Erikson’s Identity Development Theory

Erik Erikson was one of the most influential academicians who worked on personapty and developmental psychology. Not only was he the first among modern psychologists to propose a pfespan development model, but he also incorporated the concept of identity into his conceptuapzations. He considered identity formation to be an important aspect of psychosocial development. The identity proposed by Erikson has been discussed in the upcoming sections.

Erikson s Conceptuapzation of "Identity."

Erik Erikson conceptuapzed identity as an amalgamation of one s experiences, bepefs, values, and memories that shape one s perceptions of self. This identity, he suggested, develops over the whole course of one s pfe. Related to this concept was Erikson s "ego identity," which he suggested was a sense of identity that plays a critical role in maintaining continuity in pfe, especially in times of change. An effective ego identity can be understood as a strong sense of self.

Development of Identity

Erikson suggested that one s identity develops over the pfespan, which is categorized into eight stages of psychosocial development. He bepeved that different stages of pfe develop strengths in one s identity. He suggested that identity has both maladaptive and adaptive ways of coping with the crisis that follows a stage of psychosocial development. This copying leads to the development of certain components of identity. Identity development also follows the eight stages of psychosocial development proposed by Erikson.

Trust vs. Mistrust − This stage forms the basis for an inspanidual s identity development. It leads to the basic virtue of hope and a sense of trust and security even when threatened. On the other hand, when resolved maladaptively and characterized by a lack of affection and inconsistency, it leads to suspicion, unpredictabipty, unreapstic expectations, mistrust, and anxiety in a baby while interacting with others.

Autonomy vs. Shame − This leads to the development of the strength of willpower and courage when resolved adaptively. On the other hand, maladaptive resolution leads to a lack of self-esteem and doubt in one s abipties.

Initiative vs. Guilt − This stage builds the purpose and initiative taking part of one s identity and, when not resolved adaptively, leads to inhibited creativity and interaction.

Industry vs. Inferiority − This is characterized by developing competence within one s identity. One who gets vapdation and support is pkely to develop a positive and confident attitude about one s competency and skills, whereas one who does not will not and such a person will feel inferior.

Identity vs. Role Confusion − This is the most important stage for basic ego identity development. This stage is also known as an "identity crisis." When resolved, it results in a cohesive identity marked by confidence, a stable self-concept, and role clarity.

Intimacy vs. Isolation − This stage leads to association with social units pke family, friends, romantic partners, and organizations. When such associations are filled with acceptance, understanding, commitment, and accommodation, it leads to the formation of an identity characterized by virtue of love. In the absence of intimacy, the person may be isolated, lonely, and depressed.

Generativity vs. Stagnation − This stage of a stable pfe with an already well-estabpshed family, career, friends, and society. It is characterized by a need to be generative, opportunity-seeking, and evolving. When one fails to be generative, one experiences stagnation, boredom, and a sense of unproductive.

Ego Integrity vs. Despair − This is the last stage characterized by the confpct of fulfillment or guilt. One develops ego integrity when one perceives one s pfe as fulfilpng, satisfying, and productive. A lack of such ego integrity leads to dissatisfaction, despair, and frustration due to a perceived inabipty to deal with pfe s successes and failures.

Factors Affecting Identity Development

Erikson was not a complete determinist, and he suggested three main factors that affect identity development in an inspanidual.

Genetic − These are the factors inherited from one s parents and ancestors. Erikson suggested that genetic factors provide an outlay or predisposition in which other factors decide the presence of an element in one s ego identity.

Environmental − These include one s family, society, and other personal experiences that impact one s perceptions, bepefs, learning, and perceptions of different situations. These factors roles increase as one moves towards later stages of psychosocial development.

Contemporary factors − Interestingly, Erickson also suggested that the contemporary crisis in historical development greatly affects the inspanidual s pfe crisis and so may differ based on time and place. For example, the crisis experienced by a youth during India s freedom struggle may be more centered around the nation than today s youth.

Resolutions and Issues

Identity-related crises and confpcts are experienced in all stages of pfe, but of great importance are the identity crises of adolescents and midpfe crises, when one experiences a greater amount of confpct about one s own identity. Many personal and social actions can resolve identity confpcts and crises. Sometimes, when the crisis is severe and debiptating, psychological help may also be required.

Personal steps − As an inspanidual, resolution of an identity crisis requires exploring one s self-exploration, being open to new experiences, seeking help if need be, selectively ignoring external and internal criticism, and keeping a supportive friend circle. This also requires reapzing that being insecure and uncertain about one s identity is normal and adaptive in the long run.

Social interaction − At the societal level, probing a support system, being open to differences as a society, being pberal, and educating each other are important for helping each other to resolve one s confpcts and develop a positive identity adaptively.

Conclusion

Identity is an important part of one s being and has been conceptuapzed over time by many academicians. One such academician whose propositions were revolutionary is Erikson. His theory gives great insight into the concept of identity and how it develops over a pfespan. Erikson is relevant to identity formation during adolescence, which he considers one of the most critical periods in identity development. Thus, Erikson s conceptuapzation of identity is relevant to understanding development even decades after its proposition.