How to Coach Yourself and Others Techniques For Coaching | Page 243

meaning and
purpose, life
achievements

This chart attempts to capture and present concisely the major
elements of Erikson's theory, drawn from various Erikson books,
diagrams and other references, including Childhood and Society
(1950); Identity and the Life Cycle (1959); The Life Cycle Completed: A
Review (1982, revised 1996 by Joan Erikson); and Vital Involvement in
Old Age (1989). Erikson later suggested psychosexual stages 7 and 8,
but they are not typically part of Freud's scheme which extended only
to Puberty/Genitality. See Freud's psychosexual stages below.
Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory overview
Erikson's psychosocial theory is widely and highly regarded. As with
any concept there are critics, but generally Erikson's theory is
considered fundamentally significant. Erikson was a psychoanalyst and
also a humanitarian. So his theory is useful far beyond psychoanalysis it's useful for any application involving personal awareness and
development - of oneself or others.
There is a strong, but not essential, Freudian element in Erikson's work
and model. Fans of Freud will find the influence useful. People who
disagree with Freud, and especially his psychosexual theory, can ignore
the Freudian aspect and still find Erikson's ideas useful. Erikson's
theory stands alone and does not depend on Freud for its robustness
and relevance.
Aside from Freudian psychoanalysis, Erikson developed his theory
mainly from his extensive practical field research, initially with Native
American communities, and then also from his clinical therapy work
attached to leading mental health centres and universities. He actively
pioneered psychoanalytical development from the late 1940's until the
1990's.

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