Psychology – Theories of Personality
Study Guide
Western Mindanao State University
Erik Homburger Erikson (1902 – 1994)
Biography:
• Psychoanalytic or Ego Psychology
• Born in Germany (June 15, 1902)
• Spent several year traveling, trying to “find himself” and returning home at the age of 25 to
settle down and teach art
• Teach art, history and various subjects in Vienna
• Study Montessori system which influenced his interest in play therapy and child analysis
View of Man
• Study extends to the developing child beyond puberty
• Interested in how children socialize and how this affects their sense of self
• Emphasizing that the ego continue to acquire new characteristics as it meets new situation in
life
• Ego as the tool by which a person organizes outside information, test perception, selects
memories, governs actions adaptability and integrates the capacities of orientation and planning
• Strong ego is characterized by eight virtues resulting from the positive solution of each crisis
Theories and key concepts
• Erikson saw humans basically social animals who have limited free choice and who are
motivated by past experiences, which may be either conscious or unconscious. In addition,
Erikson is rated high on both optimism and uniqueness of individuals.
• Ego psychology
◦ Emphasizes the influence of the ego in healthy growth and adjustment and as the source of
self-awareness and identity.
• Psycho-Social Development of personality
◦ Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development has eight distinct stage, each with two
possible outcomes. According to the theory, successful completion of each stage results in a
healthy personality and successful interactions with others. Failure to successfully complete
a stage can result in a reduces ability to complete further stages and therefore a more
unhealthy personality and sense of self. These stages, however, can be resolved successfully
at a later time.
Approximate Virtues Psycho Social Significant Existential Examples
Age Crisis Relationship Question
0 – 2 years Hopes Basic Trust vs. Mother Can I Trust the Feeding,
Mistrust World? Abandonment
2 – 4 years Will Autonomy cs. Parents Is It Okay To Toilet Training,
Shame and Be Me? Clothing
Doubt Themselves
4 – 5 years Purpose Initiative vs. Family Is It Okay For Exploring,
Study Guide
Western Mindanao State University
Erik Homburger Erikson (1902 – 1994)
Biography:
• Psychoanalytic or Ego Psychology
• Born in Germany (June 15, 1902)
• Spent several year traveling, trying to “find himself” and returning home at the age of 25 to
settle down and teach art
• Teach art, history and various subjects in Vienna
• Study Montessori system which influenced his interest in play therapy and child analysis
View of Man
• Study extends to the developing child beyond puberty
• Interested in how children socialize and how this affects their sense of self
• Emphasizing that the ego continue to acquire new characteristics as it meets new situation in
life
• Ego as the tool by which a person organizes outside information, test perception, selects
memories, governs actions adaptability and integrates the capacities of orientation and planning
• Strong ego is characterized by eight virtues resulting from the positive solution of each crisis
Theories and key concepts
• Erikson saw humans basically social animals who have limited free choice and who are
motivated by past experiences, which may be either conscious or unconscious. In addition,
Erikson is rated high on both optimism and uniqueness of individuals.
• Ego psychology
◦ Emphasizes the influence of the ego in healthy growth and adjustment and as the source of
self-awareness and identity.
• Psycho-Social Development of personality
◦ Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development has eight distinct stage, each with two
possible outcomes. According to the theory, successful completion of each stage results in a
healthy personality and successful interactions with others. Failure to successfully complete
a stage can result in a reduces ability to complete further stages and therefore a more
unhealthy personality and sense of self. These stages, however, can be resolved successfully
at a later time.
Approximate Virtues Psycho Social Significant Existential Examples
Age Crisis Relationship Question
0 – 2 years Hopes Basic Trust vs. Mother Can I Trust the Feeding,
Mistrust World? Abandonment
2 – 4 years Will Autonomy cs. Parents Is It Okay To Toilet Training,
Shame and Be Me? Clothing
Doubt Themselves
4 – 5 years Purpose Initiative vs. Family Is It Okay For Exploring,
