Episode Details

Why can figuring out who you are feel so complicated? In this episode, Jowd explores Erik Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development, focusing on identity during adolescence. Everyday examples, research evidence, and a critique of the theory’s assumptions reveal both its usefulness and its limits. This episode was researched and produced by Jowd for their HHG4M Human Development (Psychology) course during Semester 1, 2026/27. References Coles, R., Hunt, R. M., & Maher, B. A. (2002, March 7). Erik Erikson. The Harvard Gazette. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2002/03/erik-erikson/ Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and society. W. W. Norton. Mazaheri, M., Kihlgren, M., & Norberg, A. (2022). Applying the theory of human development by Erik and Joan Erikson when communicating with persons with advanced dementia diseases. Nordic Journal of Nursing Research, 42(4), 178–184. https://doi.org/10.1177/20571585211048280 Sorell, G. T., & Montgomery, M. J. (2001). Feminist perspectives on Erikson’s theory: Their relevance for contemporary identity development research. Identity, 1(2), 97–128. https://doi.org/10.1207/S1532706XID0102_01 Whitbourne, S. K., Zuschlag, M. K., Elliot, L. B., & Waterman, A. S. (1992). Psychosocial development in adulthood: A 22-year sequential study. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 63(2), 260–271. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.63.2.260