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Eric Eriksons theory of human development is one of the most fundamental theories used in contemporary education and psychology. This perspective substituted the psychosexual theory of development articulated by Freud in clinical practice due to its broader applicability (Maree, 2021). In addition, Eriksons perspective is regarded as the least controversial compared to other existing approaches (Maree, 2021). The detailed division of human life into stages and the description of the typical crisis people face makes Eriksons theory practically applicable in psychology and pedagogy.
The first stage is infancy, which starts from the childs birth to 18 monthsthe human forms such skills as trust that is opposite to mistrust. The major events that represent the essence of the developmental crisis are coping with abandonment and feeding. The infant understands whether they can trust the world through their interactions with their mother (Maree, 2021). It means that the connection between the infant and their mother is the essential social bond during this period of psychosocial development.
The second stage is the toddler period, which lasts from 18 months to three years. The child needs to develop autonomy skills instead of shame and doubt in their actions. Children learn how to dress themselves and master toilet skills. They interact with both parents during this period, which makes communication with the mother and the father equally crucial for the toddlers healthy development (Maree, 2021). These interactions allow the child to learn how parents evaluate their first autonomous actions, which is critical for further growth.
In the third preschool stage, which lasts from three to five years, the child develops initiative skills instead of feeling guilty for their actions. During this period, children explore the surrounding reality, and learn how to draw, sing, and use various tools. They interact mainly with their family, making it especially crucial in evaluating the child (Maree, 2021). Children learn whether their actions are perceived adequately by other people.
The fourth state of human development is the middle school years, that last from six to 11 years. The child develops industry instead of feeling inferior to other people. During this stage, children start interacting with their peers closely to compare the results of their work with others (Maree, 2021). It makes good results in sports and school especially vital for children to form their personality.
In stage five, teenagers from 12 to 19 develop their identities instead of feeling confused with their personalities. The role models for adolescents are famous people and their peers, and they try to understand who they are in the community. Parents and family are not as important for adolescents as they were during childhood (Maree, 2021). Social relationships are the most critical element of psychological development during this stage.
Stage six refers to young adult people from 18 to 40 years who develop intimacy skills instead of isolation. People form their families and understand whether they can love and be loved by others. The period of romantic relationships is vital in the individuals psychosocial development (Maree, 2021). Therefore, intimate partners and friends are critical for adequate personal development during early adulthood.
According to Ericksons theory, people from 40 to 65 years experience stage seven of development. At this stage, individuals focus on the development of generativity vs. stagnation. Parenthood and work are two significant elements in the life of a middle-adult person (Maree, 2021). It is possible to describe this stage of psychosocial development as the attempt of the individual to understand their value in society in general. The period of active actions allows the person to prove to others and themselves that their skills are essential and can contribute to the communitys well-being.
The last eighth stage of human development is older adulthood, from 65 years to death. The individual should develop integrity instead of despair during these years. People usually reflect on their previous actions and life path to understand whether all actions were right (Maree, 2021). Late adulthood is characterized by a high level of reflection that allows people to evaluate whether they managed to form their personalities. They continue to pay attention to their families and their households.
The theory of human development proposed by Erik Erikson describes all individual life periods. It focuses on the development of personal characteristics and interactions with society. Every period has a crisis that the individual must overcome to become a stronger individual with a stable psyche and social position. In other words, development is an example of the evolution every individual has to experience. The description shows that the individual cannot develop without experiencing the influence of other people. Therefore, human development is psychosocial in all cases, and it is impossible to divide the person from the community to study the formation of their views and skills. This information can be applied in education, psychology, and analysis of human existence to make the right decisions. Its structural and detailed character makes the theory universal for all individuals in society.
Reference
Maree, J. G. (2021). The psychosocial development theory of Erik Erikson: Critical overview. Early Child Development and Care, 1107-1121. Web.
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