Stage 5: Adolescence – Identity vs. Role Confusion
Lifespan Development
Readings: Chapter 9
Online Book: https://openstax.org/books/psychology/pages/preface
Additional video resources available below:
Overview of Theories of Development
(note additional video sources on each developmental theorist that display on the right side of the screen when accessing the above link)
Discussion Topic:
Choose at least one of the following stages from Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development (9.2 Lifespan Theories):
Stage 4: Middle Childhood (6-12) – Industry vs. Inferiority
Stage 5: Adolescence – Identity vs. Role Confusion
Stage 6: Young Adulthood – Intimacy vs. Isolation
Stage 7: Middle Adulthood – Generativity vs. Stagnation
Stage 8: Late Adulthood – Integrity vs. Despair
For the stage(s) you choose, you are to discuss either a) your personal experiences or b) the experiences of someone you know (e.g., parent, grandparent, neighbor, coach, etc.) with the developmental tasks relevant to the stage as well as your opinion as to whether or not you (or your chosen person) has resolved the psychosocial dilemma (or conflict) relevant to the stage.
A developmental task is something that must be mastered in order for optimal development to occur (for example, learning to read in childhood). A psychosocial dilemma or conflict is a condition that is faced at each stage. How and/or whether or not the conflict is resolved directly relates to future behavior and personal growth. For example, from birth to 1 year, infants will develop trust or mistrust depending upon how the caregiver interacts and reacts to the infant. If an infant is neglected and his needs are not met, this infant will have difficulty trusting others in future relationships and one would say the conflict was not resolved.
You must support your ideas and opinions with the use of specific personal examples as well as relevant course material (i.e., textbook). In order to earn full credit, you must include a minimum of 2 course concepts AND a minimum of 2 personal experiences to justify your opinions and ideas.
You’re encouraged to review the following resources related to Erikson’s stage theory:
http://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html
Video on Ericksons 8 Stage Theory