Human Growth and Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 3

Human Growth and Development - Essay Example Being a believer of religion, spirituality and spiritual development has been part of my life. Erikson’s nine stages psychosocial development theory is very important for understanding the process of human growth and development. This theory is based on nine stages and each stage has its own socio psychological dimension and aspects (Beyers and Seiffge-Krenke, 2010). In addition, each stage has its own typical developmental characteristics which subsequently determine the personality traits and characteristics in the upcoming developmental phases of human life. For example, first stage, which starts from birth to 1 year, is known as trust vs. mistrust, highlights the psychological process of identification in which new born child determines between trust or mistrust on others. The second stage, from 2 to 3, has been identified as autonomy vs. shame and doubt and the main features of this stage include increased physical activity along with decisional authority to determine whether to assert will on others. Kroger (2007) mentions that Erikson supports the concept of hie rarchical integration in which a strong sense of identity is identified as the central to entire theme of theory. The third stage, known as initiative vs. guilt, between 4 to 5, is more relevant and child is more curious and tries to mould things and objects. In the fourth stage, which is industry vs. inferiority, between 6 to puberty, experience the rise of curiosity about things in which more inquisitive behavior and thinking develop till the age of puberty. In the fifth stage, identity vs. identity confusion, which occurs in the period of adolescence, is mainly confronted with the fundamental question of personal identity (who am I?). In this regard, Beyers and Goossens (2008) contend that some parents may not able to provide a required level of support to their children for exploring the identity issues. In the sixth stage, known as intimacy vs. isolation, which