Overview of Post-Freudian Theory

Meet Erik Erikson, the person who came up with the term "identity crisis." Even though he didn't have a college
degree, he became famous in various fields like psychoanalysis and education. Erikson's theory is like an expansion
of Freud's ideas, continuing from childhood into adulthood. He believes that at each stage, we face a specific
challenge that shapes our personality.

What's unique about Erikson is that he considered not just personal stuff but also the impact of society and history
on who we become. He looked at life like a series of struggles that either make us stronger or weaker.

And here's the cool part – Erikson's own life story influenced his ideas. His love for art, travels, experiencing
different cultures, and his lifelong search for his own identity all played a role in shaping his theory. It's a reminder
that our understanding of psychology often comes from a mix of personal experiences and deep thinking.

Stages of Psychosocial Development

 Adulthood

The seventh stage of development is adulthood, that time when people begin to take their place in society and
assume responsibility for whatever society produces. For most people, this is the longest stage of development,
spanning the years from about age 31 to 60. Adulthood is characterized by the psychosexual mode of procreativity,
the psychosocial crisis of generativity versus stagnation, and the basic strength of care

1st is
Procreativity
Erikson's idea is that, like animals, humans have a natural urge to ensure their species survives. In our case, this
instinct peaks in young adulthood, emphasizing both intimacy and responsibility for offspring. He stresses that
creating new life should happen within a context of mature love, not just physical capability. As we grow into
mature adults, it's about not only caring for our kids but also passing on our culture to the next generation. In simple
terms, it's the journey from personal intimacy to responsible parenthood and passing on values to the future.

Generativity versus Stagnation

Erikson's idea of generativity versus stagnation is like a call to action in adulthood. It's not just about personal
success but contributing to the future. Picture someone like Sarah, who, in her young adulthood, embraces the
instinctual drive to care for her own children and others in her community.

As Sarah matures, it's not just about changing diapers but passing on values, traditions, and knowledge.
Generativity, according to Erikson, is rooted in qualities like intimacy and identity – it's about blending who you are
with your role in society without losing yourself.

So, Sarah isn't just living for herself; she's actively contributing to the next generation, ensuring the continuity of
human society. It's this mix of personal growth and a commitment to the future that Erikson calls generativity – a
drive that goes beyond selfish desires to leave a positive impact on the world.

Care: The Basic Strength of Adulthood

In adulthood, according to Erikson, care is the fundamental strength that stems from earlier personal growth. It's not
just a warm feeling but a commitment to nurture what matters to us, fueled by qualities like hope, will, purpose, and
love. This desire to care for others contrasts with rejectivity – the refusal to care for certain groups, leading to self-
centeredness and harmful beliefs. Erikson links rejectivity to conflicts and wars, emphasizing its impact on both
individuals and the survival of our species. So, care, according to Erikson, isn't just a personal trait; it's a force that
can shape the course of human history.
Old Age

 The eighth and final stage of development is old age. The psychosexual mode of old age is generalized
sensuality; the psychosocial crisis is integrity versus despair, and the basic strength is wisdom. Erikson
describes this phase as a balance between integrity and despair. It's about looking back on one's life with a
sense of completeness and wisdom, reflecting on experiences, both good and bad. So, even in the twilight
of life, there's room for growth, reflection, and passing on wisdom to the generations that follow.

Generalized Sensuality

In the last phase of Erikson's theory, generalized sensuality takes center stage. Even though Erikson didn't delve too
deeply into it, it seems to be about savoring life's physical pleasures – the sights, sounds, tastes, and even intimate
experiences. It's like finding joy in the little things.

For men, this could mean embracing a more nurturing role, cherishing nonsexual relationships, especially with the
younger generation. Women might find themselves drawn to broader interests like politics and finance. However,
the key to maintaining this sensual attitude is holding onto one's integrity despite the challenges that might come
with age.

In simpler terms, it's a time of appreciating life's pleasures, adapting to new roles, and finding happiness in
connections, all while staying true to who you are. It's a perspective that emphasizes the richness of experiences and
the importance of maintaining a sense of self, even as the journey through life continues.

Integrity versus Despair

As we approach the end of life, the last identity crisis according to Erikson is integrity versus despair. For those
who've embraced who they are, experienced intimacy, and cared for others, there's a sense of integrity—a feeling of
wholeness despite physical and mental decline.

Yet, maintaining this integrity gets tough when faced with losing familiar aspects of life – from relationships to
health. It's a challenging reality check, often leading to feelings of deep despair, expressed through sadness or
frustration. It's like standing on the edge, trying to hold onto yourself despite life's inevitable losses. Some find
graceful acceptance, while for others, it's a struggle against life's limits. It's a deeply personal journey of finding
peace in the closing chapters of life.

Wisdom: The Basic Strength of Old Age

As we age, the struggle between feeling complete and dealing with despair shapes psychological maturity, leading to
wisdom – the core strength of old age. Wisdom isn't just knowledge; it's a calm understanding of life, even in the
face of death. It's like having a rich perspective, shaped by a lifetime of experiences.

On the flip side, there's disdain, the opposite of wisdom. It's a reaction to feeling finished, confused, and helpless. As
Erikson and his wife approached old age, they even started describing a ninth stage, acknowledging the challenges
of physical and mental decline. Unfortunately, Joan, intrigued by this stage, passed away before exploring it further.
It's a poignant reminder of the very human journey through aging and the quest for understanding in life's final
chapters.

Summary of the Life Cycle

Imagine life as a story with different chapters. Erikson's cycle of life, summarized in Table 7.1, breaks it down into
eight stages, each marked by a unique challenge. At each stage, there's an inner struggle, a clash between positive
and negative elements that shapes who we become.

Think of it like gaining superpowers through life's challenges. But, each power has a downside – a core issue we
need to navigate. As life unfolds, our circle of relationships widens, starting with close ones like our mom in infancy
and expanding to connect with all of humanity in old age.

Even though our personalities develop in a specific time and society, Erikson believed these eight stages are
universal, fitting into almost every culture, past, and present. So, in simple terms, we're all on this shared journey,
facing similar challenges, and gaining strengths as our life story unfolds.

CRITIQUES OF ERIKSON
Erikson built his theory more on ethics and art than science. While it generates research and shows internal
consistency, it's just okay in terms of falsifiability. It's solid for organizing knowledge around developmental stages
but lacks breadth in explaining traits or motivation.

As a guide, Erikson's theory gives general advice, especially for middle-aged and older adults. It shines in aging and
relationship counseling. The terms are precisely chosen, even though not scientifically defined. However, the
theory's descriptions get a bit tangled, and it's not super simple.

In a nutshell, Erikson's theory has strengths, especially in its artistic precision, but it's not the simplest roadmap in
the psychology world.