24 Questions
Why did Erikson change his surname from Homburger to Erikson?
To become a U.S. citizen
Why did Erikson's mother go to Germany to give birth?
To avoid social stigma
What was the role of Dr. Theodore Homburger in Erikson's life?
Erikson's pediatrician and stepfather
How did Erikson's classmates react to him due to his Jewish stepfather?
They rejected him due to his Jewish stepfather
What did Erikson use to discover his identity?
His artistic talent
Where did Erikson study art and display his work?
Munich
What led Erikson to enter child development studies?
His experience teaching in Vienna for Sigmund Freud's patients' children
What is a common theme in Erikson's life struggles and identity development?
The struggle for social acceptance
According to Erikson, how do we develop virtues or positive traits?
By building on the good qualities developed in the previous stage
What is the outcome of successfully resolving psychosocial conflicts?
Building the strength to face the next stage
What does inconsistent care or neglect lead to in Erikson's first stage?
Mistrust
What is the opposite of autonomy in Erikson's second stage?
Shame and doubt
How do supportive parents foster a sense of purpose in their children?
By encouraging independence
What is the outcome of maladaptive behaviors in Erikson's theory?
Difficulty facing next stage
How does Erikson's theory differ from Freud's?
Erikson emphasizes the importance of social and cultural factors
What is the primary driving force behind development in Erikson's theory?
Epigenetic principle
Who sparked Erikson's interest in psychoanalysis and child development?
Anna Freud
What was Erikson's initial hesitation to marry due to?
Societal expectations and fears
What did Erikson explore in his research on South Dakota's Sioux Indians?
The role of culture in shaping identity development
What did Erikson term as the main problem people have in understanding themselves?
Identity confusion
What did Erikson establish in the United States?
A psychoanalytic practice
What was the significance of Erikson's three marriage ceremonies?
It was a sign of his commitment to Joan
Who did Erikson collaborate with on his research projects?
Other researchers and academics
What was Joan Serson's role in Erikson's life?
She was his intellectual partner
Study Notes
Erik Erikson's Life and Contributions
- Analyzed by Anna Freud, which sparked Erikson's interest in psychoanalysis and child development
- Met Joan Serson in 1929 and fell in love, but initially hesitated to marry due to fears and societal expectations
- Married Joan three times on different occasions, and she became his intellectual partner
Professional Growth and Interest in Culture and Childhood
- Established a psychoanalytic practice in the US, working with emotionally disturbed youth
- Started graduate work at Harvard University
- Explored culture's impact on childhood, collaborating on studies, including research on South Dakota's Sioux Indians
Emphasis on Culture and Identity
- Stressed the role of culture in shaping identity development
- Introduced the concept of "identity confusion," which refers to not having a clear sense of who you are
Identity Theory
- Introduced the concept of identity crisis, which is a struggle to find one's sense of identity
- Identified eight stages of lifespan development, each with a unique crisis or conflict that must be resolved
Erik Erikson's Life Struggles
- Born in Germany to a Danish mother, who later married Erikson's pediatrician, Dr. Theodore Homburger
- Experienced parentage uncertainty, leading to struggles with identity and self-doubt
- Changed surname to Erikson from Homburger at 37 upon becoming a US citizen
Artistic Pursuits and Search for Identity
- Used artistic talent to discover who he was and explore his identity
- Traveled in Europe and avoided a regular lifestyle, leading to a deeper understanding of identity crisis
Stages of Development
- Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy): Infants develop trust when caregivers consistently meet their needs, or mistrust if care is inconsistent
- Autonomy vs. Doubt and Shame (Early Childhood): Children seek autonomy, but overly restrictive parenting can lead to doubt and shame
- Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool Years): Children explore and take initiative, but overly critical parents can induce guilt
Explore the life and career of Erik Erikson, a renowned psychoanalyst, including his interests, personal relationships, and professional development.
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