Who believed that a person goes through stages of psychosocial development at specific ages where they faced different identity crises?
The person who believed in the concept of psychosocial development and the occurrence of identity crises at specific ages is Erik Erikson, a prominent psychologist and psychoanalyst. Erikson's theory of psychosocial development is based on the idea that individuals go through eight distinct stages of development throughout their lives, each stage characterized by a unique psychosocial conflict or crisis.
According to Erikson, these stages are as follows:
1. Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy): Occurs from birth to approximately 18 months, where infants develop a sense of trust towards their caregivers or experience feelings of mistrust.
2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood): Takes place between 18 months and 3 years, where children strive to develop independence and autonomy while dealing with feelings of shame and doubt.
3. Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool Age): Occurs between 3 and 6 years, when children begin to assert control over their environment and develop a sense of initiative, but may also experience guilt when their actions conflict with rules and restrictions.
4. Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age): Takes place from 6 to 12 years, where children strive to acquire new skills and knowledge, but may also feel a sense of inferiority if they perceive their efforts as inadequate.
5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence): Occurs from 12 to 18 years, where adolescents explore and develop their personal identity, while also experiencing confusion or a lack of direction regarding their future roles and aspirations.
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood): Takes place from 18 to 40 years, when individuals establish intimate relationships with others or may face feelings of isolation and loneliness.
7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood): Occurs from 40 to 65 years, where individuals strive to contribute to society and future generations, and may experience a sense of stagnation or lack of purpose.
8. Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood): Takes place from 65 years and beyond, where individuals reflect on their lives and seek a sense of integrity and fulfillment or may experience feelings of despair and regret.
Erikson's theory suggests that successfully navigating each stage and resolving the associated psychosocial conflict contributes to healthy personality development and a well-adjusted sense of self.