theoretic view of identity development as advanced by Erik Erikson
Erik H. Erikson (1902-1994) an American psychoanalyst is most noted for his psychosocial theory of identity development. It was formulated using eight continuous stages to characterise identity throughout life. Eriksons theory emphasises the importance of social and cultural forces on the identity development of an individual. ... Individuals should successfully resolve the conflict or crisis in order to be prepared for the following psychosocial task and to move toward achieving growth and a positive identity. Erikson also highlights the importance of the ego in the development. ... The eight stages of development which Erikson highlights are basic trust versus mistrust; autonomy versus shame and doubt; initiative versus guilt; industry versus inferiority; identity versus identity confusion; intimacy versus isolation; generativity versus stagnation or self-absorption and ego integrity versus despair. ... Erikson (1963) advanced that "the first demonstration of social trust in the in baby is the ease of his feeding, the depth of his sleep, the relaxation of his bowels. ... The next stage of development is autonomy versus shame and doubt. ... This stage is marked with rapid physical development and locomotion. ... Identity versus identity confusion occurs during the adolescent years. This stage is seen as the most important stage in identity development. ... The emphasis is on the adolescents identity crisis. ... Persons with a poor sense of identity may exhibit identity confusion. ... If the individual has a sense of identity they are able to share themselves in meaningful relationships.