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

Application of Social and Emotional TheoryPsychosocial TheoryEric Erickson (1902-1994) was a psychoanalytical theorist who refined the study of disposition development across the life stages (School of Arts, Development and Health Education, Massey University, 2012). His psychosocial theory ( new(a)man & Newman, 2007) extended on the work of his mentor, and originating theorist Sigmund Freud (Berk, 2012). Ericksons theory divulged that individuals confront both prejudicious 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. Jeans current situation relates to Ericksons final psychosocial stage in late adulthood integrity versus despair. This stage marks a period of self-reflection, and the associated v alue of ones life. Integrity is achieved by individuals who are happy and substance 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 change fears of their impending demise (Clairborne & Drewery, 2010 Berk, 2010). In Jeans case, moving to a retirement village generated both feelings of despair, and ultimately integrity. She worried about her ability to mien 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. ReferencesBerger, K.S. (2008). The development 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-HillSchool of Arts, Development and Health Education, Massey University. (2012). 275.102 Human Development Course material. Palmerston North, New Zealand Author.