Psychologist Eric Erikson advanced a theory of psychosocial stages of development which has greatly influenced the course of modern psychology. Erickson contended that there are eight phases of life that a person goes through, with each phase resulting in some sort of conflict (McLeod, 2013). According to Erickson, the healthy adult must resolve the conflict, a resolution that ultimately allows passage into the next phase of psychosocial development (McLeod, 2013). With respect to Erikson’s theory, I am now in the midst of the so-called young adult stage (between the ages of 18 and 40), characterized by a conflict between intimacy and isolation. As a young adult, there are two challenges I now face, namely committing myself to long-tern relationships, which entails establishing more independence from family members and overcoming fear of relationship commitment, a conflict that can successfully result in the acquiring the virtue of love.
According to Erikson, in order to continue on the path toward healthy adulthood, one must pass through a lifetime that is characterized by eight stages of psychosocial development. Those phases comprise trust vs. mistrust (during infancy), autonomy vs. shame (ages 1 ½ to 3), initiative vs. guilt (3 to 5 years old), industry vs. inferiority (5 to 12), ego identity vs. role confusion (12 to 18), intimacy vs. isolation (18 to 40), generativity vs. stagnation (40 to 65), and lastly, ego integrity vs. despair 65+ years old) (McLeod, 2013). In order, each of these particular psychosocial crises, if met properly, result in the following lasting virtues: hope, will, purpose, competency, fidelity, love, care, and wisdom (McLeod, 2013). Although this theory remains somewhat controversial, it remains a valuable framework, and covers the entire lifespan of an individual (McLeod, 2013). Despite its merits, Erikson did not provide any specific “conflicts” that one must experience in order to successfully bridge one psychosocial conflict to another (McLeod, 2013). Nonetheless, Erikson’s theory has value, even in today’s world.
On a personal level, I can relate to Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. For example, as a young person between the ages of 18 and 40, Erikson’s theory states that I am at the psychosocial stage of intimacy vs. isolation. Indeed, both of my current main challenges stem from this conflict. For example, I have found myself in relationships that demand a certain level of commitment, or intimacy. Due to my busy lifestyle, my feelings about intimacy have been challenged. On the other hand, while I view the conflict of intimacy vs. isolation a challenging one, I would much rather successfully resolve this psychosocial conflict, and become a person who is neither afraid of intimacy or commitment.
Moreover, college is very demanding economically, and socially. Establishing my independence from family members who have always provided a social support system has proved to be a challenging task. At times, this psychosocial conflict is so intense that I have no idea what its successful resolution comprises. However, I realize the importance of not relying on family members as much, and developing stronger relationships with friends, and developing other social support systems at school, such as clubs, organizations, and community services. However, due to time constraints, such a conflict is extremely difficult to resolve, especially since I have no roadmap to help me successfully complete this very conflict-ridden stage. However, according to Erikson, if I can resolve these challenges underlying the overall psychosocial conflict, my success will result in the acquisition of the virtue of love (Davis & Clifton, 1995). This possibility sounds very promising.
References
Davis, D., & Clifton, A. (1995). Psychosocial theory: Erikson. Retrieved 03 Jul. 2016 from
http://ww3.haverford.edu/psychology/ddavis/p109g/erikson.stages.html
McLeod, S. A. (2013). Erik Erikson. Retrieved 03 Jul. 2016 from
www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html
