Erik EriksonBy Dermot McElhennon

Introduction

Biographical Information

– Early Childhood

– Transition to Psychology Major Works by Erikson

– Works on Identity

– Psychosocial Stages

Early Childhood

Born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1902 Danish Parents

Result of an “extramarital union” Guarded from Erickson Never met his biological father or mother's first

husband

Early Childhood Continued

Erickson's Mother Remarried Dr. Theodor Homberger Erickson was told this was his father

Revelation of the Truth Sparked confusion in young Erickson's life Contributed to his later works

Early Schooling for Erickson

Early Schooling was at the Temple Strict, Jewish family and schooling Teased by the other children for his appearance

Nordic (tall, blonde, blue eyes)

Experience at Grammar School Teased for his Jewish upbringing Rejected by his schoolmates

Erickson's College Years

Wasn't a Firm Believer in the Education System Travelled around Europe for one year Maintained a diary

Returned to Germany to Enroll in an Art Program New found passion

Acquired a Position Teaching Art in Vienna Children's parents were under Freudian Training Key time in Erickson's life

Early Years of Career

Began to Establish his Identity Changed name from Homberger to Erickson

Admitted into Vienna Psychoanalytic Institute Worked closely with Anna Freud Introduced to Sigmund Freud

Immigration to the United States

Immigrated to Boston in 1933 First Child Psychoanalyst Acquired Position at Harvard

Numerous Institutions in the United States Yale, UC Berkeley, Menninger Institute

Wide Focus on his Works Changes in the United States Children of Native American Tribes

Major Psychological Works

Slowly Introduced to Psychology Star Wars

Expert on the Human Personality Erickson's Psychosocial Stages Considered by many to be his most influential

Erickson's Stages of Development

Eight Stages of Development Infancy to Eventual Death Stages of Life

Influenced by Freud Psychosexual Development Stages

Stage 1: Infancy

Occurs During Infancy Birth to 18 months

Trust vs. Mistrust Who can I trust?

Important Event During This Period Feeding

Stage 2: Early Childhood

Two to Three Years Old Autonomy vs. Fear and Doubt

Sense of Personal Control Independence

Important Event During This Time Infamous “Potty Training”

Stage 3: Preschool Years

Three to Five Years Old Initiative vs. Guilt

Assertion of control over their environment Sense of Purpose

Important Event During This Time Exploration

Stage 4: School Age

6-11 Years Old Industry vs. Inferiority

Coping of new social and academic demands Feeling of belonging vs. inferiority

Important Events During This Time School

Stage 5: Adolescence

12 to 18 Years Old Identity vs. Role Confusion

Development of personal identity “Staying true to one's self”

Important Events During This Time Development of stronger social relationships

Stage 6: Young Adulthood

19 Until 40 Years Old Intimacy vs. Isolation

Intimate, Deeper Relationships Spouses

Important Events During This Time Development of stronger personal relationships

Stage 7: Middle Adulthood

40 Until 65 Years Old Generativity vs. Stagnation

Development of things that will outlast them Raising Children Developing a legacy

Benefits of others Important Events During This Time

Work and Parenthood

Stage 8: Maturity

65 Until Death of the Individual Ego Integrity vs. Despair

Recap of an individual's life Sense of fulfillment or despair

Important Events During This Time Reflection on Life

Closing Thoughts

Erickson's Major Works Benefitted from personal experiences Identity Confusion

Life-long Goal of Erickson Establish Stages of Identity

Field Any Questions?