Invitation to the Lifespan

Introduction

Life is beautiful! In order to enjoy each and every privilege right, it is imperative that an individual should have a sound mind and body and should be health and fit. In order to lead a life that is health, rational, meaningful and enjoyable there are scores of factors that play its role. One of the most prominent and vital role that a factor plays in lending success and cherishes of life is of personal responsibility. Personal development throughout the lifespan is a significant process. It can be defined as the ability of an individual to understand and fulfill all the obligations, duties and consequences that may arise as a result of any action taken by an individual. In other words, this phenomenon of personal responsibility can also be described as the ability of an individual to take care and to manage the feelings, health, emotions and other aspects of life. This paper shows how I can use the course, Human Growth & Development Lifespan, and the book, Invitation to the Lifespan in my personal and professional life.

Development Theories

Erikson's Psycho-Social Theory of Development

The theory of psycho-social development by Erik Erikson is one of the greatest personality theories in psychology. Erikson believed that a person goes to different stages at different age in his life. According to the theory, an individual goes through a series of different stages from childhood to adulthood. These stages include Trust vs. Mistrust, Autonomy vs. Doubt, Initiative vs. Guilt, Industry vs. Inferiority, Identity vs. Role Confusion, Intimacy vs. Isolation, Generativity vs. Stagnation, and Integrity vs. Despair (White et al, pp. 45). One major element of the Erikson's psycho-social theory of development is the ego identity development. According to the theory, there is a concern for being competent in different areas of life in each development stage. If the individual handles the stage well, he feels a sense of mastery which as per the theory refers to ego quality or ego strength.

Maslow's Stages

Every person has different needs. It is also clear that a man now and then resets because of a need to another. The really simple model of psychologist Abraham Maslow would therefore have been when it was released in 1954 as no surprise, if not from its various levels, would result in a very surprising but useful application. Maslow was a 5-level pyramid of the needs of the people.

The lowest and broadest tier is the basic needs: food, drink, sleep, sexuality, heat (sexuality is controversial at this stage).

Then comes the second stage, the need for security, definition, law and order, protection.

At the third level are love, belonging to a group that settled in general social needs.

The fourth tier includes things such as recognition, fame, attention.

The fifth, and last in even the smallest level of the pyramid of needs taken for personal fulfillment (Berger, pp. 57).

Personal Life

From the book, I learned that since adoption order is the primary determinant of behavior and personality of an individual. Environment can be considered as the second ...