Personality Theory Paper
Personality Theory Paper
Denise Butler
PSYCH/504
November 8, 2010
Bernard Wakely, Ph.D
Personality Theory Paper
Cherry (2010), “Erik Erickson’s theory of Psychosocial Development is one of the best-known theories of personality in psychology (Psychosocial Development in Infancy and Early Childhood, para 2). Farzaneh (2008), “Erickson’s Psychosocial Theory focuses on how society shapes and influences a person’s growing sense of ego and the quest for identity. Society is seen as a positive force that fosters the growth and development of the self. Each stage pointed out by Erickson represents a crisis in form of gradually increasing conflicts (The Different Conflicts and Stages of Life, para 8). Each stage represent a time where problems have to be resolved so one may continue to mature. If the crisis’s are dealt with in a satisfactory way their ego can move on to the next stage with competence and self-confidence. If the ego doesn’t develop in a healthy way it can lead to mental illnesses and maladjustments. Psychosocial theory focuses on human development through one’s lifespan from birth to death. This paper will explain how the Psychosocial Development Theory influences my understanding of the personalities and behaviors of people in society and the workplace, as well as, how it influences my role in society and workplace along with my interactions with others. Psychosocial theory is comprised of eight stages: trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame and doubt, initiative vs. guilt, industry vs. inferiority, identity vs. confusion, intimacy vs. isolation, generativity vs. stagnation, and integrity vs. despair. I have experience each stage in this exact order so far through generativity vs. stagnation. These stages put life stages in order, which in turn helps me to understand a person better and where each person may lie and what they may be experiencing at this time in their life. The stages itself is not necessarily related to a
Denise Butler
PSYCH/504
November 8, 2010
Bernard Wakely, Ph.D
Personality Theory Paper
Cherry (2010), “Erik Erickson’s theory of Psychosocial Development is one of the best-known theories of personality in psychology (Psychosocial Development in Infancy and Early Childhood, para 2). Farzaneh (2008), “Erickson’s Psychosocial Theory focuses on how society shapes and influences a person’s growing sense of ego and the quest for identity. Society is seen as a positive force that fosters the growth and development of the self. Each stage pointed out by Erickson represents a crisis in form of gradually increasing conflicts (The Different Conflicts and Stages of Life, para 8). Each stage represent a time where problems have to be resolved so one may continue to mature. If the crisis’s are dealt with in a satisfactory way their ego can move on to the next stage with competence and self-confidence. If the ego doesn’t develop in a healthy way it can lead to mental illnesses and maladjustments. Psychosocial theory focuses on human development through one’s lifespan from birth to death. This paper will explain how the Psychosocial Development Theory influences my understanding of the personalities and behaviors of people in society and the workplace, as well as, how it influences my role in society and workplace along with my interactions with others. Psychosocial theory is comprised of eight stages: trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame and doubt, initiative vs. guilt, industry vs. inferiority, identity vs. confusion, intimacy vs. isolation, generativity vs. stagnation, and integrity vs. despair. I have experience each stage in this exact order so far through generativity vs. stagnation. These stages put life stages in order, which in turn helps me to understand a person better and where each person may lie and what they may be experiencing at this time in their life. The stages itself is not necessarily related to a
References: Chapman, A. (2010). Erickson 's Psychosocial Development Theory. Businessballs. Retrieved from http://www.bussinesballs.com/erik_erickson_psychosocial Cherry, K. (2010). Erickson 's Theory of Psychosocial Development. About.com: Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.psychology.about.com/od/theoriesofpersonality/apsyschosocial_theory.html Farzaneh, A. (2008). Erik Erikson 's Psychosocial Theory. Suite101.com. Retrieved from http://www.suite101.com/content/erik-eriksons_psychosocial_theory.html