Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development Psychosocial is relating to the interrelation of social factors and individual’s thought and behavior. Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development is one of the best-known theories of personality in psychology. The main element that Erikson talks about is the development of ego identity. This identity is known to be developed through social interaction. In his theory he believes, just like Sigmund Freud, that personality develops in a series of stages. In Erikson’s first stagiest, he believes that development occurs during birth up to the age of four. He talks about how children at that age are most dependent on parents rather on themselves. He believes that children don’t really learn to depend on themselves until they are potty trained. He says, and I quote, “Learning to control one’s bodily functions lead to a feeling of control and a sense of independence.”
In Erikson’s theory, at the age of five to eleven, children begin to explore their independence and develop a sense of self. In this theory those who receive good encouragement and reinforcement, will have a strong since of control of their independence.
In dealing with adulthood, Erikson states that it is important for people to socialize with other people so that they can form committed relationships and feel secure. This I totally agree with because studies have shown that those who have a poor self-image tend to be less committed in relationships and are more likely to suffer from loneliness and