Analyzing Erikson's Eight Stages Of Life

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Erik Erikson, a developmental theorist believed that each stage of life has its own psychosocial task. That is why in his theory, Erikson emphasizes that in addition to mediating between id impulses and superego demands, the ego makes positive contribution to development, acquiring attitudes and skills that make the individual an active, contributing member of society (Berk, 2010). In other words, Erikson stresses on the idea that throughout life there are eight stages range from birth through old age that each individual has to accomplish from personal and social task. He also emphasizes that there are risks/consequences if not accomplished. The stage that would be the main focused would be Adolescence (12-18) Identity vs Role confusion. Many teens at this age may wonder who they are and what they want to do with their life. Erikson …show more content…

I have a cousin that is 18 right now however, I noticed that she had trouble finding her identity and her own voice. Like Erikson points out that many adolescents, simply adopt their parents’ values and expectations meaning that their parents decide who they should be and how to behave. However, that was a face that she demonstrate to her parents. In reality, she was struggling in high school and wanted to drop out of high school and just get marry with her boyfriend. I could tell by her parents always comparing her and preparing her for home-based work she never really explore opportunities and never really set up goals to achieve higher. Although, she told her parents she was interested in college, she was more interested on her relationship. As a result, she eventually became a mother and marry her boyfriend. However, I feel she has not develop her identity because she had to grow up so fast to provide for her family and just settle to be a mom and she did not thought about the long

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