A Self-Analysis Using Erikson’s Stages of Development Throughout life every person faces different challenges and hardships that help shape the person they are and will become. The way each of us handles these challenges will, often times, directly influence how we handle future circumstances. Psychoanalyst Erik Erikson describes the challenges we must all face and overcome as developmental crises. His theory suggests that during every stage of development we are faced with a different crisis that needs resolved. According to Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman (2013), “The degree to which crises in earlier stages are resolved will affect a person’s ability to resolve crises in later stages” (p. 303). Though the specific challenges and circumstances faced …show more content…
The majority of this stage is comprised of what is often described as the “terrible two’s.” This is the age children strive for independence. They are attempting to accomplish basic tasks, such as dressing, feeding, and toileting, on their own. Parrish (2014) also addresses the social aspect of this stage in which children’s ability to play with others and learn from their curiosity “necessitates an emerging capacity to control basic urges” (p. 61). Successfully resolving the crisis of autonomy versus shame and doubt will lead to “feelings of self-worth and self-confidence” (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2013, p. 303) along with “the capacity to exert willpower” (Parish, 2014, p. …show more content…
My 28-year-old sister is very dependent on my parents. She spends her paychecks on eating out and going to the bar and then is unable to pay bills. On the other hand, within a day or two of payday, I pay bills, go grocery shopping, and put money into savings. Any money left after that can be spent on entertainment and recreational activities. My sister is from a generation of instant gratification, when she decides she wants something, she wants it right then, regardless of the consequences. I have the ability to “exert willpower” and realize that oftentimes you simply cannot have what you want when you want