The psychosocial development theory of Erik Erikson: critical overview

Abstract

While much has been written on the influence of Erik Erikson's contributions to education, little has been said about his place in terms of his contribution to the general theoretical notion of what it means to be a human being. This article aims to broaden current reflections on Erikson's position in the spectrum of work done on human development in general and on early child development especially. A concise qualitative theoretical overview sheds light on some basic biographical details, Erikson's academic background, the work for which he is an established name, and his views on people as sentient beings. Also discussed are the emergence of his psychosocial development theory and his core research and its possible impact on theory and practice are discussed as is his largely unacknowledged contribution to the intertwined disciplines of self – and career counselling and life design-related science, practice, and profession.