Erikson's Psychosocial Stages of Development

Erikson's Psychosocial Stages of Development

The first thing that stood out to me is that very few of my scores fell into a "normal" range of values. I thought this was very interesting. I would describe myself as a trusting person, but I am also cautious. My value for trust was higher than the normal value, but my mistrust was considered normal. I would say I have a very good balance of trust and mistrust. According to Erikson, "High scorers in trust have a strong conviction that their needs, both material and emotional, will be satisfied-- that the world and the people in it are basically good and well-meaning." I do not believe I fall into this category and less than another person. I truly believe that the world is a beautiful, and good place, with a few people who are evil. In the mistrust category, I would say I have enough mistrust to be cautious, and aware of what is happening around me, but I do not possess any of the characteristics given to high scorers in mistrust. Being the first-born, it would make sense to me that I was very dependant and given a large amount of attention from my mother.

From this point on, my negative values are not even close to the normal value for the rest of the test. My negative values are very far out of the normal range. Next on the list, autonomy vs. shame and doubt. My autonomy P score was my second highest score. It is in the 99th percentile. Erikson believes that a strong sense of autonomy is created is parents guide their children's behavior gradually and firmly. I think this describes my parents' parenting style. Not only was autonomy one of my highest scores, shame and doubt was my LOWEST score. This is a direct result of my parent's excellent skills in letting me make my own decisions, but teaching me at the same time. They found the thin line that many parents are not able to.

My initiative score is off the chart. I chose the answer of "very much like me" on every answer. I can single handedly give credit of this to my father. My father has always gone above and beyond to push me to be the very best. This is the first stage of Erikson's that I do not entirely agree with. I do not think that fantasizing about the parent of the opposite sex has anything to do with how an adult's initiative will be. I have initiative because I want to be the very best. My dad has always strived to be the best, and has pushed my brother and I to do the same. I take pride in taking initiative in situations, and I get very offended if someone gets in my way when I am trying to do something my way. My guilt value is very low, and this agrees with what I just said, I have no problem telling someone that I am going to do something my way.

Again, one of my P values is above the normal. This time, industry. My inferiority value was lower than the normal as well. So I have a high ability to being active towards learning, competence, and production. Like Erickson said, I also "relish achievement in my work, skills, and abilities." I believe this characteristic goes hand in hand with the initiative value. I am determined to get things done, and I also take much pride in my work. This describes me greatly. I do not consider