A Critical Review of Erikson’sTheory Essay

The Psychosocial Stages of Development is Erik Eriksons major contribution to personality formation. According to his guess, an individual passes with eight stages of development. Each stage has its own unique characteristics.This paper will focus on the strengths and weaknesses of Eriksons Theory as well as its practical application to adult learning and in real life.A Critical Review of EriksonsTheoryErik Eriksons Theory ExplainedErik Eriksons Psychosocial Stages of Development holds a significant place as far as studying and understanding human development is concerned. His place in psychology cannot be discounted because of the contribution he gave to the field. Although Eriksons theory is sympathetic in some aspects with other personality development theories, there are some unique distinctions as well(Marshall, n.d).His theory is comparable with Freuds theory in a sense that both of them believed that the development of an individual passes through various stages. The diffe rence between the two theories is that while Freuds development stages focus on the libido or sexual drives, Eriksons psychosocial stages focuses on the evolution of social traits(Marshall, n.d).According to Eriksons theory, an individual passes through eight critical stages throughout his life. Each of these stages possess their own unique attributes and time period. As the individual goes through each development stage, their ultimate goal is to successfully complete each stage forrader they can proceed to the next. Failure to complete a stage may have unfavorable outcomes to the individual(Chapman, n.d).For instance, in Eriksons sixth stage of development which is impropriety vs. Isolation, the failure of the child to develop socialization skills or the ability to form relationships may cause him to become a loner, individualistic, uncomfortable with other people, and others(Chapman, n.d).Eriksons theory indicates that throughout the life of an individual, they will experience a certain crisis. In the development stage mentioned above, the conflict they experience is their inability to develop social skills(Chapman, n.d). activity to Adult EducationThe psychosocial stages of Erik Erikson is an implication that the formation of individual personality does not go against in childhood but is a lifelong process. The negative consequences of unelaborated stages may manifest themselves during the later stages of life which is why it is important to as much as possible succeed in each stage(Chapman, n.d).For individuals who successfully established each stage, they will have an idea of what to do when they are faced with a similar situation. Most of the time, these individuals tend to be stronger amidst the adversities of life(Chapman, n.d).Another implication of Eriksons Psychosocial stages of development is that the person will have a better understanding of themselves, their strengths, weaknesses, their skills, abilities, and others(Chapman, n.d).Critical Analysis of the TheoryAn in-depth criticism of Eriksons theory is presented by prof George Boree of Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. He raised the following points concerning the psychosocial stages of Erikson(Boeree, n.d)Things happen in a certain sequence and not because of biological programming. For example, one cannot have the ability to manage unless they have developed sexual maturity.The timing for each stage may vary from one culture to another. For instance, a baby can start talking earlier or much later than what is indicated. Nowadays, people get married even before reaching 18 or 21 years old.Eriksons theory is applicable and useful to various cultures and in any period. It is applicable to current and future generations.ConclusionUnderstanding of the self is a life-long process. It does not stop at Stage Eight of Eriksons Psychosocial Development. Likewise, identity crisis can take place at any point of life. The most important thing is that parents loosenes s of the bowels a major influence in the successful formation of their childs personality.ReferencesBoeree, G(n.d). Erik Erikson. Shippensburg University. Retrieved July 2 2008 from http//webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/perscontents.htmlChapman, A(n.d). Eriksons Psychosocial Development Theory. Businessballs.com. Retrieved July 2 2008 from http//www.businessballs.com/ erik_erikson_psychosocial_theory.htmfreuds_psychosexual_stagesMarshall, J(n.d). Eriksons Theory of Psychosocial Development. put one overs Development. Retrieved July 2 2008 from http//www.kidsdevelopment.co.uk/ EriksonsPsychosocialDevelopmentTheory.html