Erik Erikson
Erik Erikson
Erik Erikson was a developmental psychologist who proposed the theory of psychosocial development. He believed that human development does not end in childhood but unfolds across eight stages throughout the entire lifespan, and he was the one who introduced the concept of identity into psychology.
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Erik Erikson (1902–1994)
A German-born American developmental psychologist, Erikson proposed the Theory of Psychosocial Development. While influenced by Freud, he placed greater emphasis on social relationships and cultural context than on sexual development.
Erikson divided human development into eight stages spanning the entire lifespan. Each stage presents a psychosocial crisis that must be resolved, and successfully navigating it leads to the acquisition of a corresponding virtue. For example, infancy involves Trust vs. Mistrust, adolescence involves Identity vs. Role Confusion, and early adulthood involves Intimacy vs. Isolation.
He is especially renowned for introducing the concept of Identity into psychology. The exploration and crisis of identity during adolescence is central to Erikson's theory. By including the stage of Ego Integrity vs. Despair in old age, he demonstrated that development does not end in childhood but is a continuous process that extends until death.
💡 Real-Life Example
Healthy children will not fear their parents. Healthy parents will not fear their children.
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