Eric Erikson

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses Erik Erikson's theories and stages of development and notes that they have become a sort of cornerstone from which many have built basic ideas about human development from infancy to adulthood. The paper relates that Erikson's theories surround several rather concrete stages that, if completed, allow the individual to move forward to the next stage of development, but if not, hinder the individual, possibly for a life time in his ability to function through change. The paper then briefly outlines and describes the eight stages of development according to Erikson.

From the Paper:

"Autonomy vs. shame and doubt where the child learns to be in control of his or her own body and ability to make decisions and where allowed function somewhat independently from caregivers, Erikson believed that this stage frequently revolved around issues of toilet training and the result of incomplete functioning in this stage is shame and doubt of the individuals ability to do so. Erikson believed that this stage surrounded muscular anal development and admonishes the use of shame as the main guiding force behind discipline as it will leave the child unable to progress past shame and doubt to autonomy. The stage lasts roughly 18 months to 3 years."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Marlowe, Bruce A. Canestri, Alan S. Educational Psychology in Context. New York: Sage Publications, 2006.
• "Erik Erikson's 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development" Retrieved September 20, 2007 from: http://web.cortland.edu/andersmd/ERIK/sum.HTML

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• Essay # 30388 : "Eric Erikson's Life Span Theory."
• Term Paper # 124648 : "Erik Erikson's Philosophy"
• Research Paper # 118665 : "Developmental Theories"

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