Running head: THEORY PAPER

Theory Paper
Karin Troy
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke

THEORY ANALYSIS

The most vital aspect of understanding human behavior is being familiar with the ground
works of such influential theories such as the Psychosocial Theory projected by Erik Erikson and
the Hierarchy of Needs Theory proposed by Abraham Maslow. Although both Erikson and
Maslow are two of the most profound masterminds of Psychology, both have contributed distinct
theories to the framework for understanding human behavior and development. However,
research suggests that the works of both masterminds present flaws. Importantly, Erikson was
raised in Germany and trained as an analysand by Anna Freud, a student of Sigmund Freud
(Glynn, 1971). On the other hand, Maslow was raised in New York City and obtained his
knowledge of psychology at the University of Wisconsin as a Teaching Fellow (Maslow, 1970).
Briefly, Maslow dedicated his theory around human potential and self-actualization, while
Erikson focused more on human development and identity. With that being said, the purpose of
this paper is to point out the gaps in both theories, while examining how these theories apply to
my lifestyle.
Primarily, it is necessary to breakdown Eriksons Psychosocial Theory and evaluate the
meaning of the idea as a whole. In its broadest sense, Psychosocial theory addresses human
development at each stage of life and how various factors contribute or withhold an individuals
development. From Eriksons perspective, identity begins where identifications leave off, that
each stage offers a chance for a new configuration, that the person is constituted anew at each
stage of development (Glynn, 1971, p. 684). Likewise, this theory has been directly linked to
life span as a result of life decisions throughout a lifetime. In other words, this theory represents
transformation and maturity that can be easily transgressed by societal, biological, and
psychological systems (Newman & Newman, 2012). Specifically, Erikson begins with eight
stages ranging from infants learning trust versus doubt to later adulthood when integrity versus

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despair is the psychological crisis (Newman & Newman, 2012). In detail, Erikson provides an
outline for how and when individuals are able to approach ethical dilemmas and become aware
of their self-identity.
The strengths of Erikson theory lie within the ground works of appropriately
distinguishing the necessity of being fortunate enough to follow a guideline stating what an
individual may be experiencing at a certain point in ones life. For example, Eriksons
development chart tells me that my son should be aware of gender identification and peer play,
while entering the early school age of experiencing initiative versus guilt (Newman & Newman,
2012). On the other hand, the weakness of Eriksons theory would be the lack of explanations for
interpersonal attachments present for both male and female in the latter stages of development.
According to Franz and White (1985), Eriksons theory does not accurately account for both
male and female experience. In other words, the theory fails to recognize the importance of male
and female dichotomies. Psychologically, a single framework or pathway cannot accurately be
associated with two distinct genders.
In reference to Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Theory, he has been ranked the 14th most
frequently cited psychologist in introduction to psychology textbooks (Rivera, 2006, p. 302).
Though his theory has been recently revised to portray the modification to his original theory, the
motivational scheme continues to be relevant to human development. Maslow elaborates about
the significance of self-actualization and its linkage to peak experiences (Rivera, 2006). In
addition, Maslows introduces the concept of being-cognition by stating that those who were
satisfied with self-actualization without being-cognition were at a lower stage of motivational
development than those who were motivated to seek experiences of being-cognition (Rivera,

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2006, p. 305). Self-actualization requires the mindset to be prosperous, while self-transcendence

allows the individual to be empathetic and courageous (Rivera, 2006).
The strong point of Maslows theory is represented through the image of portraying a
confidently developed individual, who is aware of how peak experiences positively affect the
health of the individual. This theory motivates one through a perspective that manages the
priority of certain personality aspects present in an individual. Simply, a highly motivated
teenager surrounded by positive supporters would most definitely be ranked at the top of
Maslows hierarchy. On the other hand, the weakness of this theory lies within the reconstruction
and failure to clarify what self-actualization means. Some scholars note that Maslow never fully
developed a final coherent theory of self-actualization (Rivera, 2006, p. 307). With that being
said, the ratification of the theory brings confusion and uncertainty to the theory of selfactualization alone. However, in reference to self-transcendence, the understanding of the theory
can be inferred.
Precisely, Ericksons Psychosocial theory somewhat lays the foundation for Newman and
Newmans Life Stage Theory. While Ericksons theory begins at infancy, Newman and
Newmans version begins from the time of conception. The Newmans conclude that the nine
months of carrying the child in the womb, could be the most vital stage of life development. The
connection these theories make with social work practice would be the ability to apply these
theories with adequate life situations. In reality, both the Life Stage Theory and Psychosocial
Theory can be applied to individuals of any age. However, Ericksons theory is mainly derived
from a male point of view and does not include important aspects present in female dilemmas.
Specifically, the theories can be beneficially when thinking about whether an individual selfdetermined or structurally-determined (Frost, 2008). Observing both charts can give a reasonable

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explanation for re-examining the standpoint of ones individuality and self-identity. Therefore, it
is safe to say that psychosocial thinking can either produce a reality check or a belt of confusion.
The key concept is for one to become comfortable and aware of their self-identity and making
sure that misunderstandings are clear and development keys are met. Life is full of decision,
commit to a decision, suffer the consequences, compose emotions, and reconstruct ones life by
obtaining self-control.

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References
Franz, C. E., & White, K. M. (1985). Individuation and attachment in personality development:
Extending Erikson's theory. Journal Of Personality, 53(2), 224. doi:10.1111/14676494.ep9044163
Frost, L. (2008). Why teach social work students Psychosocial studies? Social Work Educatio.
27(3), 243-261.
Glynn, E. (1971). Review of 'Erik H. Erikson: The growth of his work. American Journal Of
Orthopsychiatry, 41(4), 683-685. doi:10.1037/h0097612
Maslow, A. (1970). Abraham H. Maslow: A bibliography: Professional biography. Journal of
Humanistic Psychology, 10(98).
Newman, B. M., and Newman, P. R. (2012). Development through life: A psychosocial
approach (11th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Rivera, M. E. (2006). Rediscovering the later version of Maslows Hierarchy of Needs: Selftranscendence and opportunities for theory, research, and unification. Review of General
Psychology, 10(4), 302-317.

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