The Application of Social and Emotional Theory: Moving to a Retirement

Application of Social and Emotional Theory Psychosocial Theory Eric Erickson (1902-1994) was a psychoanalytical theorist who refined the study of personality development across the life stages (School of Arts, Development and Health Education, Massey University, 2012). His psychosocial theory (Newman & Newman, 2007) extended on the work of his mentor, and originating theorist; Sigmund Freud (Berk, 2012). Erickson’s theory divulged that individuals confront both negative and positive social pressures, at each life stage. How they deal with such experiences, and the learning, or lack of, acquired from them, determines how they cope and develop throughout their remaining life stages (Newman & Newman, 2007). Negative experiences not properly managed at any stage, adversely affect individual growth. Jean’s current situation relates to Erickson’s final psychosocial stage in late adulthood; integrity versus despair. This stage marks a period of self-reflection, and the associated value of one’s life. Integrity is achieved by individuals who are happy and content with their lives. On the contrary; despair and upset, are feelings expressed by those regretful of life choices, and missed opportunities, now too late to pursue. These negative emotions also exacerbate fears of their impending demise (Clairborne & Drewery, 2010; Berk, 2010). In Jean’s case, moving to a retirement village generated both feelings of despair, and ultimately integrity. She worried about her ability to look after Frank, and who would eventually take care of them both. Furthermore, Jean did not want to burden their children with their care. In fact, these are all too common concerns shared by those in late adulthood (Berk, 2010). The stress of... ...lving, and as with it, human nature. New research acknowledges this, and we can expect an emergence of new and revised developmental theories. References Berger, K.S. (2008). The developing person through the lifespan (7th ed.). New York: Worth Publishers. Berk, L.E. (2010). Exploring lifespan development (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. Clairborne, L. & Drewery, W. (2010). Human development: Family, place and culture. Sydney: McGraw-Hill. Newman, B. M., & Newman, P.R. (2007). Theories of human development. Mahwah, N.J: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Papalia, D.E., Olds, S. W. & Feldman, R.D. (2009). Human development (11th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill School of Arts, Development and Health Education, Massey University. (2012). 275.102 Human Development: Course material. Palmerston North, New Zealand: Author.