Comparing Erikson's Moral Development

Listening to the responses from the developmental panel, showed distinct differences between stages in life. The children who were under ten years of age showed little development when it came to topics that required general knowledge. The teens showed adequate levels of understanding of topics and Emilee showed to be furthest in development. Emilee is a twenty one year old female who had a very rough time growing up. when asked how Emilee describes herself, she believes herself to be reserved and quiet. Emile had to mature quicker mentally, than she did physically. She also had very intriguing answers to many of the questions asked on the panel. Emilees responses will be compared to three different stages of development. Emilee will be compared
Stage 4 is the member of society perspective. The book states that “social order is most important now. Behaviors that contribute to functioning of social systems are most valued, e.g., obeying laws,hard work.” p.261. During the developmental panel, a question that could be classified as a Kohlberg Moral Development question was asked. The question
The question asked was, at what age do you think it is appropriate to move out of your parents place and why? Emilee replied by saying that it is appropriate to leave home when you are ready. Emilee went on to say that she did not leave home until she was about twenty, but also stated that she could have done it sooner if she wanted to. It is interesting that Erikson believes that before the age of twenty, adolescents have an inability to establish a sense of self. perhaps that is the reason that Emilee stayed home until the age of twenty which is when Erikson believes that individuals are able to establish a sense of self and is able to share themselves with others. Emilee was asked another question relevant to Erikson's developmental stages. The question asked what is one important value you hold and where do you think it came from? Emilee responded by stating to never leave the house angry, but to instead leave the house saying i love you, which is something she learned from her mother. With this response Emilee is showing the virtue of love that Erikson developed. She also is showing that she wants to keep those important to her close avoiding distancing. This supports Erikson's theory that distance and love play a factor in the development during young