Erik Erikson

1902–1994 · Germany and United States

Psychoanalyst whose 1950 book Childhood and Society set out his theory of psychosocial development.Encyclopaedia Britannica · Childhood and Society ↗

Core ideas

Life has eight psychosocial stages, each with its own demands, continuing into old age.Encyclopaedia Britannica · Childhood and Society ↗
Adolescence centres on forming an identity - a sense of who one is.Meeus, 2011

What it means for parents today: Teens trying out new ideas and friendships is part of building who they are. A warm home helps.Meeus, 2011

Identity does develop gradually through adolescence, and teens with a more settled identity tend to be better adjusted.Meeus, 2011

Identity formation is less of a dramatic "crisis" than often assumed; many teens change little.Meeus, 2011

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