Erik Erikson's Life and Career

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Questions and Answers

Why did Erikson change his surname from Homburger to Erikson?

To pursue a career in art

To identify with his Danish heritage

To distance himself from his stepfather

To become a U.S. citizen (correct)

Why did Erikson's mother go to Germany to give birth?

To avoid social stigma (correct)

To receive better medical care

To be closer to her Danish family

To meet her future husband

What was the role of Dr. Theodore Homburger in Erikson's life?

Erikson's pediatrician and stepfather (correct)

Erikson's mentor in psychology

Erikson's biological father

Erikson's art teacher

How did Erikson's classmates react to him due to his Jewish stepfather?

They rejected him due to his Jewish stepfather Signup and view all the answers

What did Erikson use to discover his identity?

His artistic talent Signup and view all the answers

Where did Erikson study art and display his work?

Munich Signup and view all the answers

What led Erikson to enter child development studies?

His experience teaching in Vienna for Sigmund Freud's patients' children Signup and view all the answers

What is a common theme in Erikson's life struggles and identity development?

The struggle for social acceptance Signup and view all the answers

According to Erikson, how do we develop virtues or positive traits?

By building on the good qualities developed in the previous stage Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of successfully resolving psychosocial conflicts?

Building the strength to face the next stage Signup and view all the answers

What does inconsistent care or neglect lead to in Erikson's first stage?

Mistrust Signup and view all the answers

What is the opposite of autonomy in Erikson's second stage?

Shame and doubt Signup and view all the answers

How do supportive parents foster a sense of purpose in their children?

By encouraging independence Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of maladaptive behaviors in Erikson's theory?

Difficulty facing next stage Signup and view all the answers

How does Erikson's theory differ from Freud's?

Erikson emphasizes the importance of social and cultural factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary driving force behind development in Erikson's theory?

Epigenetic principle Signup and view all the answers

Who sparked Erikson's interest in psychoanalysis and child development?

Anna Freud Signup and view all the answers

What was Erikson's initial hesitation to marry due to?

Societal expectations and fears Signup and view all the answers

What did Erikson explore in his research on South Dakota's Sioux Indians?

The role of culture in shaping identity development Signup and view all the answers

What did Erikson term as the main problem people have in understanding themselves?

Identity confusion Signup and view all the answers

What did Erikson establish in the United States?

A psychoanalytic practice Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Erikson's three marriage ceremonies?

It was a sign of his commitment to Joan Signup and view all the answers

Who did Erikson collaborate with on his research projects?

Other researchers and academics Signup and view all the answers

What was Joan Serson's role in Erikson's life?

She was his intellectual partner Signup and view all the answers

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