Week Fourteen Post One

While reading chapter twenty-two I was really interested in the section on the major theories of Erikson. Erikson originally envisioned eight stages of development.  Later on in life he stressed that stages and ages do not occur in lockstep. People of many ages can be in any of the eight steps Erikson created. Erikson described psychosocial needs after puberty in half of his eight stages.  The four stages Erikson developed for adulthood is identity versus role confusion, intimacy versus isolation, generativity versus stagnation and integrity versus despair. Although Erikson originally situated the identity crisis during adolescence, he realized that identity concerns should be life long. Since contexts keep evolving, many adults release all four types of identity. Adults seek intimacy, which is mutual not self-absorbed, therefore adults need to devote time and energy to one another. The process begins in emerging adulthood and continues lifelong.  Isolation is more likely to occur when divorce or death disrupts established intimate relationships.  Adults also need to care for the next generation by raising, mentoring or teaching younger people. Adults extend the legacy of their culture and their generation with ongoing care, creativity and sacrifice. Erikson decided that integrity was too important to be left to the elderly. He also believed that each person’s entire life should be directed toward the ultimate achievement of identity.  I really liked this section of the chapter because it has expanded on previous information I have already learned. When I first learned about Erikson’s stages of development I didn’t realize there wasn’t an age limit on each stage. Although some ages are provided as example, it doesn’t necessarily mean the stage takes action at that particular age. When it comes to development, everybody develops at their own process.