Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory and Its Influence in Understanding Our Lifespan
On Being Human: Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory and Its Influence in Understanding Our Lifespan explores what shapes an individual from birth to death through the lens of Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory of development. Grounded in Erikson’s framework, the book combines research with practical insights drawn from developmental psychology, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges and milestones that define each stage.
What shapes an individual from birth to death? How does your relationship with others influence your own view of the world? What makes you uniquely you as you grow older (and hopefully wiser)? How can you tackle the different challenges life presents?
Shedding light on the psychology of human development, each chapter marks a stage in our lifespan—from babies to functioning adults—based on Erik Erikson’s theory on psychosocial development. The book pairs research with real-life advice and draws from the authors’ experience in developmental psychology, offering insights into the challenges each stage brings and ways to overcome them.
Discover yourself through the science of growing up and appreciate the influences that make us human.
List of Illustrations
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
- Building the Foundation of Life
Development of Emotions
Self-Regulation and Temperament
The Role of Attachment
Building Secure Attachment and Trust - Paving the Way for Preschool
The Sense of Self and Emotions
The Theory of Mind
Viewing Autonomy as Competence - Understanding the Growing Child
The Importance of Play
Social Comparison
Anxiety in Children
When Language Becomes Difficult
Coping Skills for Children - Refining the Teenage Years
The Invisible Wall
Family, Friendships, and Romance
Cloudy Judgement and Impulsivity
Finding Oneself in the Digital Age
Support is Essential - Pursuing Life in Early Adulthood
Leaving the Nest
Entering the Workforce
When Being with Others Matters - Owning Adulthood
What is “Adulting”?
Choosing to Settle Down
When Parenthood Begins - Shifting Perspectives in Midlife
Being Purposeful
Is It All About Midlife Crises?
Challenges of Middle Age
Maintaining Psychological Well-Being - Establishing a Legacy
Avoiding Despair in the Golden Years
Passing on Wisdom - Nurturing Presence and Emotional Growth in the AI Era
Importance of Connection at the Heart Level
Building Offline Connections While Embracing AI
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
Sybella Ng is a Developmental Psychologist and Family Therapy practitioner who co-founded Re:Mind (formerly known as Thinkint), a training and consulting company that provides EAP and psychological services. She is a graduate of Columbia University, New York, and previously a lecturer of Psychology at HELP University, Malaysia.
Siew Ju Li is an Educational Psychologist and Play Therapist. She is the Director and Consultant at SEED Connections, providing psychological services and programmes to families and children. She specialises in play therapy, emotional literacy, and parenting, and is a former senior lecturer of Psychology at HELP University, Malaysia.
Basic Information
- 978-629-7646-44-2 (Paperback)
