Psychosocial Development Paper

“Erik Erikson proposed a psychoanalytic theory of psychosocial development comprising eight stages, from infancy to adulthood. During each stage, the person experiences a psychosocial crisis, which could have a positive or negative outcome for personality development” (McLeod, 2013). Jason is six or seven years old still have two more stages to pass through; those stages are identity versus role confusion and intimacy versus isolation (McLeod, 2013). Looking ahead, I believe if Jason’s home environment, school environment and community supports stay the same, Jason may experience psychosocial crises. The next stage of development that Jason will enter into is the fifth stage of development, identity versus role confusion. This stage occurs
This stage starts between the ages of eighteen to forty years old. “Successful completion of this stage can result in happy relationships and a sense of commitment, safety, and care within a relationship” (McLeod, 2013). Since Jason has not seen these aspects in his home life, family or community I sense he will struggle to achieve these results and will be left, “Avoiding intimacy, fearing commitment and relationships can lead to isolation, loneliness, and sometimes depression” (McLeod, 2013). Jason’s parents do not have positive or healthy intimacy (poor modeling) and from their own family history Rick and Kim did not grow up in a healthy family either. As well, I believe that Jason has not always been cared for in a loving or safe environment; his father drinking to excess and his mother being emotional detached from him. As well, Jason has moved schools three times, which can impact his feelings or security. Since Jason’s father drinks to excess, Jason may be a child of an alcoholic and grow into an adult child of an alcoholic, which can lead to more serious problems (Wormer and Davis, 2008). When children experience unpredictability and chaos the consequences can be isolation, conflict and poor communication with family members, as well, lack
I think that Jason would have trouble successfully meeting this goal. The goal of this stage according to Erikson is for Jason to develop initiative and one way this is completed is through play, “Central to this stage is play, as it provides children with the opportunity to explore their interpersonal skills through initiating activities” (McLeod, 2013). Whilst at play Jason would plan activities, make up games, and initiate activities with others and given his opportunity he would develop a sense of initiative and feel secure in their ability to lead others and make decisions (McLeod, 2013). Jason in his short life has moved three schools and this may impact his confidence and self esteem in making friends. As well, if Jason’s parents were not supportive and dismissive of his inquisitiveness he may have developed a sense of guilt, which in turn can prevent Jason from interacting with other and may inhibit his creativity (McLeod,