I prefer Erikson´s stages theory because he mantained that personality develops through 8 psychosocial stages from infancy to adulthood. During each stage, a person experiences a psychosocial crisis which may have negative or positive outcomes for personality.
These crises are of psychosocial nature because they involve psychological needs of the individual conflicting with society needs. The better one person moves on from a crisis, it is easier to resolve future crises. Not being able to complete a stage in a successful way can lead to a reduced ability to complete further stages and as a result of that, having an unhealthy personality. However, there are ways to resolve those stages at an older age.
To conclude, based on Erikson’s thinking or theory, psychology has reconceptualized how the later periods of a person´s life are viewed. Thanks to Erikson, middle and late adulthood are no longer seen as irrelevant, they are considered active and significant times of personal growth.
<em><u>The eight stages are:</u></em>
1.Trust vs. Mistrust: value
2.Autonomy vs. Shame: Will
3.Initiative vs. Guilt: Purpose
4.Industry vs. Inferiority: Competency
5.Identity vs. Role Confusion: Fidelity
6.Intimacy vs. Isolation: Love
7.Generativity vs. Stagnation: Care
8.Ego Integrity vs. Despair: Wisdom
To conclude, based on Erikson’s ideas, psychology has reconceptualized how the later periods of a person´s life are viewed. Thanks to Erikson, middle and late adulthood are no longer seen as irrelevant, they are considered active and significant times of personal growth
