Discuss how Erikson’s theory may explain the role of resilience in fostering successful adaptation and developmental integration amongst youth who grow up in adverse circumstances in South Africa.
This essay will talk about how Erikson’s theory may explain the role of resilience in fostering successful adaptation and developmental integration amongst youth who grow up in adverse circumstances in South Africa. This essay will explain Erikson’s theory and the stages, define resilience and explain the concept of youth at risk and how it’s prevented.
Erikson’s theory of personality was most important for his acknowledgment of a person’s entire life span (Swartz, de la Rey, Duncan, Townsend, 2008, pg 125). Erikson’s theory is that each issue in each stage needs to be resolved to achieve “the level of maturation for maximum functioning.” (Swartz et al, 2008, pg 125). Erikson’s theory consists of eight stages of psychosocial development which are age graded. The first stage is trust versus mistrust and this is from birth to twelve months. If children have constant care during this time there will be “successful resolution of the first crisis” (Swartz et al, 2008, pg 124). This trust is then used to “develop and measure relationships of trust” (Swartz et al, 2008, pg124). The second stage is autonomy versus shame and doubt and this stage ranges from one year to three years. This stage is when children develop language and exploration of the environment around them. This stage also allows the children to form some independence as well as “coming to terms with their limitations” (Swartz et al, 2008, pg124). If the child has over protective and controlling parent shame and self doubt will set in as well as a loss of independence. If the child is able to express feelings as well as “exercise restraint” (Swartz et al, 2008, pg 124) then the stage has been resolved.
The third stage is initiative versus guilt and this is from ages three to six. This age...