Apply Erikson’s theory to Ruth’s life. Which stages appear to have been completed successfully? Which were not? Explain. Compare Erikson’s theory to Bandura’s.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Ruth seems to have completed the majority of Erikson’s stages successfully. Although the case does not go into detail about Ruth’s childhood, one comes away with the impression that she was raised by loving parents and so most likely resolved the trust versus mistrust crisis of the first year in a positive manner. No mention is made of potty training but Ruth is described as independent and engaging in a number of physical activities a visually impaired person normally does not engage in. This suggests a sense of control over one’s body, a characteristic of successful resolution of the autonomy versus shame/doubt crisis of the second stage. Ruth appears to have been self-motivated and so also, most likely, resolved the initiative versus guilt crisis of the third stage. The fourth stage involves the industry versus inferiority crisis and successful resolution of this stage results in feelings of competence, especially in intellectual, social and physical skills. As mentioned, Ruth appeared confident of her abilities in each of these regards. Ruth did form a sense of identity during the adolescence stage. She was most likely aided in this endeavor by her work as a teacher for the blind and later by her work at the newspaper stand she and her husband ran. Ruth resolved the crisis of intimacy versus isolation during early adulthood by marrying her husband Kevin. In middle adulthood, one meets the crisis of generativity versus isolation. Ruth also seems to have resolved this crisis positively. Although children often allow for a successful resolution of this crisis and Ruth did not have children, she appears to have some concern for future generations through her taking on of boarders like Drew. No mention is made of Ruth facing the integrity versus despair crisis of old age but considering her life experiences and the successful progression through the rest of Erikson’s stages, she most likely felt a sense of satisfaction with her life.
Erikson’s theory focuses on social factors that influence behavior. While Bandura’s theory also emphasizes the influence of social factors, it is more cognitive in nature than is Erikson’s.