Erik Erikson's Theory on the Stages of Psychosocial Development (Reflection Essay Example)

Based on Erik Erikson's theory on the stages of psychosocial development, the stage I fall under would be the sixth stage called intimacy vs. isolation. During this phase, as defined in the textbook table 1.1 people learn to commit to another in a loving relationship. To achieve this phase in life, one must first have self-awareness. Being happy as an individual emotionally, spiritually, and physically and knowing what it is you want out of life not only for yourself but for your relationship is the key ingredient. Being in a 7-year relationship, I can say we both are committed and love each other. We even discussed marriage and children in the future. Think about it this way if you can’t please and give to yourself how can you please and give to someone else? 

Although I am in the intimacy vs. isolation stage, I am currently in the final leg of fully overcoming the fifth stage of psychosocial development which is identity vs. identity confusion. This stage is essential in developing a sense of personal identity. To get to the point of where I am now in my current relationship. I had to look at myself and think long and hard about what I want in terms of my future (personal goals/career) and what beliefs and values are important to me. Coming from a family where encouragement and positive reinforcement along the way are replaced by constant judgment, gossip, and competition amongst one another. I began shutting myself out from the outside world. After failing to complete some of the goals I set for myself in the time frame I wanted, I ran away in fear of proving them right or hearing the famous "I told you so”. I then began questioning my beliefs and values resulting in insecurity and confusion. Feeling like I am not good enough or like a failure, I would always be locked in my room like a hermit crab not wanting to be around other people which then drifted into periods of deep depression. I still have issues with expressing myself when it involves personal things about my life and things I went through because I always feel judged. I finally got the courage to stand up for myself and remove myself from relationships with those people who I believed were toxic and did me more harm than good. Today, I continue to put myself first while slowly rebuilding my confidence knowing that I will be successful.

The stage of psychosocial development that my parents are experiencing would be a mixture of generativity vs. stagnation and integrity vs. despair. Both my mom and dad are happy with their life. Although for my mom she wishes she was in a better place financially and could retire and do what she loves the most which is cooking (starting a food business from home). As for my dad, he has owned his own trucking company for years now which has provided him with enough financial stability to where he can go months at a time without work and even paid off his house last year. He loves building things from scratch and recently found a new interest in learning to speak Spanish. As one might say they are "making their mark" on the world forming positive changes that will benefit me and my children once they are no longer here. My stepdad, however, hurt himself on the job years ago and has been unemployed since. At times I feel he lashes out at people because he is unhappy with his inability to contribute due to his injury. I also began noticing how uninvolved he is becoming with family and friends and how he never wants to go anywhere other than the corner store. According to this stage of development, he is feeling unfulfilled, so feelings of bitterness and despair come into play making him difficult to be around at times.

By knowing the eight psychosocial development stages, you’re able to get a better understanding of where you are in life, and how it influences the relationships you have with not only your parents but your friends and/or intimate partners.

References:

Kail, R. V., & Cavanaugh, J. C. (2019). Chapter 1 Table 1.1. In Human development: A life-span view (8th Ed.). Cengage Learning.