the two groups’ differences were associated with generativity, trust, autonomy and the integrity stages of the psychosocial theory. This study differs with the Erikson’s theory of lifespan development which emphasizes on the impact of social encounters that occur throughout the lifespans of individuals. Sokol (2009) disputes the Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development on account that it fails to discuss the identity development of a child in details. It does not touch on all issues that are related to the development of children. According to the author, the development of a child begins much earlier than the adolescent stage. Erikson argues that the identity development of a child begins when the child is capable of recognizing himself /herself as a unique being, separate from the parents Sokol (2009). Moreover, Erickson argues that identification helps a children in figuring out what they want to be in life. According to Sokol (2009), however, identification begins when a child is capable of synthesizing the childhood skills, beliefs and identification into a unique whole, with the ability to develop a future direction, something that does not necessarily take place during the adolescent stage. This makes him dispute some of the arguments that has been put across by the theory. Regardless of all these there are some of the factors that have not been discussed that will be considered in these report. Objectives The major aim of this paper is to conduct an analysis of the Erikson’s theory of lifespan development. Other objectives of this study are as follows; To identify the various limitations of the theory at the various developmental stages while suggesting the possible recommendations. To perform a thorough analysis of the Erikson’s theory of human lifespan development. To review both qualitative and quantitative data to help in the development of an evidence based research. To engage in the thorough scrutiny of the chosen research to identify the limitations of such studies in an attempt to prove or disapprove the relevance of the theory in the development of human beings today. Research questions To ensure that the right information is obtained, then it was necessary that research questions to be developed. The following are some of the questions used in this study; What are some of the limitation of the Erickson Theory? What are some of the possible improvements that can be made to improve the limitations? What are some of the lessons learnt from Erickson’s theory? What are some of the new discoveries that can be made from the study? Methodology To ensure that all the objectives are well studied, then an interview be conducted with consideration of the past research documents that have been considered. The two approaches basically qualitative consideration depending on the situation in context. Data analysis has been undertaken to ensure that the results give the true picture of what is under consideration. From the previous literature reviews, some supportive information was considered to ensure that new concepts are brought on board. Research design is going to take an approach that is compatible to the nature of the study. Data collection methods chosen will be such a way that they easily capture all the information needed. Findings and discussions The interview was carried out on both a man and a woman who are aged 18 years. Different studies related to their stage of development was also considered. At this this age they are still adolescents who deal with fidelity as there major struggle. At this stage of development the two forces that they usually struggle to deal with is identity vs. role confusion. Those who are in this stage of development they always deal with the question “Who Am I and What Can I be?” Both the two individuals are concerned with how they appear to the rest and who they are. They are always concerned with the superego identity where they always try to deal with the outward appearance and the sameness that they will show in their life. They always try to deal with the continuous preparedness in ensuring that they will attain their carrier goals in the long term. Their ability to achieve the goal of a pleasant occupation is always their point of concern. Also as they have developed they have been able to have some sense of sexual identity that has come over sometime. However, this development has developed when they approach late development stages in the adolescent. Also, as they keep growing, they are always concerned about their role in the adult world as they approach the childhood to adulthood transition. At the beginning of this stage of development, they are always in confusion due to the experience of mixed ideas. They always have mixed ideas and feelings regarding how they will fit the society in the long term. At some point they usually experiment with different responsibilities and behaviors that they will be required at the later life. Through this observation, it is the reason why Erikson suggested that, majority of the adolescents attain the sense of identity as to who they are or who they will be in their future life. In their process of development teenagers must be able to achieve identity in gender roles, religion, occupation, and in some culture (McLeod, 2013). In his theory, Erikson has been credited with identifying the term "Identity Crisis." In his arguments he suggests that each stage of development has its own crisis. However for this one that the two belong it marks the stage one has to prepare in transition from childhood to adulthood. The transformation is very necessary since when one id in the infancy and childhood development stages, he develops many identification which need to be narrowed. However, the identity that is required by the youth is not met by these development. Since human development turning point is the reconciliation that happens between what a person has been able to attain and what the society expects of him to become (Akhondi, 2013). The emerging sense will be made possible with trying to guess on the past experience while anticipating the future course. When looking into the eight processes of development, the fifth stage looks like crossroads. It is the stage that tries to link the old stages with the new stages that will come. It is the stage that will set the anticipation of the future. It is the stage that will always try to determine the kind of struggle that one will face in the latter stages. The youth stage is the most unique stage of development as it acts as a bridge between the childhood and adulthood. It’s at this stage that radical changes occur in one person’s life. The body changes that is accompanied by puberty, it is at this stage that one is able to search for his own intentions, and those of others. Also, it is at this stage that one is able sharpen his awareness about his/her role in the society in the later stages of life. In this stage of development, the interviewees suggested that they are confronted with the need to reestablish boundaries between themselves and those harsh world conditions that they are supposed to face on their own. The process is always challenging to them as the commitments towards their intentions are first established before the identified roles for them is formed. It is at this point that one faces the state of 'identity confusion', however, there are initiatives in the society that allow the youth to find themselves and this is referred to as 'the moratorium'. One of the problem that haunt a person into his later years is the role confusion that is experienced in the adolescent stage. However, if given the right conditions to develop Erickson believes that the adolescents should be given right time and space to freely explore and experiment and also the time to have a psychosocial moratorium that will make them make the right person. However what makes a person to have a firm sense of identity is the deep awareness and emotional stability of who one is (Slater & Charles, 2003). The process is similar to other stages where bio-psycho-social forces are at their work. No matter the circumstances that one has been raised in, one’s personal ideologies will be chosen by himself. The reason that will make them have a conflict in their adulthood regarding political and religious orientations. Though teenagers have a responsibility that they should play in selection of their career, the parents will always have an influence in the decision they will carry out in their life. Also, in circumstances where the society is insistent, then it is possible that the teenager will acquire some external wishes which may par him/her from attaining his own discovery. From the stage once one has been able to settle in one view about himself, he/she will be in a position of integrating himself to diverse society views in the long run. Erikson suggests that when adolescent has been able to balance both perspectives of “What am I going to do with it?” and “What have I got?” Then he /she has been able to establish his identity (Allen et al, 2003). The development that goes on in these stage is such that at the end of the day it will have the long term effects in the future. It requires that adolescents should be given the opportunity to be in a position to enable them be at a position of ensuring all the things are done right so that he may make his/her identity in the right way. Since it is the stage where the future role by a person is established, the success of a person should be undertaken in a good manner. References Allen, Eileen; Marotz, Lynn (2003). Developmental Profiles Pre-Birth Through Twelve (4th ed.). Albany, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning. Akhondi, M.M, Binaafar, S, Arkadani, Z.B, Kamali, K, Kosari, H & Ghorbani, B (2013). Aspects of Psychosocial Development in Infertile vs Fertile Men. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Vol 14 (2): 90-93. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3719317/ retrieved 11/12.2016. Berk, L. E (2007). Development through the Lifespan, 4/e. Illinois State University. http://catalogue.pearsoned.co.uk/samplechapter/0205491251.pdf retrieved 11/12/2016. Levine, M, Perkins D.D, Perkins, D.V (2005). Principles of Community Psychology. New York. Oxford University Press. McLeod, S.A (2013). Erik Erikson http://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html. Retrieved 11/12/2016. Perry, T.E, Hassevoort, L, Ruggiano, N, & Shtompel, N (2015). Applying Erikson’s Wisdom to Self -Management Practices of Older Adults: Findings from Two Field Studies. PubMed. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4318792/ retrieved 11/12/2016. Slater, Charles L. (2003), "Generativity versus stagnation: An elaboration of Erikson’s adult stage of human development", Journal of Adult Development, 10 (1): 53–65 Sokol, J.T (2009). Identity Development throughout the Lifetime: An Examination of Eriksonian Theory. Graduate Journal of Counselling Psychology. Vol 1: Iss 2, article 14. Read More

This study, however, focuses more on disability than the psychosocial development of the disabled. Perry et al 2015, a study that involved an examination of self- management in two sets of adults, it was discovered that the adults were capable of trusting and making known their capabilities to others. They could be able to exercise responsibilities by knowing where they were perfect than others. Moreover, the study found that the adults had the ability of showing autonomy, not allowing others to become more powerful in self -management activities (Perry, Hassevoort, Ruggiano & Shtompel, 2015).

Perry et al 2015 observes that Erikson’s theory on the human lifespan development states that achieving wisdom later in life results from reconsider the previous failures and renewal of psychosocial accomplishments. Similarly, the adults in the study reasserted autonomy through problem solving and applied the skill gained earlier in life in dealing with the health problems arising at later stages on life. The accuracy of the results of this study is however questionable. Involvement of adults of 60 years and above in 90 minute interviews was a likely hindrance to the study because of the concentration span of this group of people.

This is according to the findings of the study echo the psychosocial theory of development by Erikson (Perry, Hassevoort, Ruggiano & Shtompel, 2015). Although some studies support the psychosocial theory of lifespan development formulated by Erikson, other authors think that the theory does not apply in all life circumstances. According to a study conducted by Akhondi et al, 2013, there were significant differences in the levels of trust between the fertile and infertile men. The study, which involved 40 fertile and 80 infertile men revealed that the two groups’ differences were associated with generativity, trust, autonomy and the integrity stages of the psychosocial theory.

This study differs with the Erikson’s theory of lifespan development which emphasizes on the impact of social encounters that occur throughout the lifespans of individuals. Sokol (2009) disputes the Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development on account that it fails to discuss the identity development of a child in details. It does not touch on all issues that are related to the development of children. According to the author, the development of a child begins much earlier than the adolescent stage.

Erikson argues that the identity development of a child begins when the child is capable of recognizing himself /herself as a unique being, separate from the parents Sokol (2009). Moreover, Erickson argues that identification helps a children in figuring out what they want to be in life. According to Sokol (2009), however, identification begins when a child is capable of synthesizing the childhood skills, beliefs and identification into a unique whole, with the ability to develop a future direction, something that does not necessarily take place during the adolescent stage.

This makes him dispute some of the arguments that has been put across by the theory. Regardless of all these there are some of the factors that have not been discussed that will be considered in these report. Objectives The major aim of this paper is to conduct an analysis of the Erikson’s theory of lifespan development. Other objectives of this study are as follows; To identify the various limitations of the theory at the various developmental stages while suggesting the possible recommendations.

To perform a thorough analysis of the Erikson’s theory of human lifespan development. To review both qualitative and quantitative data to help in the development of an evidence based research. To engage in the thorough scrutiny of the chosen research to identify the limitations of such studies in an attempt to prove or disapprove the relevance of the theory in the development of human beings today. Research questions To ensure that the right information is obtained, then it was necessary that research questions to be developed.

Read More