Personality Theory

Personality Theory Paper

University of Phoenix

Personality Theory Paper

This class has taught me a great deal about personality theories. There are several valid points and influences in all the theories that have affected my life in many ways. The one theory that has been the most influential on my life is the psychosocial theory by Erik Erikson. In this paper I will summarize the psychosocial theory, explain how it influences my understanding of personalities and behavior in society and the workplace, and the influence on roles in society, workplace, and my interaction with others.

Psychosocial Theory

According to Daniel Cervone and Lawrence Pervin (2010) “Erikson believed that development was not merely psychosexual but also psychosocial.” He believed that a very important factor to personality development is a positive childhood. Erikson found truth in Freud’s theory; however he decided to expand on his theory. According to Doug Davis and Alan Clifton (1995) “Erikson believed social interactions and the involvement of parents can influence a positive development and rejected the idea that personality development is based on sexuality.” He developed the eight stages of development which included social issues.

From his research Erikson created the eight stages of psychosocial development. Each stage can create positive and negative outcomes on personality development. These eight stages are labeled as 1). Basic Trust versus Mistrust, 2). Autonomy versus Shame and Guilt, 3). Initiative versus Guilt, 4). Industry versus Inferiority, 5). Identity versus Role Diffusion, 6). Intimacy versus Isolation, 7). Generatively versus Stagnation, and 8). Integrity versus Despair.

The first stage of development occurs between birth and age one which is “Trust versus Mistrust”. This typically occurs between child and caregiver. The feeling of trust or mistrust results from the attentiveness and consistency of the child’ parent and or caregiver. The second stage takes...