Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development
For this report, we will discuss Erikson’s theory as it relates to 2 specific stages of his theory of psychosocial development and 2 specific examples of characters at these stages. The writer has chosen 2 characters which in her opinion have a lot of complex characteristics that help illustrate interesting concepts and ideas related to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. This information can be used accordingly in advertising campaigns targeted at the demographic in the mentioned stages.
The first character is “David” from the movie Artificial Intelligence and the second character is “Tom Wingo” from Pat Conroy’s novel “The Prince of Tides” and the movie by the same name.
In the case of David from Artificial intelligence, I will be referring to the stage of Competence: Industry vs. Inferiority (Latency, 5-12 yrs.) and in the case of Tom from the prince of Tides I will be referring to Generativity Vs. Stagnation (Adulthood 25-64 yrs.).
Stage Descriptions:
Latency 5-12 yrs.
Ego Development Outcome: Industry vs. Inferiority
Basic Strengths: Method and Competence
In This stage, also referred to as Latency, humans have the capacity to learn, many new skills and knowledge capable of learning, thus developing a sense of industry. This also is a very social developmental stage. Should the child experience unresolved feelings of inadequacy and inferiority in their respective peer groups, he or she will potentially have serious problems in terms in self-esteem and confidence. (1)
Middle Adulthood: 35 to 55 or 65
Ego Development Outcome: Generativity vs. Self-absorption or Stagnation
Basic Strengths: Production and Care
At this stage the industrious aspect is more prevalent. To Erikson observed middle-age is when the adult focuses with creative and meaningful work and with issues surrounding our family. The main objective is to propagate culture and instill values of within the family and beyond while working to achieve a stable environment. Strength
The first character is “David” from the movie Artificial Intelligence and the second character is “Tom Wingo” from Pat Conroy’s novel “The Prince of Tides” and the movie by the same name.
In the case of David from Artificial intelligence, I will be referring to the stage of Competence: Industry vs. Inferiority (Latency, 5-12 yrs.) and in the case of Tom from the prince of Tides I will be referring to Generativity Vs. Stagnation (Adulthood 25-64 yrs.).
Stage Descriptions:
Latency 5-12 yrs.
Ego Development Outcome: Industry vs. Inferiority
Basic Strengths: Method and Competence
In This stage, also referred to as Latency, humans have the capacity to learn, many new skills and knowledge capable of learning, thus developing a sense of industry. This also is a very social developmental stage. Should the child experience unresolved feelings of inadequacy and inferiority in their respective peer groups, he or she will potentially have serious problems in terms in self-esteem and confidence. (1)
Middle Adulthood: 35 to 55 or 65
Ego Development Outcome: Generativity vs. Self-absorption or Stagnation
Basic Strengths: Production and Care
At this stage the industrious aspect is more prevalent. To Erikson observed middle-age is when the adult focuses with creative and meaningful work and with issues surrounding our family. The main objective is to propagate culture and instill values of within the family and beyond while working to achieve a stable environment. Strength
References: 1. Erikson, Erik H, Childhood and Society (1950) 2. Erikson, Erik H, Childhood and Society (1950) 3. Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.I._Artificial_Intelligence 4. Wikipedia- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prince_of_Tides 5. Erikson, Erik H, Childhood and Society (1950). Ch. 11 6. Sokol, Justin, Graduate journal of Counseling Psychology 2009.