Erik Erikson Ego Identity (1902-1994). Erikson\'s Seven Issues Erik Erikson was
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Question
Erik Erikson Ego Identity (1902-1994). Erikson's Seven Issues Erik Erikson was one of the first theorists to propose the concept of identity. He also believed that identity formation is a crucial task for adolescents, and that it is a fluid process involving exploration of choices and alternatives. For this discussion, choose one of Erikson's seven issues described in your text. Explain how the issue you selected can influence an adolescent's sense of self. Be sure to support your post with concepts from this unit's assigned readings.
Explanation / Answer
During adolescence, the transition from childhood to adulthood is most important. Children are becoming more independent, and begin to look at the future in terms of career, relationships, families, housing, etc. The individual wants to belong to a society and fit in.
The fifth stage is identity vs. role confusion, and it occurs during adolescence, from about 12-18 years. During this stage, adolescents search for a sense of self and personal identity, through an intense exploration of personal values, beliefs, and goals.
This is a major stage of development where the child has to learn the roles he will occupy as an adult. It is during this stage that the adolescent will re-examine his identity and try to find out exactly who he or she is. Erikson suggests that two identities are involved: the sexual and the occupational.
Erikson claims that the adolescent may feel uncomfortable about their body for a while until they can adapt and “grow into” the changes. Success in this stage will lead to the virtue of fidelity.
Fidelity involves being able to commit one's self to others on the basis of accepting others, even when there may be ideological differences.
During this period, they explore possibilities and begin to form their own identity based upon the outcome of their explorations. Failure to establish a sense of identity within society ("I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up") can lead to role confusion. Role confusion involves the individual not being sure about themselves or their place in society.
The fifth stage occurs during adolescence, from about 12-18 years.
Teenagers explore who they are as individuals, and seek to establish a sense of self, and may experiment with different roles, activities, and behaviors.
According to Erikson, this is important to the process of forming a strong identity and developing a sense of direction in life.
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