In the 1950’s,
one man, named Erik Erickson, theorized that humans go through eight stages of
development that will determine their identities. In each stage, a person faces
what he called a “crisis” that must be resolved, or else problems will occur
later in life.
7. Generativity versus Stagnation (35-60 years): A person in this stage is concerned with guiding the next generation. If this person feels that he or she hasn’t contributed to the next generation, that person will be self-absorbed and stagnant.
1. Trust versus
Mistrust (experienced in infancy): An infant must find whether he or she can
trust his or her mother and environment. If the child can’t, he or she may not
be able to form healthy relationships with others, or even themselves.
2. Autonomy
versus Shame and Doubt (experienced as a toddler): In this stage, a toddler
tries to become independent from his or her caregiver. If parents don’t give
the child boundaries and choices, he or she will feel shame and doubt (likely
because he or she is so dependent on the caregiver).
3. Initiative
versus Guilt (experienced from ages 3-6): A child plans and executes his or her
own goals and sets his or her own boundaries (like deciding to cross a street
on his or her own or riding a bike with or without a helmet). If he or she
can’t reach the goals, the child acts out and eventually feels guilty for not
being able to reach his or her goals.
4. Industry
versus Inferiority (ages 7-12): Children in this stage want to learn and accomplish
skills (writing, reading, etc.). They need to experience the feeling of
success. If he or she experiences too little success, he or she will begin to
feel incompetent or inferior.
5. Identity
versus Role Confusion (experienced during adolescence): Adolescents must think
about and determine who they are, and “where they are going in life.” If they
are not allowed to explore, they may become confused about their role life.
6. Intimacy
versus Isolation (ages 20-34): A person in this stage must be ready for
intimate relationships and commitment, but must be able to balance intimacy and
being alone. He or she must also be able to accept rejection. A person will
experience either intimate relationships, or will be isolated.
7. Generativity versus Stagnation (35-60 years): A person in this stage is concerned with guiding the next generation. If this person feels that he or she hasn’t contributed to the next generation, that person will be self-absorbed and stagnant.
8. Integrity
versus Despair (ages 60 and up): A person in this stage looks back at his or
her life with pride and gladness, or looks back with sadness and unforgiveness
of himself or others. They become dissatisfied with the lives they’ve led.
Socrates said
that an unexamined life is not worth living, meaning that you have to think
about why you act and feel the way you do. Erikson puts that quote into greater perspective.
Comments
Post a Comment