Understanding Human Behavior: The Power of Psychology

Psychology has long existed in society; with records dating all the way back to the time of the early Greeks (Daniels, 1997). Throughout the years it has been modified, shaped and prodded by various inquisitive individuals striving for the utmost understanding of humanity, all the while impacting countless lives. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, psychology can be defined as “the science or study of the mind and behavior” and “the way a person or group thinks” (Merriam-Webster, 2014). It deals with an individual’s actions and thoughts, and provides an understanding as to why people might behave the way they do. As the world today deals with many challenges, both natural and man-made, people are exposed to a lot of physical and

This is an example of where psychologists step in, to help these suffering individuals return back to their normal lives. Psychologists put forth all their time and effort in understanding the ways of human nature and behaviour, and some have even made ground-breaking research discoveries with significant impacts. Psychologist Erik Erikson, with his experience of adversity along with his prosperous upbringing, managed to create a theory successful enough that not only aids others in understanding the dynamics of development, but that is still being applied in various aspects of modern society. One of the most influential and well-known thinkers of his time, Erik H. Erikson was born June 15, 1902 in Frankfort, Germany. Abandoned by his biological father before being born, his Jewish mother Karla Abrahamsen moved on to marry Theodor Homberger, a pediatrician who Erikson grew up to consider as his birth father (Boeree, 1997). During his school years, Erikson was constantly subjected to the other students’ judgemental remarks due to both his blonde, tall, blue-eyed appearance and his Jewish background. This, along with

Though, out of all available theories and research, Erikson is most popular for his work is on identifying the eight different psychosocial stages that occur in one’s life, focusing on the personal development of one’s identity (MacLeod, 2008). He believed that the way in which an individual faces challenges in life determines whether he would progress onto the next stage or remain (Erikson, 2013). His theory considers the influence of external factors, the environment, parents and society as a whole. It begins with the first stage: Trust versus Mistrust, which occurs during infancy and continues on through several stages until concluding with the eighth. Next comes the second stage: Anatomy versus Shame and Doubt (toddlerhood), then the third stage: Initiative versus Guilt (preschool years), the fourth stage: Industry versus Inferiority (early school years), the fifth stage: Identity versus Role Confusion (adolescence), the sixth stage: Intimacy versus Isolation (young adulthood), the seventh stage: Generitivity versus Stagnation (middle adulthood), before the final stage: Ego Integrity versus Despair (adulthood) (McLeod, 2008). According to Erikson’s theory, successful completion of each stage results in a healthier personality and the attainment of certain basic strengths that one might use to resolve future problems.