Erik Erikson

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Erikson's theory related to human development represents one of the most interesting contributions both to the study of psychology as well to that of sociology. It also looks at how his theory is based on an eight stage development process which starts as the child is born and is ended with the death of the individual and examines each individual stage.

From the Paper:

"One of the most important contributions of Erikson resides in the fact that unlike many of the theorists who addressed the issue of child development and the development theory, Erikson took into consideration also the cultural and social aspects of the outside environment which can determine the way in which an individual becomes an adult. More precisely, "although he was influenced by Freud, he believed that the ego exists from birth and that behavior is not totally defensive. Based in part on his study of Sioux Indians on a reservation, Erikson became aware of the massive influence of culture on behavior and placed more emphasis on the external world, such as depression and wars. He felt the course of development is determined by the interaction of the body (genetic biological programming), mind (psychological), and cultural (ethos) influences" (Harder, 2002)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Austrian, S. G. (2002) Developmental Theories through the Life Cycle. Columbia University Press: New York .
• Cramer, C. et al. (1997) Erik Erikson's 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development. Accessed 12 July 2008, from http://web.cortland.edu/andersmd/ERIK/welcome.HTML
• Harder, A. F. (2002) "The Developmental Stages of Erik Erikson". Learning Place Online. Accessed 12 July 2008, from http://www.learningplaceonline.com/stages/organize/Erikson.htm
• Klonowski, A. (2002) What is Erikson's human development theory?. Essortment. Accessed 12 July 2008, from http://www.essortment.com/family/eriksontheoryh_sxos.htm
• Sharkey, W. (1997) Erik Erikson. Psychology History. Accessed 12 July 2008, from http://www.muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/erikson.htm

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