Enigma! Magazine: Adolescence and Early Adulthood in Developmental Psychology

ERIKSON’S PSYCHOSOCIAL STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT issue vol. no.

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family background contribution to psychology Erikson's enduring impact extends to his emphasis on situating childhood within societal context, asserting that children don't develop in isolation but are influenced by societal expectations and biases. Another significant contribution is his belief in the lifelong shaping of personality, suggesting that later experiences can address early childhood challenges. Lastly, Erikson advocated for a progressive approach to child education, centered on self-awareness and a nuanced worldview, inspiring the naming of the Institute in his honor.

Raised by his mother and stepfather without knowing his biological father, Erikson grappled with identity issues in his youth. Feeling a lack of acceptance from his stepfather, he later adopted the name Erikson in 1939.

Although he didn't obtain a formal degree, Erikson gained knowledge through experiences and extensive reading.

In 1930, Erikson married Joan Serson, a dancer and artist, who played a pivotal role in shaping his psychosocial development theory.

THE LIFE OF ERIK HOMBURGER ERIKSON 1902 - 1994

awards and honors In the following years, Erikson authored three books: "Insight and Responsibility" (1964), "Identity: Youth and Crisis" (1968), and the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning "Gandhi's Truth" (1969). He received honorary degrees (AM and LLD) in 1960 and 1978, and retired as Professor Emeritus in 1970. Recognized for his contributions, Erikson ranks 12th on the American Psychological Association's list of the 100 most eminent psychologists of the 20th century.

Erikson, born in Germany, experienced an early identity crisis. Initially an artist and teacher, he shifted to child psychoanalysis after meeting Anna Freud. Encouraged by her, he studied at the Vienna Psychoanalytic Institute and later moved to the U.S. in 1933, teaching at Yale and Harvard.

He delved into the impact of society and culture on child development, studying American Indian children. This research informed his influential theories, published in 1950 entitled "Childhood and Society." Throughout his clinical work, he introduced the concept of the "identity crisis," a conflict inherent in identity formation.

# “life is built around tension and pleasure and that the former is caused by a buildup of libido while the latter results from its discharge”

Freud describes human personality development as psychosexual (what develops in the human person is the way in which libido or sexual energy of the ID accumulates and is discharged as human beings mature biologically

Each stage of Freud’s five psychosexual stages represents a fixation of libido on different areas of the body which, as a person grows become important source of tension and pleasure

SIGMUND FREUD

s u s r e v ERIK ERIKSON Erikson is convinced that personality develops in a series of stages. Instead of focusing on the psychosexual aspect of development as Freud did, Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development “focus on the resolution of a specific crisis that one encounters in each stage of its development as a person”

“if the person fails to overcome this crisis, the person will emerge with a sense of inadequacy in that aspect of development”

Argues that this conflict must be resolved for a child to develop into a healthy and well-adjusted adult, which in turn makes the person a contributing member of society. This is called ego strength/ego quality.

Erikson's theory was founded on the epigenetic principle, which proposes that individuals undergo a sequential growth process that unfolds over time and within the framework of a broader community.

According to Erikson, the pursuit of competence drives behavior in each stage of his theory, with the goal of achieving mastery or ego strength.

Successfully navigating a stage results in a sense of mastery, while mishandling it may lead to feelings of inadequacy in that specific aspect of development.

PSYCHOSOCIAL STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT Erikson's theory posits that each stage in development builds upon the previous ones, creating a foundation for subsequent growth.

In each stage, individuals confront a pivotal conflict that can either lead to the development or failure to acquire a crucial psychological quality. Success in managing these conflicts results in the cultivation of enduring psychological strengths, while failure may hinder the development of essential skills for a strong sense of self.

Erikson's psychosocial development theory comprises eight stages: Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy), Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood), Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool), Industry vs.

Inferiority (Elementary School), Identity vs.

Role Confusion (Adolescence), Intimacy vs.

Isolation (Young Adulthood), Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood), and Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood)

The

BREAKFAST CLUB In this magazine, with a primary focus on Identity vs. Role Confusion and Intimacy vs. Isolation, the film Breakfast Club serves as an illustrative example addressing both themes. The characters grapple with internal struggles, questioning their true selves and the roles they play in society.

Simultaneously, they face challenges in establishing intimate connections, influenced by their individual experiences within their homes.

“you see us as you want to see us, in the simplest terms with the most convenient definitions. but what we found out is that each one of us is a brain, and an athlete, and basket case, a princess, and a criminal. does that answer your question?”

“you ought to spend a little more time trying to make something of yourself and a little less time trying to impress people” “my God, are we gonna be like our parents? “not me, ever“ “it's unavoidable, it just happens.

A classic 80’s film follows a group of high school students stuck in detention on a Saturday morning. It represents classic stereotypes like the criminal, athlete, brain, princess, and basketcase, they gradually open up, revealing a common teenage challenge—the tension between standing out and fitting in. Each feels pressure to conform to their social groups, evident in their personal styles and behaviors. Despite this, none find satisfaction in their roles.

Instead, they grapple with the typical teenage struggle, described by Erikson as the crisis between identity and role confusion. In other words, there is a clash between forming their own identities and meeting others' expectations of their roles.

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V Y T I T N E D I SION CONFU ROLE

fidelity!

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What are Identity and Role Confusion? Teens often begin to feel confused or insecure about themselves and how they may fit into society as they transition into adulthood. As they start the pursuit of establishing a sense of self, teens may experiment with different roles, activities, hobbies, and behaviors. According to Erikson, this experience is crucial to the process of forming an identity and developing a sense of direction in life.

WH AM O I?

WHAT IS IN THIS STAGE? Psychosocial conflict: Identity V. Role Confusion Major question: Who am I? Basic virtue: Fidelity Important event: Social relationships

Identity Erikson defines identity as a “fundamental organizing principal which develops constantly throughout the lifespan.”

Identity consists of the experiences, relationships, beliefs, values, and memories that comprise a person’s subjective sense of self.

Identity involves: Self-sameness: A sense of continuity towards oneself and in interaction with others.

Uniqueness: A distinction or differentiation between self and others.

Psychosocial development: Mental and physical health for adolescents.

Conflict is centered on developing a personal identity.

Role Confusion Erikson explains that adolescents who are not allowed to explore different identities might be left with Role Confusion, which may result in the following: Being unsure of oneself and where to fit in.

Shifting from one job or relationship to another.

The feeling of disappointment and confusion about one's place in life persists.

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ENIGMA!MAGAZINE

IDENTITY V. ROLE CONFUSION Benefits of Identity According to Kendra Cherry, MSEd, a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, here are the following benefits of identity: Commitment Self-Confidence Sense of Independence Fidelity Better Mental Health and Relationships

How to strengthen identity There are various things to do to help build a stronger sense of identity. For instance, taking into account what your values are helps solidify your identity. These core values can motivate and guide your decisions. It is important to spend time alone to get to know yourself better. Learn to practice self-compassion to understand and accept your flaws and limitations.

HOW TO DECREASE ROLE CONFUSION Build on your strengths.

Try new things and discover what you like.

Make commitments and set goals.

Participate in activities related to your interests.

Stages of Identity Development Psychologist James Marcia described four identity statuses which represent different points in Erikson’s theory of identity. According to Marcia, identity is formed as a result of exploring various identity alternatives and then making commitments to different ideas and values. The identity statuses are: Identity diffusion (role confusion): The person has not explored or made identity commitments.

Identity foreclosure: This stage involves committing to an identity without exploring other options, often influenced by factors such as peer pressure, conformity, cultural expectations, or parental pressure.

Identity moratorium: This is when the individual tries new things and seeks out alternatives through active exploration.

Identity achievement: The individual explored different options and committed to an identity. This does not necessarily end with adolescence.

ATION L O S I .

V Y INTIMAC In Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, the sixth out of eight stages of ego is Intimacy vs.

Isolation. This stage takes place during young adulthood between the ages of approximately 19 to 40. This stage is where young adults experience the major conflict of forming intimate, loving relationships with other people!

Success leads to fulfilling relationships, whereas failure or struggle at this stage leads to a feeling of loneliness and isolation.

When you can build close relationships while still maintaining autonomy, you’ll have achieved this stage of development.

IN THIS WHAT IS STAGE?

R OVED? O L E B I L L WI ?

E ALONE WILL I B What is Intimacy?

Erikson believed that it was important to develop close, committed relationships with other people. As people enter adulthood, these emotionally intimate relationships play a critical role in a person's emotional well-being. While intimacy is closely associated with sex, it is more than that.

Erikson characterizes intimate relationships with closeness, honesty, and love.

Psychosocial conflict: Intimacy V. Isolation Major question: Will I be loved or will I be alone?

Basic virtue: Love Important event: Romantic relationships

LOVE!

Benefits of Intimacy - Close romantic relationships - Deep, meaningful connections - Personal growth - Enduring connections with other people - Positive relationships with WHAT CAUSES INTIMACY family and friends - Strong relationships VS. ISOLATION? - Improved mental Intimacy requires being able to share parts of yourself with others. These health and well-being

BUILD HOW TO Y INTIMAC ME ERCO AND OV ON ISOLATI

How to build intimacy Being open and sharing with others is a vital part of the Intimacy vs. Isolation stage.

Some important tasks can play a role in succeeding at this point of development including: Being intimate.

Caring for others.

Making commitments.

Self-disclosure.

How to overcome isolation Avoid negative self-talk Build skills Determine what you like Evaluate your situation Practice self-disclosure

relationships are reciprocal—you are sharing parts of yourself as others are sharing with you. When the intimacy is successful, you gain the support and companionship of the other person. However, things won’t always go smoothly.

One might experience rejection or other responses that cause you to withdraw.

Isolation can occur for several reasons. Factors that may influence the risk of loneliness and isolation includes: Childhood experiences including neglect or abuse Divorce or death of a partner Fear of commitment Fear of intimacy Inability to open up Past relationships Troubles with self-disclosure Consequences of Isolation Few or no friendships Lack of intimacy Lack of relationships Poor romantic relationships Weak social support Loneliness can also affect overall health in other ways. For instance, socially isolated individuals tend to have unhealthier diets, experience more daytime fatigue, exercise less, and have poorer sleep quality. Hence, it can also lead to a wide range of negative health consequences such as: Cardiovascular disease Depression Substance misuse Stress Suicide

SEASON 23/24

REFERENCES

Barkley, S. (2023, October 2). Intimacy vs. isolation: Building fulfilling relationships. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/health/intimacyvs-isolation#takeaway Block,

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https://www.verywellmind.com/intimacy-versus-isolation-2795739 Cherry, K. (2023b, February 28). Intimacy vs. isolation: Forming intimate relationships

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https://www.verywellmind.com/intimacy-versus-isolation-2795739 Cherry, K. (2023c, December 4). How people develop an identity or cope with

role

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https://www.verywellmind.com/identity-versus-confusion2795735#:~:text=Identity%20versus%20role%20confusion%20is,develo p%20a%20sense%20of%20self.

Ciccarelli, S. K., & White, J. N. (2016). Psychology. Pearson.

Holland, K. (2019, July 8). Intimacy vs isolation: The importance of relationships

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https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/intimacy-vs-isolation Ragelienė, T. (2016). Links of adolescents identity development and relationship with peers: A systematic literature review. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry = Journal de l’Academie canadienne de psychiatrie de l’enfant et de l’adolescent. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4879949 Piers, M. (2022, June 17). Erikson Institute. https://www.erikson.edu/about/history /erik-erikson/ Erikson’s Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development - PHILO-notes. PHILOnotes - Free Online Learning Materials. https://philonotes.com/2023/04/erikso ns-eight-stages-of-psychosocialdevelopment

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