What is Erikson’s theory called and why?
Psychosocial theory
Integrates personal, emotional, and social development
Erikson is an ____-analyst. What does this mean?
Ego. Relationship between individual and the world or self and the world
What are the five assumptions Erikson’s work is based on?
- People in general have the same basic needs.
- Personal development occurs in response to these needs.
- Development proceeds in stages.
- Movement through the stages reflects changes in an individuals motivation.
- Each stage is characterized by a psychosocial challenge that presents opportunities for development.
What does Erikson call it when an individual experiences a psychological challenge?
A crisis
What happens if there is a positive resolution to a crisis?
A favorable ratio of positive to negative psychosocial traits emerges
What happens if there is a negative resolution to a crisis?
Individual sees the world as unpredictable and threatening.
When does Trust vs. Mistrust occur and what happens during it?
Infancy- 1.5/2 years
Infant is utterly dependent.
Successfully develop trust –> safe and secure in the world
Inconsistent or emotionally unavailable –>Fear, world is inconsistent and unpredictable
When does autonomy vs. shame and doubt occur and what happens during it?
1.5/2-3 years
Children learn to feed and dress themselves and toilet training begins
Key challenges are in exerting independence
Gaining more control over food choices, toys, pets, etc
Successfully complete–>secure and confident
No success—>insecure and doubtful
When does initiative vs. guild occur and what happens during it?
3-5 years.
Exploratory and investigative attitude
Preschool children- widening social world, more challenges
Enormous cognitive leaps
Adults give opportunity to explore and experiment–> Develop initiative
Initiative considered a problem by adults–>guilt
Successful–>capable of leading others
Fail–>Guilt, self doubt, lack of initiative
When does industry vs. inferiority occur and what happens during it?
6-11
Social interactions–>children develop a sense of pride in accomplishments and abilities
Little/no encouragement–>doubt ability to be successful
When is identity vs. confusion and what happens during it?
12-18 years
Adolescents experience major physical, emotional, and intellectual change
New sexual feelings cause frequent confusion
Want to assert their independence yet long for structure and discipline
Proper encouragement and reinforcement–>strong sense of self and feeling of independence and control
Unsure about beliefs–>concerned about themselves and the future
When is intimacy vs. isolation and what happens during it?tion
19-40 years
Firm sense of identity–>prepared to give oneself over to another
Early adulthood- task of forming intimate relationships
Poor sense of self–>less committed relationships, might suffer from emotional isolation, loneliness, and depression
When is generatively vs. stagnation and what happens during it?
40-65
Build our lives, focusing on career and family
Generative adults–>focus on the betterment of society
Successful–>feel that they are contributing to the world by being active in their home and community
Unsuccessful–> feel unproductive and uninvolved with the world. Apathy, pseudo-intimacy, self-absorption
What is generativity
Creativity, concern for, and commitment to guiding the next generation
When does identity vs. despair occur and what happens during it?
65-death
Old age–>focus on reflecting back on life
Unsuccessful–>feel that life has been wasted and have many regrets
Successful–> Look back with few regrets and a feeling of self satisfaction
What are 4 contributions of Erikson
- Personality develops throughout the lifetime
- Identity crisis in adolescence
- Impact of personal, cultural, social, and situational forces in forming human personality across the lifespan
- Stresses the importance of separation and individuation as an important component of development
What are 5 criticisms of Erikson’s theory
- Ambiguous terms and concepts
- Model lack scientific rigor
- Lack of precision
- May be insensitive regarding gender differences
- Identity crisis may only apply to those affluent enough to explore identities
What are 4 different conceptions of age
- Chronological age
- Biological age
- Psychological age
- Social age
What are some trends with European-American culture and aging?
- Aging is generally feared
- Elderly are not often respected nor revered
- Nuclear families do not include the elderly
- Ageism at times is practiced
- Elderly often seen as sick, senile, useless
Challenge the myth that age brings illness and disability
- Over the past few decades, chronic disease is less common
- Twin studies show that only 1/3 of elderly’s problems are due to heredity
- Age brings a greater risk of disease
Challenge the myth that change of habits when one is older results in no physical benefit
- Change in habits adds years
- Cardiovascular fitness is up 10-30% with aerobics
- Strength of 80-90 year olds tripled with bodybuilding
- Exercise cuts death rate 25-50%
- Osteoporosis decreases with strengthening exercises
Challenge the myth that aging reduces mental sharpness
- 20% of the elderly suffer from dementia
- 50% have cognitive decline
- Decline often limited to storing new information
- Performance, recognition, recall shows little decline
- Overall decline is mild
- Mental and physical exercise help
Challenge the myth that being old equals being sad, lonely, and unproductive
5% of elderly live in institutions 1/3 of seniors are employed 1/3 volunteer regularly 8-15% report loneliness Isolated elderly have 2-4 times higher death rate
What are some facts about depression and suicide in the elderly?
Depression is often present in the elderly but goes undiagnosed
Depression is blamed for increased suicide rate in the elderly
White males over 65 are at the greatest risk
Women attempt more suicide, men succeed 3 times more often
Elderly suicide is twice the national average
