Development Theory And John Erikson's Effects On Lifespan Development

NURSING EFFECTS ON LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT
Edward Webster
ECPI University Abstract
Pearson (2012) defines “lifespan development the field of study that examines patterns of growth, change, and stability in behavior that occur throughout the entire life span” (p5). Although the definition of the field seems straightforward, the simplicity is somewhat misleading. In order to understand what development is actually about, we need to look underneath the various parts of the definition.
In its study of growth, change, and stability, lifespan development takes a scientific approach. Like members of other scientific disciplines, researchers in lifespan development test their assumptions about the nature and course of human development by

Their theories defined how each growing stage has certain characteristic. Erikson identified eight stages that span the full life cycle from the infancy to old age in using the scientific method. Polan (2010, p60) states that Erikson: “believed that at each stage certain critical tasks. The completion of each task enables individuals to increase independence and feel good about themselves and others.” My thought of growth and development follow along lines of Erikson’s 8 stages of life. The 8 stages of life (Polan 2010, p61):
Trust versus Mistrust (Birth to 18months): To develop a basic trust in the mothering figure and be able to generalize it to others
Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt (18 months to 3 years): To gain some self-control and independence within the environment.
Initiative versus Guilt (3 to 6 years): To develop a sense of purpose and the ability to initiate and direct own activities.
Industry versus Inferiority (6 to 11 years): To achieve a sense of self-confidence by learning, competing, performing successfully and receiving recognition from significant others, peers, and

This stage occurs during late adulthood from age 65 through the end of life. During this period of time, people reflect back on the life they have lived and come away with either a sense of fulfillment from a life well lived or a sense of regret and despair over a life misspent. I have worked with elderly patients on daily basis. I have had to redirect patients who felt despair. I had to point out the good things in the patient’s life in order to redirect him/her out of hopelessness. Being knowledgeable of the different stages in lifespan development has made me a better CNA, and hopefully a