Erikson’s theory
Erikson’s theory believes that external factors such as parents and society have an impact on the personal development of a person from childhood to adulthood. Every individual goes through a series of eight interrelated steps in their life cycle from birth to death. These stages include infancy, toddler or early childhood, preschooler, school-aged;6 to 12 years, adolescent, young adult, middle-aged adult, and late adult. The theory identifies the late adult as a significant period in the normative ageing process. The integrity vs regret stage is between 65 years to death period. The late-stage is usually a balance between integrity vs despair. Integrity allows older people to reflect on their past life and feel a sense of achievement and satisfaction. Integrity gives an individual an understanding of life fulfilment.
Erikson’s theory eight stages of life cycle serve as a good outline in defining the human culture. It highlights the essential steps that a person has to go through before attaining the adult stage. However, the theory does not cover the cultural practice of different societies. Babies stop breastfeeding at different times in various communities. Also, in some cultures, people marry at an earlier age, and it should not be necessarily above thirty years. The theory does not explain the numerous different personality that exists among people.
The macrosystem in Erikson eight process life stages has impacted positively on Helen’s Life. In the Young adult stage, where a person experiences intimacy and solidarity Vs. Isolation, Helen’s life partner was crucial in ensuring she settles down. Her former husband influenced her to start a life which would lead to a happy family. The successful accomplishment of this stage ushered her into the Generativity Vs. Stagnation. Hellen was keen to advance her career in medicine and take care of her family. Her family’s success was the essential achievement in the middle-age adult stage which enabled her to feel a sense of integrity while in the adult stage.
Research shows that the process of life development can be hindered by failure. However, if the macro systems positively influence a person,he can make reasonable choices. In the life cycle process, a person is guaranteed a more friendly environment in the late adult stage. An individual should develop resilience in old age to cope with unnecessary failures. One can build resilience by ensuring he or she plans for their future and establish good ties with their families. The friendly environment will enable them to possess the cognitive capability and integrity required to live the rest of their lives.