Write Paper about Erik Erikson's work and play model

Erik Erikson

Will Kasparian Garrett Schrock Nicholas Grinde

Erik Erikson June 15, 1905 - May 12, 1994

Erik Erikson was a German born psychologist

and psychoanalyst. Decided against going to

college and after traveling for a year, he

enrolled in art school where he began to teach

American children who enrolled in Freudian

training. He moved to Boston in 1933 to take a

position at Harvard Medical School and

became America’s first child analyst. Erikson

also held positions at Yale and Berkeley.

Sigmund and Anna Freud had a large impact on

Erikson’s work.

Erikson’s Theory

Erikson believed that humans developed

throughout their lifespan, unlike Freud,

who believed human personality was

shaped by age 5. He listed 8 stages of

development and believed that each

stage had a climax which had to be

resolved to move on to the next stage. In

his book Toys and Reasons Erikson links

the eight stages of the life cycle to

everyday forms of ritualization.

The 8 stages of Erikson’s psychological

theory:

● Trust vs. mistrust ● Autonomy vs. shame ● Initiative vs. guilt ● Industry vs. inferiority ● Ego identity vs. role confusion ● Intimacy vs isolation ● Generativity vs. stagnation ● Ego integrity vs. despair

From Toys and Reasons: Stages in the Ritualization of Experience

In the book Toys and Reasons Erikson examines the relationship of play to reality with forms of ritualization

and relates them to the stages of the life cycle. These forms of ritualization support behavior patterns that help

us adapt to our cultural system.

Ritual element- The support of formation of a set of behavior patterns that are adaptive through a given culture

system. The stage of life the subject is going through.

Form of encounter- The life experience with another human being that forms the behavior or belief.

Disorienting experiences- The negative behavior that a person exemplifies towards the subject during the life

stages.

Ritual excess- The set of beliefs the subject forms when the ritual process is in abundance.

Trust vs. Mistrust

● Ritual element- Numinous stage also considered as the infancy stage. The relationship between the mother and child develops .

● Form of encounter- Mutual recognition. The bases of trust that develops between the individual and others. The connection and interaction between mother and individual that makes them feel

a sense of belonging.

● Disorienting experience- Separation or abandonment issues will form if the mother approaches with a worried concern, anxiously rendering a name, or ignores the child in time of need.

● Ritual excess- Idolism. When trust and mutuality develop in excess the mother can become the idol of the child. This can led to the feeling of abandonment when the mother is not easily

accessible.

Autonomy vs. Shame

● Ritual element- Judicious stage which is the second stage of life. Life rapidly advances in Psychosocial autonomy where the individual test ways of playing and deciding limits.

● Form of encounter- Discipline from adults and acquaintances which lets the individual know what is acceptable forms of play in society. Trials of play that an individual goes through where decision are made based off of what

looks correct and what feels natural.

● Disorienting experience- The individual either experiences approval or disapproval from society based on their actions of play. If the individual’s experience involves being shamed, the result impacts the play behavior and

causes self doubt.

● Ritual excess- Legalism. If the individual fails to be shamed and repent properly, the community loses control and often seeks to again gain control through extreme punitive action.

Initiative vs. Guilt

Ritual Element- Dramatic, where the child uses toys to relive, correct, and recreate past

experiences to anticipate future events. The child is looking for role models.

Form of Encounter- Drama/Story- The child is experimenting with self-images and the images of

others. The community provides a stage for individual initiative and innovation.

Disorienting Experience- Self-condemnation. It is a time of testing and experimenting. Child

performs and competes for a place in the community. The child gets feedback to see how the

behavior fits.

Ritual Excess- Moralism - Can lead to egotism and an excessive preoccupation with self. We

need to learn to learn competence and self-sacrifice.

Industry vs. Inferiority

Ritual Element-Ideological-This element is during school years and is more formal/technical.

Form of Encounter-There are shared convictions in the community. Play is guided by more

serious work. Methodical performance is required and is influenced by teachers and discipline.

Disorienting Experience- Incompetence Humans can strive for method and logic which can lead

to self-enslavement. Norms and discipline can alienate individuals who find it hard to meet the

letter of the law.

Ritual Excess- Formalism- Over formalism and the attempt for perfection. People can resist

institutional demands which are seen as illogical if they demand exclusive commitment. This is

especially the case if an individual is exposed to more than one subcommunity.

Ego identity vs. Role confusion

Ritual Element- Ideological and the search for the ideal. Making opinions on what their ideal

friend, college, or job should be.

Form of Encounter- Shared Convictions. The individual goes through the process of sorting out

and solidifying their convictions. Their influences could be their friends, family, and peers.

Disorienting Experience-Selflessness There may be few ideal alternatives in rural communities

and many options in metropolitan areas. The individual knows that the models around are less

than ideal.

Ritual Excess- Totalism Examples are the efforts to find the perfect job or the partner. This

search can lead to problems of what is ideal and attainable.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Ritual Element- Affiliative- Period in early adulthood where you build personal relationships

Form of Encounter- Mutuality- In young adulthood we begin to share ourselves more intimately.

Trying to find someone to share a strong and intimate relationship, that is happy, enduring, and

secure.

Disorienting Experience- Exclusion - The individual tries to determine what is worth making a

commitment to only one. This can lead to loneliness and depression

Ritual Excess- Elitism- Shared narcissism, and excluding yourself from others.

Generativity vs. Stagnation Ritual Element-Generational- Wanting to give back to society, through parenting, work, and

relationships.

Form of Encounter- Care for others . The younger generation realizes there is a pay off in

adulthood. Start mentoring and teaching children.

Disorienting Experience- Irresponsibility- Individual is not giving back to community and will feel

unproductive and uninvolved in the world.

Ritual Excess- Authoritism- Becoming oppressive, and abusing your authority on people.

Ego Integrity vs. Despair Ritual Element- Integral part of a community.

Form of Encounter- Personify Wisdom . Individual looks back to the positive accomplishments

in their life.

Disorienting Experience-Incoherence. The adult feels his life was unsuccessful, and experience

regrets. This can lead to hopelessness and depression.

Ritual Excess- Dogmatism- Believing your accomplishments are successful without facts or

evidence to prove it.

Relation to Play

● Erikson believes the play of children is not just a way to express conflicts and problems but also a way to find symbolic solutions.

● Play and imagination are recognized by Erikson as means through which children learn about themselves and their social world.

● Play allows for conceptual thought to develop and the possibilities are explored through the imagination.

● Erikson explores play and talks about the value, how it offers the ability to be creative and be free. He describes play as unique and yet challenging.

● Play allows for vision which Erikson describes as including the capacity to see what is before us right now and the ability to foresee might be possible in the future.