Erikson\'s Theory of Identity Development

Erikson's Theory Of Identity Development

Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development was meant to provide society with a better understanding of the stages that an individual experiences across his or her life. Even with the fact that the first four stages described by Erikson are essential in a person's upbringing, it is only after these stages that he or she actually comes to understand society as a whole and starts to express interest in getting actively involved in the social order. It is actually probable that the first four stages are meant to prepare an individual to accumulate the experience needed for him or her to become a part of society.

The fifth stage provides the individual with the task of achieving "a sense of identity -- both who he or she is and what he or she will be" (Theories of personal development 254). While the individual was accustomed to simply appreciating life up to this point, this stage influences him or her to try and discover his or her personal identity and the things that he or she expects from life. Similar to the teenager the young adult needs to acknowledge his or her position in society and to focus on improving this position by creating stronger connections to his or her peers. However, the young adult risks more in this enterprise because he receives less support as he develops.

I am currently in the seventh stage of psychosocial development and I feel that this position provided me with the need to want to take control over my life. Even with this, I am well-aware that control can only be achieved through improving my education and through putting across selfless attitudes in regard to individuals who need my assistance. I am personally looking for a sense of purpose at this stage and I am trying to perform creative activities. I actually feel that one would be irresponsible to believe that the age group that I belong to is no longer experiencing development, as I feel that I enjoy the benefits coming along with learning new information on a daily basis. My priorities change as I learn more information, considering that my thinking starts to take on more complex concepts and that I gradually remove ideas that I feel are unlikely to bring me or society as a whole any benefits.