REASONS OF ERICSON`S PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory is a widely accepted and influential perspective on human development across the lifespan. There are several factors that contributed to the development of Erikson's theory, which can be attributed to the following reasons:
1. Personal background: Erik Erikson was an influential psychologist who was born in Germany in 1902 and later emigrated to the United States. His own experience of growing up in a unique cultural context and his interest in identity led him to focus on psychosocial aspects of human development.
2. Influence of Sigmund Freud: Erikson was greatly influenced by the theories of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. He initially trained as a psychoanalyst under Freud's daughter, Anna Freud, in Vienna. Although he agreed with Freud's emphasis on the importance of early childhood experiences, he expanded on Freud's ideas to create a more comprehensive and holistic theory of development.
3. Broader focus on development: Unlike Freud, who primarily focused on early childhood and the importance of sexual drives, Erikson took a broader view of development, including the entire lifespan. He believed that individuals face psychosocial crises throughout their lives, and that successfully resolving these crises leads to the development of a healthy personality and the ability to cope with future challenges.
4. Emphasis on social and cultural factors: Erikson's theory places a strong emphasis on social and cultural influences on development. He proposed that each stage of psychosocial development involves a specific conflict or crisis that arises from the individual's social relationships and cultural context. Successfully resolving these conflicts requires the individual to strike a balance between their needs and social expectations.
5. Integration of biological, psychological, and social factors: Erikson believed that human development was shaped by the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. His theory seeks to integrate these aspects, highlighting the importance of social and cultural influences while also acknowledging the role of biological maturation and individual factors.
6. Clinical application: Erikson's theory has been widely used in various fields, such as education, psychotherapy, and counseling, to better understand and support individual development. The detailed description of the eight stages of psychosocial development provides a useful framework for assessing and addressing challenges faced by individuals throughout their lives.
7. Influence on later theories: Erikson's work has had a significant impact on the field of developmental psychology and has influenced several subsequent theories, such as attachment theory and identity development theories. His emphasis on the importance of social relationships and cultural context continues to be widely recognized and integrated into contemporary approaches to human development.