psychosocial theory

psychosocial theory

Erik Erikson developed his psychosocial theory base on Freud’s psychosexual theory. In his theory, Erikson asserts that human being is motivated by the urge to acquire competence at different stages of life. However, he argues that a change from one stage to another is associated with conflict. Ego integrity and identity form the fascinating stages of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. At puberty stage, each struggles to overcome “identity confusion.” However, identity marks the fifth stage of Erikson’s stages of development that is characterized by the exploration of values, beliefs and personal goals. The stage, therefore, leads to successful virtue of fidelity. In addition to identity, Erikson depicts ego integrity as a stage that human beings accept their life as something that had to occur without substitution. However, it marks the eighth stage of development, which is exhibited by individuals from age 65. During this stage, the individuals possess the virtue of wisdom and integrity. However, when individuals at this stage failed to maintain integrity, they may face embarrassment and despair of their failures.

During the stage of role confusion, the individuals struggle to get out of “identity crisis.” They set their goals and beliefs that may lead them to attain virtues of life. However, at this stage, teen children may be misguided by their desire as they struggle to acquire an identity. The individuals who lost their sense of identity at this stage get confused and developed a weak sense of self. They lack goals and beliefs and hence continue struggling to identify who they are. However, when they reach the eighth stage of development, they realize that they have lost their integrity, and the cycle is irreversible. The individuals, therefore, suffer depression, bitterness and despair hence psychopathology.