Erikson’sPsycho–Social Theory

of Development
ErikErikson(15June1902–12May1994)
Danish-Germandevelopmental psychologist
andpsychoanalyst

Knownforhis“TheoryonSocial Development of
HumanBeings”
Hemaybemost famousfor coiningthephrase
identitycrisis
 Erikson’sbeliefsaboutpersonality:
• Ourpersonalitytraitscomeinopposites.
• We think of ourselves as optimistic or
pessimistic, independent or dependent,
emotional or unemotional, adventurous or
cautious, leader or follower, aggressive or
passive.

9/22/2010 Freetemplatefromwww.brainybetty.com
2
 Erikson’sbeliefsaboutpersonality:
• Manyhave inborntemperament traits, but other
characteristics, suchasfeelingeither competent
or inferior, appear to be learned, based on the
challenges and support we receive in growing
up.

9/22/2010 Freetemplatefromwww.brainybetty.com
3
 Erikson’sbeliefsaboutpersonality:
• Believed that our self-esteem exists from birth
andthatbehaviorisnottotallydistrustful.

9/22/2010 Freetemplatefromwww.brainybetty.com
4
 Erikson’sbeliefsaboutpersonality:
• Became aware of the massive influence of culture on
behavior and placed more emphasis on the external
world,suchasdepressionandwars.
• He felt thecourseof development is determinedby the
interactionof thebody(geneticbiological programming),
mind(psychological),andcultural(ethos)influences.

9/22/2010 Freetemplatefromwww.brainybetty.com
5
9/22/2010 Freetemplatefromwww.brainybetty.com
6
 Dealingwithadolescents:

PHYSICALDEVELOPMENT: SixteentoNineteenYears
Normal Characteristics SuggestedBehaviorsfor
EffectiveParenting
Hasessentiallycompleted Recognizeandcompliment
physical maturation; physical physical maturity.
featuresareshapedanddefined.

Probabilityof actingonsexual Provideaccurateinformationon

desiresincreases. consequencesof sexual activity,
discussbirthcontrol andHIV
prevention.

9/22/2010 Freetemplatefromwww.brainybetty.com
7
 Dealingwithadolescents:
INTELLECTUALDEVELOPMENT:SixteentoNineteenYears
Normal Characteristics SuggestedBehaviorsfor
EffectiveParenting
Maylackinformationor self- Facilitateappointment withschool
assuranceabout personal skills counselor.
andabilities.
Seriouslyconcernedabout the Encouragetalkingabout and
future; beginningtointegrate planningforfuture.
knowledgeleadingtodecisions
about future.

9/22/2010 Freetemplatefromwww.brainybetty.com
8
 Dealingwithadolescents:
SOCIALDEVELOPMENT: SixteentoNineteenYears

Normal Characteristics SuggestedBehaviorsforEffective

Parenting
Relationshipswithparentsrange Trytomaintaingoodrelationship; be
fromfriendlytohostile. respectful andfriendly.

Sometimesfeelsthat parentsare Trynot topry.

"toointerested."
Usuallyhasmanyfriendsandfew
confidants; datesactively;varies
greatlyinlevel of maturity; maybe
uncomfortable, or enjoyactivities,
withoppositesex; maytalkof
marriage.
Recognizeandaccept current level
of interest inoppositesex.
Encourageexperienceswithavariety
of people, e.g.,younger,older,
different cultures.

Maybestronglyinvestedinasingle, Avoiddisapproval; discussneeds

romanticrelationship. andexpectationsthat get met inthe
relationship.
9/22/2010 Freetemplatefromwww.brainybetty.com
9
 Dealingwithadolescents:
EMOTIONALDEVELOPMENT: SixteentoNineteenYears

Normal Characteristics SuggestedBehaviorsforEffective

Parenting
Worriesaboutfailure. Beavailabletotalkandtolisten.

Mayappearmoody,angry, lonely, Acceptfeelings--don't overreact;

impulsive,self-centered, confused,and jointlyestablishlimits, butdon't revert
stubborn. tochildhoodrestrictions.

Hasconflictingfeelingsabout Avoidridiculeofinconsistent
dependence/independence. behaviors.Accept needsfor
separation.

9/22/2010 Freetemplatefromwww.brainybetty.com
10
 Dealingwithadolescents:
MORALDEVELOPMENT:SixteentoNineteenYears
Normal Characteristics SuggestedBehaviorsforEffective
Parenting
Is confusedanddisappointedabout Besensitivetoyouth'sfeelingsand
discrepanciesbetweenstatedvaluesand thoughts. Trytobringthemout inthe
actual behaviorsof familyandfriends; open. Understandyour ownperspectives
experiencesfeelingsof frustration, anger, relatingtovalues.
sorrow, andisolation.

Maybeinterestedinsexasresponseto Don't moralize. Accept sexual

physical-emotional urgesandasa wayto
participateintheadult world(but not
necessarilyanexpressionof mature
intimacy).
9/22/2010 Freetemplatefromwww.brainybetty.com
experimentationasnormal andhealthy,
althoughdiscouragethemfrom
unprotectedcoital sex. Providecorrect
informationonhumansexuality, venereal
disease, HIVandAIDS, birthcontrol,
intimacy, andsafetypesof sexual
experimentation. Communicateyour
feelingsabout sexual relations. Beopento
discussionandappreciatepossible
differencesinvaluesandneeds.
11