Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development comprises of eight stages of human development. The first five stages happen within 18 years while the other three go beyond adulthood. Erikson emphasizes on the adolescent stage as a crucial point in developing an individual’s identity (Malone, Liu, Vaillant, Rentz " Waldinger, 2016). Erikson assumes the existence of a crisis at every stage, which is psychosocial in nature and pursues the satisfaction of an individual’s psychological needs in conflict with societal needs. The successful completion of the different stages builds a strong personality entailing basic virtues that help to resolve ensuing crises. However, failure to achieve creates an unhealthy personality with a poor sense of self abilities.
Why this is a theory and not a hypothesis, law or model
Erikson’s theory is not a hypothesis, law or model owing to its presentation as a general principle that embodies an explanation for a wide array of phenomena (Bordens " Abbott, 2002). It encompasses of either one or more hypothesis whose support as a theory is aided by repeated testing to ensure it is valid. Erikson’s theory is proven especially with the different stages that human beings evolve from infancy to adulthood. Since it is not a guess on what is known or observed, the theory is not a hypothesis. Erikson’s theory is not a law as it is based on a proper explanation rather than a single statement with a mathematical equation as in the case of laws. The theory is also not a model though it is established upon developing a valid observation. It is a general principle depicting a range of stages associated with human development.
The type of explanation the theory provides (mechanistic vs. functional) and why,
Erikson’s theory of psychosocial and psychosexual development offers a functional explanation about the development of self, control and organized forces of continued growth along with human growth (Malone et al, 2016). The functionality emphasizes on the individuation and separation of development adaptations and crises. The theory’s explanation is not mechanistic, which entails the deterministic perspectives of man who is haunted by dark forces of restrictive and unconscious influences.
The classification of the theory (quantitative or qualitative) and why
Erikson’s development theory was quantitative due to the belief that the formation of stages occur around a physical maturation (Bordens et al., 2002). Therefore, a person is unable to skip stages and has to progress from one stage to another. Erikson also considered the theory qualitative owing to his ability to regress to past stages to reinforce or complete identity development stages so as to improve personality.
At what level of description the theory operates (descriptive, analogical or fundamental)
Erikson’s theory operates at the descriptive level as it uses a descriptive language to explain the current position of an individual in the context of psychosocial development (Bordens et al., 2002).
The theory’s domain
Erikson’s theory highlights the social nature associated with human development rather than the sexual nature. The theorist suggested that personality development happens throughout the lifespan (Malone et al., 2016). He noted that human interactions affects their sense of self or rather ego identity. Therefore, humans are motivated by the desire to achieve competence in particular areas of their lives.
References
Bordens, K. S., " Abbott, B. B. (2002). Research design and methods: A process approach. McGraw-Hill.
Malone, J. C., Liu, S. R., Vaillant, G. E., Rentz, D. M., " Waldinger, R. J. (2016). Midlife Eriksonian psychosocial development: Setting the stage for late-life cognitive and emotional health. Developmental psychology, 52(3), 496.
