This internet assignment will provide everyone the opportunity to explore the work of Erik Erikson once considered by Freud to be the heir to the throne (psychoanalysis) by visiting once again the website of Dr. George Boeree, who a provided the background information for Freud. The website for Erikson is:
www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/erikson.html
This website provides an exhaustive review of Erikson’s biography, which just like his mentor is extremely critical for the understanding of Erikson’s theory. It continues with a thorough and clear description of the parts of Erikson’s revised version of psychoanalysis, including an in depth analysis of each of the eight stages (crises) for the development of the personality. It is this aspect of the theory that separates Erikson from Freud, especially in light of the fact the Erikson is first to emphasis the entire lifetime for the development of personality. The final section for this assignment is the conclusion and/or discussion. After reviewing this discussion section about Erikson’s theory, then provide your conclusions about Erikson’s revised theory of psychoanalysis. Some of the questions/issues that you might address include:
Do you agree/disagree with Erikson’s version of psychoanalysis as opposed to Freud’s original version?
Do you agree/disagree with the major shift in the theory by Erikson, that is, moving from a psychosexual to a psychosocial theory of personality?
What aspects of Erikson’s theory do you agree/disagree?
Was Erikson correct that personality development is a lifelong development or was Freud more accurate in his belief that personality development was completed with the development of the superego by age six?
Assignment due: Friday February 27th