How we cope with each of these conflicts determines the psychological virtues we develop.
What made Erikson so notable was that his theories marked a significant shift in how we think aboutpersonality.
Erikson’sstage theory of psychosocial developmentgenerated interest and research on human development through the lifespan.
Bettmann / Contributor / Getty Images
Hope is both the earliest and the most indispensable virtue inherent in the state of being alive.
If life is to be sustained hope must remain, even where confidence is wounded, trust impaired.
The Life of Erik Erickson
Erik Erickson’s own life helped shape many of his theories.
Here’s what we know.
Childhood
Erik Erikson was born on June 15, 1902, in Frankfurt, Germany.
The fact that Homberger was not his biological father was concealed from Erikson for many years.
Identity Formation
This early experience helped spark his interest in the formation of identity.
His interest in identity was further developed based on his own experiences in school.
At grammar school, he was rejected because of his Jewish background.
These early experiences helped fuel his interest in identity formation and continued to influence his work throughout his life.
He soon dropped out and spent time wandering Europe with friends…and contemplating his identity.
Freud soon noticed Erikson’s rapport with children and encouraged him to formally studypsychoanalysis.
Erikson ultimately received two certificates from the Montessori Teachers Association and from the Vienna Psychoanalytic Institute.
“Psychoanalysis was not so formal then,” Erikson once recalled.
“I paid Miss Freud $7 a month, and we met almost every day.
My analysis, which gave meself-awareness, led me not to fear being myself.
The couple married in 1930 and went on to have three children.
His son, Kai T. Erikson, is a noted American sociologist.
In addition to his position at Harvard, he also had a private practice in child psychoanalysis.
His book “Gandhi’s Truth” was awarded a Pulitzer Prize and a National Book Award.
Erik Erickson’s Theories
Erickson contributed several theories to the field of psychology.
Two of his best-known deal with psychosocial development and identity.
Much like psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, Erikson believed that personality develops in a series of stages.
If so, you may be experiencing an identity crisis.
He also contributed to our understanding of personality as it develops and shapes over the course of the lifespan.
His observations of children also helped set the stage for further research.
you’re free to see how he solves his problems.
you’re able to also see what’s wrong.
2024;52(1):18-24. doi:10.1521/pdps.2024.52.1.18
Poole S, Snarey J.Eriksons stages of the life cycle.
In: Goldstein S, Naglieri JA, eds.Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development.
2021;36(5):545-556. doi:10.1037/pag0000537
Okunev R.Eriksons life and psychosocial developmental stages.
In:The Psychology of Evolving Technology.
Rowman & Littlefield; 2016.
Erikson EH.The Erik Erikson Reader.
Coles R, ed.
W.W. Norton and Company; 2000.
