Human Development: Personality - Erik Erikson

What side of the nature vs. nurture debate is Erik Erikson's theory of personality based on?

• Nature (genes/heredity/DNA)

• Nurture (culture, parents, friends, environment)

• Both

• Neither

They accept what has happened in their life, understand and accept the possibility of death. Usually they are nice people to have around.

• Integrity

• Despair

Feel true concern for their children; for future generations. Want to leave something behind of value to be remembered by. They want life to have meaning. It is a time of creating, nourishing, and cherishing what is created.

• Generativity

• Self-Absorbtion

When neglected or left on their own when in need, they develop a feeling that the world is a bad place to be. They develop feelings of fear and abandonment. They cannot give and are afraid to get their needs met.

• Trust

• Mistrust

They are only concerned with themselves and the present. They make no effort ot help the future generation or to make the world a better place; they don't care.

• Generativity

• Self-Absorbtion

Afraid to share self with others; wear "masks" to isolate their self and protect their identity.

• Intimacy

• Isolation

Important to answer the question, "Who am I?" Try new roles in life, jobs, friendships, and love relationships. Develops confidence in the person they are becoming. Learn skills and social roles needed for adulthood and begins planning for a career.

• Identity

• Role Confusion

The feel bad because they have done the wrong thing. They messed up; asked the wrong questions. Their "great ideas" were not appreciated by the important adults in their lives. Their developing conscience tells them they are wrong.

• Initiative

• Guilt

Cannot answer the question "Who am I?" They may get into trouble with the law and be put in jail because they have no clear direction where they are going. Have not developed confidence in him/herself and are not ready for a career.

• Identity

• Role Confusion

Become fully able to fuse with another in an intimate relationship; in sexuality, love, and interdependence. Ready for marriage.

• Intimacy

• Isolation