How to Coach Yourself and Others Techniques For Coaching | Page 239
The word 'psychosocial' is Erikson's term, effectively from the words
psychological (mind) and social (relationships). Erikson believed that
his psychosocial principle is genetically inevitable in shaping human
development. It occurs in all people.
He also referred to his theory as 'epigenesis' and the 'epigenetic
principle', which signified the concept's relevance to evolution (past
and future) and genetics. Erikson explained his use of the word
'epigenesis' thus: "...epi can mean 'above' in space as well as 'before' in
time, and in connection with genesis can well represent the space-time
nature of all development..." (from Vital Involvement in Old Age, 1989).
In Erikson's theory, Epigenetic therefore does not refer to individual
genetic make-up and its influence on individual development. This was
not central to Erikson's ideas.
Erikson, like Freud, was largely concerned with how personality and
behaviour is influenced after birth and especially during childhood. In
the 'nature v nurture' (genes v experience) debate, Erikson was firmly
focused on nurture and experience.
Erik Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development
Like other seminal concepts, Erikson's model is simple and elegant, yet
very sophisticated. The theory is a basis for broad or complex
discussion and analysis of personality and behaviour, and also for
understanding and for facilitating personal development - of self and
others.
The main elements of the theory covered in this explanation are:
Erikson theory overview - a diagram and concise explanation of the
main features of model.
The Freudian stages of psychosexual development, which
influenced Erikson's approach to the psychosocial model.
Erikson's 'psychosocial crises' (or crisis stages) - meanings and
interpretations.
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