Erik Erikson's Developmental Theory
When asked about our current life stage, we will be quick to mention that we are either children, adults, or we belong to the old age category. It is expected that development consistently happens to us from the day we were born.
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Some researchers have been able to classify the developmental stage of humans into nine categories, but some people think twelve is a more justifying number than nine. So let's see what it is about.
Erik Erikson's theory on development argues that a person's social context and experience determine the personality of the individual.
Erikson proposes that conflict is part of each stage of life. The experienced conflict brings out the individual's transition into the next stage.
Infancy is the first stage of life described as a completely dependency stage, where the infant relies completely on parents/caregivers.
With proper care, the infant gets to trust the parent/caregivers, if this child is not treated well at this stage, the fears and mistrust would extend to other phases of their lives.
According to Erikson, a child who is well cared for as an infant, would have a mentality that someone would always be there for him even when he runs into problems later in life.
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Toddlerhood is the next stage of life, and it runs from eighteen months to when the child is three years old. At this stage, the child is seriously learning from things around them and trying to pick up almost everything they see.
The reaction of parents and caregivers is also significant here, if the reaction is consistent, mocking and nagging, then the child may lose confidence later in life. The insecurities would hinder their personal growth as confidence is an important ingredient in a child's life.
On the other hand, if the child's curiosity is nurtured and groomed, then the autonomy of the child will be groomed.
Preschool years range from the age of three to five. This stage is an advanced stage of toddlerhood where they learn to do more by themselves. If parents/caregivers give them room to do things themselves, they will grow up to become individuals who are self-sufficient, who take on initiative and groom their purpose in life.
The interaction they have with other children also plays a significant role at this stage.
Early school years is for a child who is between the ages of five to twelve. At this stage, the child becomes more self-aware, it has a lot to do with social and emotional development.
Praise and accomplishments will make a child at this stage feel confident and strive for more, but a lack of recognition would create room for hopelessness and a sense of failure.
Adolescent age is usually a turbulent age, where most kids have to struggle with identity crises. In this phase, the child would do almost anything to get accepted by his or her peers.
At this point, a healthy family structure needs to be established, creating an environment where the child feels safe to be himself and to mingle with others comfortably.
Young Adulthood is the stage between eighteen and forty. At this stage, there is a lot of building going on, from finances to professional and other things.
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Some young adults may avoid intimacy because of the fear of disappointment, failure, or commitment. There is a high chance that people whose lives are governed by this type of fear would live a lonely life.
At this crucial stage as well, these young adults begin to learn from their failure. If a solid network system can be built within this age, there is a tendency to have an increased capacity for love.
Middle Adulthood according to Erikson's theory begins at forty and ends at sixty-five. If adults at this stage decide to be productive, they will be able to develop a strong sense of care.
Late adulthood is a time of deep reflection according to Erikson's theory, when you are proud of the life you have lived, this stage will be filled with gratitude and happiness.
On the other hand, if all you can think about are regrets and failure, then it is most likely that, you will be hunted with resentment and despair.