Eriksons Lifecycle Theory - Essay Example

Human Growth Behavior Erikson’s Lifecycle theory Erikson is a most well renounced psychologist who was greatly influenced by Freud’s notion of identity. Freud was fascinated by the mysteries of creativity and imagination, (Freud, 2003) and was an ego psychologist who spoke about the role of culture and society and the disputes that happen within one self. Erikson explains that our social experiences impact our whole life. Erickson proposed a theory of psychosocial development that consist of eight stages which includes: Trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame, initiative vs. guilt, industry vs. inferiority, ego identity vs. role confusion, intimacy vs. isolation, generatively vs. stagnation and ego integrity vs. despair. According to the theory, successful completion of these stages will ensure a positive personality (Erikson, 1995). Attachment Theory J. Bowlby who is known as the father of attachment theory (Cherry, n.d) first created the attachment theory. According to Bowlby, attachment needs begin when a child is born and continues throughout his life. The infant develops his first attachment with his mother who is the first and most important caretaker. A child has natural instincts to explore the world, but if while exploring he encounters a danger; he will take refuge by coming back to his mother for security. Moreover, discipline must be the main part of a child is training otherwise it will affect his future (Barnes, 2004). Bowbly discovered that the infants who had a strong bond with their mothers, had high IQ levels, strong self-esteem and performed well at school. The infant develops a sense of security and has a positive impact later on his life. Another renowned psychologist Mary Ainsworth later extended Bowbly’s theory by stating the main styles of attachments; secure attachment, ambivalent-insecure attachment, disorganized attachment and avoid-insecure attachment (Holms, 1993). Ambivalent-insecure attachment refers to a situation when a child becomes extremely insecure when the parent leaves, this happens due to the unavailability of a parent. In Avoid attachment, the infant tries to avoid or distance the caregiver and may easily trust a complete stranger. The reason for such behavior is the result of abusive parenting styles. In disorganized style of parenting, a child may both avoid and trust a parent, thus it results in disorganized behavior in child. Hence, attachment theory is very useful in understanding a relationship not only between a mother and child but also between adult partners. Case study Mary is 45 years old and is in relationship with a man for more than ten years. Mary said that she is confused and doubt the man is not loyal with her, as a result, she tried to break up with him many times. Moreover, she had two relationships that are more romantic but the friendship ended soon. When Mary was asked about how she communicates with his boyfriends, she said that although there is very little communication, or arguments, she feels very unhappy and depressed. Keeping in mind the above story, if one studies the family background of Mary, one will find that her mother raised her because her father was an alcoholic and as a result, her parents were separated. Mary’s mother was a strong and intelligent woman, but she never discussed or communicated with her daughter about her father. Mary does not remember her father but does remember the financial frustration after her parents separated. Her mother was very quiet by nature and did not discuss anything with Mary. In Mary’s case if, we apply the attachment theory, we find out that the first bonding Mary had was with her mother. The parenting style of her mother was Avoidant adult attachment, when a child feels lonely, cannot recall his childhood experiences as an adult. Mary’s mother is seen to be unavailable for her daughter emotionally and physically which results in shaping a personality, which avoids interaction and fears love and rejection. Mary’s story clearly identifies a situation when a child who does not receive attention fails to develop romantic relationships as an adult. Is attachment theory useful? Although, attachment theory became very popular, but there were many critics who were against Bowlby’s attachment theory. Many critics were of the view that parents do not shape the personality of a child, and they are more influenced by other people like their peers. For example, a child would speak the language of their peers rather than their mother tongue. Critics believe that power of nature is stronger than the power of nurture. For instance, if two siblings are raised by two different caregivers in two separate houses may have different habbits, styles and attitude as compared to if they were brought up in the same house by the same caretaker. Moreover, if a child is raised in surroundings where people lack moral values, chances are that the child may adopt bad habits and end up committing crimes. If caretakers who try to raise their child in a good way bring up a child, but he may still follow what his peers are doing no matter how bad. Similarly, if nice people surround a child he may come back to the right path. Hence, many researchers disagree with the attachment theory because they believe that people must not blame the parents for shaping the bad character in a child, because other people who they come across with the passage of time also influence children. Children tend to behave mostly like their friends; if the friend is; violent chances are that he may become violent too no matter how lovingly he was brought up. Is attachment theory useful to social work? A children’s social worker who has enough knowledge of the Attachment theory may reap many benefits. For example, she or he may solve many issues that a child faces. The understanding of attachment theory is the most essential tool in shaping the life of the children. A social worker will resolve child related disorders easily if she understands the attachment phenomenon. A social worker who has in depth knowledge of the theory will resolve a complex situation fast as compared to the social worker who has no knowledge of the attachment theory. Today, child social worker resolves an issue quickly as compared to the earlier times because the research on Attached theory is growing day by day and people are coming up with new ideas and suggestions concerning adult and child related problems. The social worker who has more awareness about the attachment theory will quickly assess the child’s background by observing the parent’s attitude towards the child and why the child is failing badly. Moreover, attachment theory resolves child abuse cases easily, because the social worker will observe that sometimes the children from abusive backgrounds may pretend normal by smiling because they think they are safe. Hence, every child psychologist or social worker must learn the key elements of attachment theory before starting their practice because it will help them in many ways. How is Attachment theory useful in coping bereavement? Loss of a loved one could be the most difficult experiences in one’s life. People with insecure attachments may find it extremely difficult to overcome the problem and their grief becomes very complicated if they do not consult an attachment theorist or psychologist. Firstly, an attachment theorist will try to provide maximum relief to the person suffering from grief and sadness. People going through a period severe grief and mourning, will need immediate attention from a loved one. Hence, attachment theorists try their level best to calm their patients by giving them extra time, affection and attention. Attachment theory stresses on the need of care giving, because during infancy a child needs extra care and attention, which lacks in these patients because their insecure attachments makes it difficult to cope with grief. As a result, feeling of guilt and shame makes them more miserable. It is only through Attachment therapy that they can recover from the loss. Attachment theory and Adult partnership According to Bowlby, attachment is not important for infant and parent but is extremely important also in adult romantic relationships as well. If a romantic relationship fails, it may be due to the fact that affection and strong relationship bond is missing in their early life. When a child is born, he must feel secure in his caretaker’s presence. Similarly, in adult romantic relationship both partners must feel a sense of security and intimacy in each other’s presence. An adult relationship must consist of a strong communication, and the ability to talk their fears easily. Hence, the adult relationship is almost similar to the relationship between a mother and an infant because both excel when they feel safe with each other. When a child feels unsafe, scared or insecure, he feels confident that his parents will be there for him when needed. In the same way, if we consider adult romantic relationship, when one of the partners does not feel secure or confident, he or she expects his or her partner to be there for them when needed. Moreover, we may find some partners to feel secure in their relationships and some may feel insecure and worry that their partner would abandon them, just like a child who feels unloved because of the mother’s negligence. Thus, the adult relationship is similar to the parent child relationship and hence, an understanding of attachment theory is highly useful for such couples who want to start a romantic relationship. Object Relation’s theory Object Relations theory deals with psychological process, which forms as a person is growing up. For example, if an infant grows up in an abusive and violent home, chances are that she would expect the world to react in the same behavior as she or he observed while growing up. Hence, these people turn into objects in their subconscious mind, which predicts a person’s behavior during interaction or intimacy. The situation predicted by the subconscious may not be correct leading the person into situations that are more dangerous. For instance, a person who has been neglected during his early years may find a friend as his enemy, or may trust a stranger who is not reliable. According to the object relations Theory, the objects that are formed in a person’s brain are usually of the primary caretakers like parents or guardians who leave a strong influence on a person’s life as he grows up. Thus, the primary caregiver must possess good qualities like generosity, kindness loyalty and so on. The more secure an infant feel in his early years, more chances of that person having strong relationship develop as he grows up. Hence, the Object in an individual’s life must be a good human being. Moreover, according to Objects relation theory there are various types of object, the Internal Object, the External Object and the Object constancy. (Howe et al, 1999)The External Object is how a person appears to be with all his positive and negative traits. A successful and secure person will look at anybody he comes across as a whole, which means he would easily predict the negative and positive energies in any individual. However, the Internal Object is what our subconscious mind tells us about the person one interacts and not what the person is actually in real life. Hence, the internal object has a huge influence ones relationship with others. Consequently, the Object Constancy is developed in children with secure backgrounds and they learn that objects do not change because they do not see them. Thus, when a person grows up he will not feel scared in the absence of their caregivers. Case study Paul is 30 years old and suffers acute depression and mind disorders. According to Paul, he has been severely tortured by his classmates and peers and could not defend himself. Moreover, when he entered a practical life and started his first job, he found his boss to be very humiliating and always used bad language for him. Hence, he had to change his job within few months of joining and remained jobless for more than a year. Paul said that he has changed several jobs because he did not find nice people around him. If we study the background of Paul, a single mother who was usually overworked and as a result used harsh abusive language while talking to her son Paul raised him. Hence, the main Object in Paul’s life that developed a “bad mommy object” image in his mind and carried this negative image throughout his life. Thus, when he became mature, he found the whole world extremely hostile towards him and he almost failed to deal with his peers or boss at work. Paul’s early impression and memories of his childhood years were not pleasant hence; he developed hatred towards the society. Is object theory useful? Many critics and researchers are of the view that the Object Theory does not deal with extended family systems where there are uncles, aunts, grandparents and other motherly and fatherly figures who take care of the child. Therefore, the Object Theory is just restricted to parent-infant relationship, so the development procedure may differ in such cases. The major flaw in the Object theory is that it only deals with interpersonal relationships. The object theory has neglected the social system that also creates abnormal behavior in a person. How useful is object theory to social work Psychodynamic theory is the only theory available to social workers in their practice(Goldstein, 2002).A clear understanding of Object Psychodynamic theory helps social workers and psychologists to understand patients especially those with personality disorders. Object Theory is based on how to treat people who have personality issues that begin from infancy. Object relations theorist is more considered about the patient’s inner images of themselves and how they interact with other people. A social worker in a psychology field will understand their patients more if they acquire knowledge of the Object relations theory and use it in their practice. Roots of our emotional side are found during infancy (Karen, 1998). A patient is healed through various stages for example; first, the focus is on the person’s infancy stage, which is the time of one’s first object relations, which include parents. Then in stage, two the practitioner will focus on the time between infantile and adult dependence. In the stage, three the focus will be on mature dependence only. Hence, the three stages resolve the problem of the victim easily. The therapists using Object relations theory in practice are well trained and undergo personal therapy before starting the therapy so that their own internal issues do not interfere with the patient’s problems. Hence, a strong bond is formed between the psychoanalyst and the patient and the sufferer will feel at ease to share his experiences with the therapist. Objects Relations therapy forms a strong bond between a psychotherapist and patient and resolves the problem easily. How is object relations theory useful in coping loss and bereavement? Clinical research proves that if a person does not have a good caregiver at early stages of his life, he may also lack a severe ability to cope with grief and bereavement as an adult. An infant very early on in life creates models for all later experiences regarding connections with others. Individuals will have low self-esteem issues accompanied with acute depression and sadness is proper attention is not given at an early age (Fairbrian, 1952). Such individuals will try their best to find a person they can share their bereavement in order to receive unconditional love and affection, and when all efforts fail, the person will experience extreme loneliness and isolation. However, a person belonging to a secure family will deal with the loss very courageously. Such an individual who has recently lost a loved one and experiencing grief must consult an Object Relations therapist. Some families and individuals become almost dysfunctional after losing a loved one. When a strong trusting relationship is build between the patient and the therapist, it ensures speedy recovery. Many psychologists use object relations theory to deal with their patients suffering from emotional distress and anxiety after losing a loved one. Psychodynamic treatments involve the person’s childhood experiences, the object relations to understand to what extent a person feels the grief. The therapists provide help to the patients by listening intently and sending letters of condolence to express sympathy for the loss. These therapists develop a close bond with their patients so that the family members cope with their loss quickly. The therapy also includes developing strong communication skills and crisis solving tactics. How is object relations theory and Adult Partnership The way an infant resolves conflicts is reflected in his personality as an adult(Gomez, 1997). Object relations theory help romantic couples to cope with the problems that arise during intimacy and after marriage. The couples after completing the therapy develop an understanding and respect of each other’s wishes, desires and needs. The couples learn and recognize how negative childhood experiences become a hindrance in a happy married life. Hence, after gaining enough knowledge of the object theory phenomenon, the couples achieve success in their relationships and are satisfied with each other. Object relations therapy helps save marriages, most marriage problem include periods of strain; the couples feel unhappy and dissatisfied with each other or are on the verge of breakup when they come for marriage counseling. However, through object relations therapy, the partners feel better about them and stop blaming each other for the problems in their marriage. Hence, object relations therapy is the best way to attain a happy relationship. Partners receive greater satisfaction of each other’s needs for nearness and intimacy. Sigmund Freud, who healed many patients through his clinical work, first created psychoanalytic theory. Freud observed that conflicts that arise during infancy have long-term impacts on ones personality. Object relations theory and attachment theories are extremely important psychoanalytic theories that resolve many childhood problems and adult issues if applied appropriately. These theories provide solutions to interpersonal issues that affect the person as an adult because of childhood insecurities. References Holmes J. (1993). John Bowl by and Attachment Theory (Makers of Modern Psychotherapy). NewYork: Routledge. Ashford, J.B; and Lecroy, C.W. (2010). Human Behavior in the Social Environment: A Multidimensional Perspective. NewYork: Cengage Learning  Freud, S.2003. The Uncanny. NewYork: penguin classics. Howe, D.et al 1999. Attachment Theory, Child Maltreatment and Family Support: A Practice and Assessment Model. NewYork: Palgrave Macmillan. Carter and Mc gOldrick 2005. The Expanded Family Life Cycle : Individual, Family, and Social Perspectives.New York: Pearson Allyn & Bacon. Barker, P 2007. Healing Inspirations. New York: Island Reflection Barnes, G 2004. Who’s In charge here. New York: Zondervan Seale, C. 1998. Constructing death: the sociology of dying and bereavement. New York; Cambridge University Press. Erikson, E 1995. Identity: Youth and Crisis. New York: W.W. Norton. Marx, 1986. Selected Writings. NewYork: Hackett Pub Co. Frost, S. 1997. Victorian Childhoods. New York: Praeger. Masson, J 2003. And on the eighth day she rested: a novel New York: St. Martin’s Griffin. Piaget etal; 1977. The essential Piaget. New York: Basic books Goswami,U. 2004. Blackwell Handbook of Childhood Cognitive Development. New York: Wiley Blackwell. Cherry, K (n.d.) Attachment styles, Accessed at http://psychology.about.com/od/loveandattraction/ss/attachmentstyle.htm Karen, R. Becoming Attached : First Relationships and how they shape our capacity to love. New York: Oxford University Press. Goldstein, E. (2002). Object Relations Theory and Self Psychology in social work Practice. New York: Free Press Fairbairn, W. R. D. (1952). An Object-Relations Theory of the Personality. New York: Basic Books. Gomez, L. (1997). An Introduction to Object Relations Theory. London: Free Association Press Ainsworth MD (1967). Infancy in Uganda. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Read More