Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development, Essay Example

I believe that I am in The Young-Adult Stage of Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development (Harder, 2009).  My belief is based largely on the fact that, while I used to prefer independence, I now feel happiest interacting with others. For instance, when I was younger, I often spent time reading alone, cooking alone and biking alone. At the time, this was satisfactory and pleasing. Now it is not. Isolation has become less appealing (and perhaps even disturbing). Therefore, friends and companionship now take precedence over “alone time.” I have begun to enjoy eating, exercising and interacting with others far more than I enjoy evenings alone.

Furthermore, whereas, in the past, attractiveness was one of the only qualities that mattered to me in terms of matches, I have begun to be more aware of the importance of love and commitment, as well as the importance of a strong family. I find that I am more drawn to those who feel comfortable interacting with others than those who are isolated, probably due to the fact that in this stage, companionship has become very appealing and perhaps even necessary. The idea of isolation, meanwhile, has become distasteful. I have found that when one friend suggests a quiet indoor activity, such as movie watching or gaming, I am inclined to decline the offer in favor of plans involving more activity and more interaction with others (Harder, 2009).

Erickson characterizes the period of Young Adulthood as a period pitting Identity against Role Confusion. I believe that at this point, I have a much greater sense of identity than I have in the past. Throughout high school, I was constantly concerned with what others thought about how I looked or did things, but I have become much more confident and relaxed since that time. Fidelity has also become important to me, and I have begun to maintain friendships without being concerned about how they might be perceived by others.

Erickson mentions one more thing that I particularly identify with. According to him, those who are 22-64 are concerned with “generativity “– which means they care about the next generation. Whereas, in high school, I tended to be a little too concerned with myself and often paid little attention to others, I have found that I have become more concerned with helping the environment and improving the lives of those who come after me (Harder, 2009).

Works Cited

Harder, A. F. (2009). The Developmental Stages of Erik Erikson. Retrieved August 28, 2010, from Learning Place Online: http://www.learningplaceonline.com/stages/organize/Erikson.htm