We can work on Erik Erikson’s 8 stages of psychosocial development

For the signature assignment for this course, students will apply Erik Erikson’s 8 stages of psychosocial development to the case study. Throughout the case study, students should gather information related to examples of struggles between the opposing tendencies within each developmental stage the adult experienced. In order to gather information that is of importance to each stage, students will need to be familiar with Erikson’s sequence of stages, conflicts that may occur within each stage, and healthy or maladaptive outcomes at each stage:

o Basic trust versus mistrust (Birth-1 year) o Autonomy versus shame and doubt (1-3 years) o Initiative versus guilt (3-6 years) o Industry versus inferiority (6-11 years) o Identity versus role confusion (Adolescence) o Intimacy versus isolation (Early adulthood) o Generativity versus stagnation (Middle adulthood) o Integrity versus despair (Late adulthood)
Paper Details

  • Students will write a paper addressing each stage in Erikson’s theory as it applies to the case study.
  • Students will define each stage and will discuss how the individual resolves or does not resolve the issue(s) that form and contribute to the struggles within each stage.
  • Students may integrate additional theorists and theories within their paper.
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Sample Answer

To write a paper applying Erik Erikson’s 8 stages of psychosocial development to the case study, students should first familiarize themselves with the sequence of stages, the conflicts that may occur within each stage, and the healthy or maladaptive outcomes at each stage.

Erikson’s 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development

Stage Age Range Conflict Healthy Outcome Maladaptive Outcome
Basic trust versus mistrust Birth – 1 year Trust that the world is a safe and reliable place Basic trust in others and the world Mistrust and suspicion of others and the world
Autonomy versus shame and doubt 1 – 3 years Develop a sense of autonomy and independence Autonomy, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose Shame, doubt, and a sense of inadequacy
Initiative versus guilt 3 – 6 years Develop initiative and a sense of self-control Initiative, self-confidence, and a sense of responsibility Guilt, anxiety, and a sense of inferiority
Industry versus inferiority 6 – 11 years Develop a sense of competence and mastery Competence, confidence, and a sense of industry Inferiority, self-doubt, and a sense of inadequacy
Identity versus role confusion Adolescence Develop a clear and coherent sense of identity A clear sense of identity and direction in life Role confusion, uncertainty about one’s identity, and a sense of alienation
Intimacy versus isolation Young adulthood Form close and intimate relationships Capacity for intimacy and commitment Isolation, loneliness, and a sense of detachment
Generativity versus stagnation Middle adulthood Make a meaningful contribution to the world Generativity, a sense of purpose and fulfillment Stagnation, a sense of meaninglessness and emptiness
Integrity versus despair Late adulthood Come to terms with one’s life and accept death Integrity, a sense of wholeness and acceptance Despair, a sense of regret and unfulfillment

Full Answer Section

Once students are familiar with Erikson’s theory, they can begin to apply it to the case study. They should gather information related to examples of struggles between the opposing tendencies within each developmental stage that the adult experienced. For example, at the stage of basic trust versus mistrust, the adult may have experienced neglect or abuse, which could lead to mistrust and suspicion of others. At the stage of autonomy versus shame and doubt, the adult may have been overly controlled by their parents, which could lead to shame and doubt in their own abilities.

Students should write a paper addressing each stage in Erikson’s theory as it applies to the case study. They should define each stage and discuss how the individual resolves or does not resolve the issue(s) that form and contribute to the struggles within each stage. Students may also integrate additional theorists and theories within their paper.

Here is an example of a paragraph that could be included in a paper applying Erikson’s theory to a case study:

Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt

During the stage of autonomy versus shame and doubt, children develop a sense of independence and self-control. They learn to do things for themselves and to make their own choices. However, they also learn that there are limits to their autonomy and that they need to obey the rules and expectations of others.

The adult in the case study experienced some challenges during this stage. Their parents were very controlling and did not allow them to make their own decisions. This led the adult to feel insecure and unsure of their own abilities. However, the adult was able to overcome these challenges and develop a sense of independence and self-confidence. They did this by learning to set boundaries with their parents and by asserting themselves in their relationships.

Students should continue to write paragraphs in this way for each of the eight stages of Erikson’s theory. They should be sure to provide specific examples from the case study to support their claims. Students may also want to integrate additional theorists and theories into their paper, such as attachment theory or self-determination theory.

By applying Erikson’s theory to the case study, students can gain a deeper understanding of the individual’s development and the challenges they have faced throughout their life.

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