Erik+Erikson+5

E r i k E r i k s o n "Doubt is the brother of shame."

June 15, 1902-1994
German Freudian ego-psychologist, teacher, and author.

Psychoanalytic Perspective
Erik Erikson believed unconcious forces influence human behavior. He also believed social relationships are important in development. This belief is seen in his developmental theory.

Education
In his early years Erikson lived in Frankfurt, Germany. In his early schooling he studied art and music rather than maths and sciences. Since Erikson did not like formal schooling he did not go onto college. Instead, he traveled around europe, keeping a journal of his trips. One year after traveling, Erikson decided to enroll himself in a German art school. With his newfound art knowledge, Erikson taught children art basics. Eventaully, Erik Erikson found psychology to be his calling and was admitted into the Vienna Psychoanalytic Institute.

Major Accomplishments in Psychology

 * 1) Came up with the Developmental Theory which elaborated the on Freudian Theory. This theory divided life into eight stages humans will encounter in their journey through life.
 * 2) Created the interaction of generations or mutuality theory. This describes how the actions of parents influence the actions of children and likewise. He further elaborated on mutuality by creating the theory of personality. Described within this theory is how personalities are directly linked with age.
 * 3) Taught students about psychology at numerous institutions including Yale and the University of California-Berkely

Other Contributions

 * 1) Spent time studying the cultural life of the Lakota and Yurok Indians. Their cultures and social influences helped develop his psychoanalytic theory.
 * 2) Wrote the book "Childhood and Society" which is told about his native American studies, analyses of Maxim Gorkiy and Adolph Hitler and lastly his own version of the Freudian theory.

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