What is erikson's fifth stage of psychosocial development

Answer The following 4 questions, about paragraph each. Please read the question carefully and be sure to provide personal experience for each. Note: I provided extra text after each question as it might make it bit easier for you to answer the following questions. 1. In Erik Erikson's psychosocial developmental stage, identity versus role confusion, describe your experience in adolescence regarding your identity development.

DEVELOPING A UNIQUE IDENTITY: The psychologist Erik Erikson proposed a theory of human development based on the psychological challenges we face at different ages in our lives and how these challenges affect our social relationships. Erikson thought of psychosocial development as having eight stages, starting from an infant’s first year of life to old age (Table 4.1). Because it recognizes the importance of the entire life span, Erikson’s theory has been extremely influential in developmental psychology. However, a theory is only as good as the evidence that supports it, and few researchers have tested Erikson’s theory directly. Erikson thought of each life stage as having a major developmental “crisis”—a challenge to be confronted. All of these crises are present throughout life, but each takes on special importance at a particular stage. Although each crisis provides an opportunity for psychological development, a lack of progress may impair further psychosocial development (Erikson, 1980). However, if the crisis is successfully resolved, the challenge provides skills and attitudes that the individual will need to face the next challenge. Successful resolution of the early challenges depends on the supportive nature of the child’s environment as well as the child’s active search for information about what he is skilled at. According to Erikson’s theory, adolescents face perhaps the most fundamental challenge: how to develop an adult identity. This crisis of identity versus role confusion includes addressing questions about who we are. These questions concern our ethnic and cultural identity, how we relate to family and friends, and other individual characteristics. Identity versus role confusion: Fifth stage of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, where adolescents face the challenge of figuring out who they are.

2. On page 140 in your book, choose one person in your life that reflects one of Erikson's psychosocial stages and give specific examples that provide evidence for your analysis. The stages do not have to be in order according to their age.

Page 140: Erikson’s Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development

STAGE AGE MAJOR PSYCHOSOCIAL CRISIS

SUCCESSFUL RESOLUTION OF CRISIS

1. Infancy 0–2 Trust versus mistrust Children learn that the world is safe, and that people are loving and reliable.

2. Toddler 2–3 Autonomy versus shame and doubt

Encouraged to explore the environment, children gain feelings of independence and positive self-esteem.

3. Preschool 4–6 Initiative versus guilt

Children develop a sense of purpose by taking on responsibilities, but they also develop the capacity to feel guilty for misdeeds.

4. Childhood 7–12 Industry versus inferiority

By working successfully with others and assessing how others view them, children learn to feel competent.

5. Adolescence 13–19

Identity versus role confusion

By exploring different social roles, adolescents develop a sense of identity.

6. Young adulthood 20s

Intimacy versus isolation

Young adults gain the ability to commit to long-term relationships.

7. Middle adulthood

30s to 50s

Generativity versus stagnation

Adults gain a sense that they are leaving behind a positive legacy and caring for future generations.

8. Old age 60s and beyond Integrity versus despair Older adults feel a sense of satisfaction that they have lived a good life and developed wisdom.

3. In Kohlberg's moral development theory, describe a specific time you responded morally from each stage (preconventional, conventional, postconventional).

4. How do you feel about aging? Watch the video. What are your thoughts about the video? https://youtu.be/YA0g2T7z5ic

Kohlberg was most concerned with the reasons people provided for their answers, not just the answers themselves. He devised a theory of moral judgment that involved three main levels of moral reasoning. At the preconventional level, people solve the moral dilemma in terms of self- interest. For example, a person at this level might say, “He should steal the drug because he could get away with it.” Or “He should not steal the drug because he will be punished.” At the conventional level, people’s responses conform to rules of law and order or focus on others’ approval or disapproval. For example, a person at this level might say, “He should take the drug because everyone will think he is a bad person if he lets his wife die.” Or “He should not take the drug because that’s against the law.” At the postconventional level, the highest level of moral reasoning, people’s responses center on complex reasoning. This reasonng concerns abstract principles that transcend laws and social expectations. For example, a person at this level might say, “He should steal the drug. Sometimes people have to break the law if the law is unjust.” Or “He should not steal the drug. If people always did what they wanted, it would be anarchy. Society would break down.” Thus, Kohlberg believed advanced moral reasoning to include considering the greater good for all people and giving less thought to personal wishes or fear of punishment. You can learn more about Kohlberg’s stages of moral reasoning in the Learning Tip on p. 144. preconventional level Earliest level of moral development; at this level, self-interest and event outcomes determine what is moral. conventional level Middle level of moral development; at this level, strict adherence to societal laws and the approval of others determine what is moral. postconventional level Highest level of moral development; at this level, decisions about morality depend on abstract principles and the value of all life.