Psychosocial, psychoanalytic, and change theories in nursing practice

Nursing and Erickson Psychosocial Developmental Theory

The objective of this study is to examine Erikson's psychosocial Developmental theory and to discuss how one might apply the theory to their selected nursing practice including a brief description of the theory, framework or philosophy.

The stages of psychosocial development proposed in the work of Erikson include personality stages, psychosexual modes, psychosocial modality and accompanying virtue. These are shown in the following chart labeled Figure 1 in this study.

Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory Stages, Modes, Modality and Virtues

Personality Stage

Psychosexual Mode

Psychosocial Modality

"Virtue"

Trust vs. Mistrust

incorporative1

incorporative2

getting taking

Hope

Autonomy vs. Shame, Doubt

retentive eliminative holding on letting go

Willpower

Inititative vs. Guilt intrusive making

Purpose

Industry vs. Inferiority

Competence

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Fidelity

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Love

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Care

Integrity vs.Despair

Wisdom

Source: Davis (1995, p. 1)

I. Use of This Theory in the Nursing Practice

Erikson's psychosocial development theory stages modes. Modality and virtues can be utilized in the nursing practice because knowledge of these various stages, modes, modalities and virtues assist the nursing practitioner in understanding how to best cope with the various patient specific personalities and the various psychosocial development stages of the individual patient. Reported as implications to nursing are the following:

(1) Applying the stages proposed by Erikson in the stages of psychosocial development "helps in analyzing patient's symptomatic behavior in the context of traumatic past experiences and struggles with current developmental tasks." (Current Nursing, 2014, p. 1)

(2) It is reported that when "patients' resolutions of previous psychosocial stages have been so faulty as to seriously compromise their adult development, they have the opportunity to rework early development through the relationship with the therapist." (Current Nursing, 2014, p. 1)

(3) Additionally stated is that the focus of psychotherapy "is not to head off future conflict but to assist the patient in emerging from each crisis "with an increased sense of inner unity, with an increase of good judgment, and an increase in the capacity 'to do well' according to his own standards and to the standards of those who are significant to him." (Current Nursing, 2014, p. 1)

II. Use of Erikson's Theory in Nursing