Psychodynamic Theory
Psychodynamic Theories hold that development is largely determined by how well people resolve conflicts they at different ages. This perspective traces its roots to Sigmund Freud’s theory that personality emerges from conflicts that children experience between what they want to do and what society want to them to do.
Building on Freund’s idea, Erik Erikson (1902 – 1994)proposed the first comprehensive life-span view, his psychosocial theory, which remains an important theoretical framework today.
Erikson’s Theory
In his psychosocial theory, Erikson proposed that personality development is determined by the interaction of an internal maturational plan and external societal demands. He proposed that the life cycle is composed if eight stage and that the order of the stage is biologically fixed. You can see that the name of each reflect the challenge people face at a particular age. For example, the challenge for young adults is to become involved in a loving relationship. Challenges are met through a combination of inner psychological influences and outer social influences. When challenges are met successfully, People are well prepared to meet the challenge of the next stage.