Current Situation
Brenda is a 43-year-old divorced lady who is unhappy with her relationship status and career. Stage of Life: According to Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, Brenda’s current situation aligns with stages 6 and 7. Bowlby’s attachment theory is relevant to her relationship status and her attachment to her mother.
PSYC FPX1000 Assessment 2 Human Development – Application of Theory
Selected Theories
In Erikson’s theory, stage 6 represents the period of young adulthood, which typically occurs between the ages of 18 and 40. This stage is characterized by the psychosocial conflict of intimacy versus isolation. Individuals in this stage strive to develop close and intimate relationships with others. However, if they fail to do so, they may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. Brenda’s unhappiness with her relationship status and her reluctance to socialize or date may be indicative of her struggle with intimacy and her fear of isolation.
Stage 7 of Erikson’s theory occurs during middle adulthood, typically between the ages of 40 and 65. This stage is characterized by the psychosocial conflict of generativity versus stagnation. Individuals in this stage seek to make a positive impact on the world and nurture the next generation. Brenda’s desire to have a successful career, help others, and witness the success of her children (which she does not have) aligns with the generativity aspect of this stage.
How theory helps the understanding of development
PSYC FPX1000 Assessment 2 Human Development – Application of Theory
Bowlby’s attachment theory focuses on the importance of relationships and attachments with significant individuals, such as parents, children, and romantic partners. In Brenda’s case, her strained relationship with her mother and her failed marriage are relevant to this theory. Bowlby’s theory suggests that disruptions in early attachments can impact an individual’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships later in life.
Overall, Erikson’s theory helps us understand Brenda’s current stage of development and her struggles with intimacy and generativity. Bowlby’s attachment theory sheds light on her relationship dynamics with her mother and past husband, contributing to her current emotional state and relationship difficulties.
References
PSYC FPX1000 Assessment 2 Human Development – Application of Theory
Bosmans, G., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., Vervliet, B., Verhees, M. W. F. T., & van IJzendoorn, M. H. (2020). A learning theory of attachment: Unraveling the black box of attachment development. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 113, 287–298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.014
Cobb, K. F. (2020). Intergenerational depressive symptoms and the impact of adolescent attachment: a systematic review. Adolescent Research Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40894-020-00140-3
de Carvalho, N. A., & Veiga, F. H. (2022). Psychosocial development research in adolescence: a scoping review. Trends in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43076-022-00143-0
Maree, J. G. (2021). The psychosocial development theory of Erik Erikson: Critical overview. Early Child Development and Care, 191(7-8), 1107–1121. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2020.1845163
Robledo, J.-P., Cross, I., Boada-Bayona, L., & Demogeot, N. (2022). Back to basics: A re-evaluation of the relevance of imprinting in the genesis of Bowlby’s attachment theory. Aspace.repository.cam.ac.uk. https://doi.org/10.178
