Question

Considering Erikson Stages from adolescent through death. Why is each stage adaptive throughout lifespan?

Identity vs confusion

Intimacy vs isolation

Generativity vs stagnation

Integrity vs despair

Answer 1

Erikson was a ego psychologist who talked about psychosocial stages of development. Each stage possess a challenge which he termed it as crises, if these are dealt successfully it strengthens the ego and leads to the development of a virtue.

Adolescence stage of identity vs confusion, during this stage adolescents search for a sense of personal identity, exploring personal values, beliefs and goals. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of fidelity.

Young adulthood stage of intimacy vs isolation, during this stage, we begin to share ourselves more intimately with others and explore relationships with others. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of love.

Late adulthood stage of generativity vs stagnation, in this stage we establish our careers, settle down within a relationship and begin our families. By failing to do so, we feel stagnant while success leads to the virtue of care.

Old age stage of integrity vs despair, we tend to slow down our productivity and contemplate our accomplishments and life review. We develop integrity if we see ourselves as leading a successful life and despair if we don’t feel that we had a meaningful life.

Development of these virtues lead to a healthy adaptation throughout the lifespan