Reflection Paper on Eriksons Stages of Development

Introduction

Among the early theories of development, the theory proposed by Sigmund Freud is one of the most controversial and at the same time influential of them all. The psychosexual stages of development were proposed by Freud and are responsible for the various changes experienced by the entire development of a child. Erikson followed the footsteps of Freud. However, to some extent, he disagreed with Freud's psychosexual stages. Consequently, he proposed his new theory of psychosocial stages (Hertenstein, 2011).

Therefore, there are eight stages of development according to Erikson, which take place from infancy to adulthood.

The sixth stage of development, which is intimacy versus isolation, is the stage to be reflected upon in this paper. Various daily activities such as hugging, holding hands and the portrayal of care for the ones we love are some of the features that show the extent at which we pursue Erikson's sixth stage. I am thus at this stage of development. The idea of looking for someone whom I can be able to share my life with is one of the primary agendas I have currently.

Concerning Erikson's theory, I still have the puzzle to unravel about myself, whereby questions still ring in my head daily concerning life on isolation and loneliness. As a consequence, it makes me see myself in the middle of a transition between the fifth stage of development and the sixth stage of Erikson theory. The primary reason might due to my recent entrance into the sixth stage. According to the sixth stage of development according to Erikson, the age bracket of 20 to 34 is the ideal period for those at this stage. The people entering the stage will experience their first evidence by seeking intimacy or isolation. The stage is also crucial in the process of giving and receiving the physical and the different emotional connection between the individuals.

Support, care, love, trust, and comfort are also some of the attributions that I go through, a valid evidence of the sixth stage of development according to Erikson. We typically explore the different relationships that lead to commitments with other people for a long-term, and these people are always not our family members. As a result, this stage leads to a comfortable relationship, and it also ensures that there is a sense of commitment, care, and safety within the relationship. On the contrast, isolation is the idea of being and the feeling of exclusion from the usual experiences of life and a loving relationship (Marcia,? 2016).

The feeling is always characterized by the feeling of alienation, loneliness, social withdrawal or what is commonly referred to as non-participation. Isolation and depression can be brought about by the avoidance of intimacy, fear of commitment and relationships. Therefore, to be successful at this stage, we are urged to achieve our identity. It is vital for an individual to develop close intimate friendships to create a healthy personal relationship. As a consequence, this will bring about the isolation and lack of strong ties and relationships and thus impact our lives negatively.

According to the sixth theory of Erikson, I share a very close connection with the smallest number of my friends. I strongly support that as we get older, we are bound to have a more meaningful friendship with a minimal number of people.

Conclusion

Erikson's theory of development is an actual manifestation of exactly what have been going through lately. The initial large number of friends I had has significantly reduced as I have developed a minimum number of friends who matter a lot to me.

References

Hertenstein,? M.? J. (2011). Erikson, Erik (1902-1994). Encyclopedia of Human Development.

Marcia,? J.? E. (2016). Psychosocial Stages of Development (Erikson). Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences, 1-13.

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