The Eight Stages of Human Development

According to Erikson, human development occurs in eight stages though-out life. At each stage, individuals work through transitional conflicts a necessary mean of development by undertaking certain developmental tasks (Nugent, 2005, p. 99). The theories of Erik Erkson were used to analyze and interpret the responses.

The middle adult chosen for this case study was Mr. Dave Day. Mr. Day is a fifty-four year old. He is of African –American decent. He is a divorcee, with four grown daughters and six grandchildren- three grandsons and three granddaughters. Mr. Days was a Christian at birth and converted to Muslim faith for the pass fifteen years. He is the oldest of three children born to a single mother. He has a brother and sister. His interests are sports – all kinds. He likes to watch and play them. His grandfather, grandmother, sister and mother have all passed away.

As sated by Erikson, infancy=trust versus mistrust- according to Mr. Day’s answers his early years were full of trust. He was secure in his relationship with his mother and grandmother. They were neutering and supportive in Mr. Day’s young life. From His answers I got that although Mr. Day did not mention his father –his grandfather fill that role. Although as a baby we do not have many memory Mr. Day remember being happy and from what he was told he was happy, playful and secure. This fact leads me to believe Mr. Day had a very secure life or beginning to life.

Mr. Day’s family’s life was full of hard work. They strived to stay ahead and give to the children. The times were rough for the family but Mr. Day did not have to suffer. Mr. Day came from a low-income family but they appeared to be proud and instill that sense of pride in Mr. Da...

... middle of paper ...

...e struggle is the completion of our task. There are conflicts in finding our purpose, how we are to complete our purpose, and finishing before death. These conflicts are determined by irrational conflicts and unconscious motivations.

According to Beck and the cognitive behavior model, people have the propensities for self-destruction and the predispositions for self-preservation. After speaking with Mr. Day his life can be analyzed from these various theories. I use these theories to base my findings. Mr. Day had a stable up bring. It appears to be a struggle because of his mother’s struggles. He is proof that there is love and security even with little means. He took a few different paths, but came back to the grass roots implanted in him by his family. I conclude he seems to be focus. Moreover, he will go into late adulthood following Erikson’s theory.