One of the key aspects of Erikson's theory is his ideas concerning the fixed, stage theory of psychosocial development. Your task this week is to examine how each psychosocial conflict applies (or will apply) to your own life. Start by thinking about the following list of events in your life. For each event, list what was (or will be) your greatest concern at each event:
- first day of kindergarten
- first day of junior high school
- high school graduation
- college graduation
- 10 year high school reunion
- 30 year high school
- 50 year high school reunion
Now look back at your list and relate your responses to Erikson's psychosocial stages and conflicts. How do your concerns relate to psychosocial development? Was Erikson accurate in his theories about the various conflicts that we all experience?