Erik Erikson s Theory Of Development - 1245 Words

Susan is a sixty-seven year old woman. She worked in human resources for a significant portion of her life, however, in her later middle adult life decided to return to school to study to be a registered nurse (RN). This was tough for Susan considering she was a mother of five—her eldest being in her late twenties and her youngest in elementary school. When asked to reminisce over her life, Susan had numerous interesting stories from her life and shared much wisdom. If one analyzes Susan’s lifespan interview using Erikson’s theory, they will realize that she has always been conquering developmental conflict at each life stage. Before analyzing Susan’s life, when one looks closely at Erik Erikson’s theory, there are eight stages of†¦show more content†¦In this developmental stage adults face generativity versus stagnation. In the last developmental stage, late adulthood, people encounter an integrity versus despair crisis (Coon Mitterer, 20 15, p. 123-126). In addition, each stage has a virtue that is accomplished after the crisis has been resolved. This was just an overview to Erikson’s developmental theory, however, it greatly assists the analyzation of Susan’s life. To begin, this paper will not examine at the trust versus mistrust stage considering Susan cannot recollect being an infant. Therefore, beginning at the early childhood stage, Susan felt extremely self-sufficient compared to her younger siblings; she remembers having bathroom accidents and incidents of bed-wetting. Nevertheless, she remembers seeking her mother out and asking for assistance in the cleanup. Therefore, Susan clearly achieved autonomy over shame and doubt. The virtue earned here was will—she was willing to seek support and admit wrongdoing. The subsequent stage is the middle childhood stage; this age is characterized by children being playful and commencement school. At this period, the crisis is initiative versus guilt . Susan showed initiative and made exceptional grades in preschool and elementary school and as stated previously she showed early signs of mastering appropriate times to be guilty. She was ambitious and determined to do outstanding in school and was remorseful when she did