Erikson Stages Of Identity Formation
In this essay I will be discussing how I grew up, my life experiences and career choice which lead to my identity formation. It will also examine Marcia’s identity statuses and Erikson’s fifth stage of psycho-social development plays a role in identity formation (Louw,2009).
I grew up in a loving, caring home, with both my parents in the household and 2 siblings. Erikson’s first stage refers to trust versa mistrust, occurs during the 1st year of life. As a new born baby, they come into the world not knowing who they are or where they are (McLoed,2013). They are fearful and uncertain as to who their caregivers are, they search for stability and consistency of care. If they receive care that is reliable and dependable, they start to develop …show more content…
Erikson’s second stage refers to autonomy versa shame and doubt, which takes place between the age of 18 months and 3 years old. The child starts to develop different skills and abilities by playing with different toys, walking, talking and making choices about what they like to eat. However, they gain independence and trust the world, as they start walking and talking (Saul Mcleod, 2008). Erikson (1964) states it is important that parents allow their children to explore the limits within their abilities but should not criticize them, which help tolerant failure and can lead to self-control without them losing their self-esteem (Gross,1992). Success in this stage can lead to a feeling of willingness. Whereas if kids are criticised and parents do everything for them, this can lead to lack of self-esteem and a sense of doubt within the world. Therefore, they become heavily dependent on their parents because their parents never gave them the freedom to explore within their limits. I feel that according to Erik Erikson’s stage of autonomy and shame, I developed a sense of autonomy regardless of my situation at home. My mom was never there to do everything for me because she was always on the search for a job, therefore, I had to learn to do things for myself which made me become more independent. I was able to become more confident because my mom was always there to encourage and support me, therefore I gained a strong
I grew up in a loving, caring home, with both my parents in the household and 2 siblings. Erikson’s first stage refers to trust versa mistrust, occurs during the 1st year of life. As a new born baby, they come into the world not knowing who they are or where they are (McLoed,2013). They are fearful and uncertain as to who their caregivers are, they search for stability and consistency of care. If they receive care that is reliable and dependable, they start to develop …show more content…
Erikson’s second stage refers to autonomy versa shame and doubt, which takes place between the age of 18 months and 3 years old. The child starts to develop different skills and abilities by playing with different toys, walking, talking and making choices about what they like to eat. However, they gain independence and trust the world, as they start walking and talking (Saul Mcleod, 2008). Erikson (1964) states it is important that parents allow their children to explore the limits within their abilities but should not criticize them, which help tolerant failure and can lead to self-control without them losing their self-esteem (Gross,1992). Success in this stage can lead to a feeling of willingness. Whereas if kids are criticised and parents do everything for them, this can lead to lack of self-esteem and a sense of doubt within the world. Therefore, they become heavily dependent on their parents because their parents never gave them the freedom to explore within their limits. I feel that according to Erik Erikson’s stage of autonomy and shame, I developed a sense of autonomy regardless of my situation at home. My mom was never there to do everything for me because she was always on the search for a job, therefore, I had to learn to do things for myself which made me become more independent. I was able to become more confident because my mom was always there to encourage and support me, therefore I gained a strong