Theories of Human Values
1. Erik Erikson is responsible for developing the epigenetic principle.This principle is a stage theory that describes human development andgrowth from birth to death. Unlike Freud's stage theory, Erikson'sepigenetic principle extends into adulthood and describes the theoriesthrough which one must pass in order to develop psychosocially. Each of Erikson's stages has an optimal time frame during which itoccurs. The stage consists of a challenge, or "crisis" that the individualmust resolve in order to develop as a healthy person. The stages areprogressed through in sequence, with the initial stage dealing with thedevelopment of trust as an infant, and the final stage (in old age) posingthe challenge of integrity versus despair. The first stage of the epigenetic principle is the trust/mistrustdichotomy that appears shortly after birth and typically lasts until ageone. In this period, the infant is faced with the crisis of developingtrust (appropriately), usually trust in the mother. In the second stage, from about two to three-years-old, the toddlergoes through a stage of autonomy versus shame. If resolved in a healthymanner, the child will learn autonomy and move into the stag
Much of this hidden motivationhad a psychosexual basis that operated free of any deliberate direction. Thisoversight led to the development of humanistic psychology. Inadulthood, love, care and wisdom are the results of rising to thechallenges presented in our adult years. These basic convictions of humanism, of the personas a fundamentally good, self-directed being form the foundation ofMaslow's hierarchical theory of motivation. If intimacy exists, the person develops love as the achievement inthis stage. Once the physiological and safety needs aremet, humans seek to belong, and be accepted by others. The so-called "First Force" (as Maslow called it) was representedby the behaviorist tradition and was led by John Watson. This value is followed up by the development of a sense ofcompetence that arises from a pre-teen who evolves into an industriousperson, as opposed to someone plagued by inferiority. Humanistic psychology is a value orientation that holds a hopeful,constructive view of human beings and of their substantial capacity to beself-determining. Peer groups are particularly important in helping a teenagerestablish their own identity and develop a sense of fidelity. The primary deficiency need that people must meet is physiological. From hope andwill power and purpose in the preschool years, to competence and fidelityin adolescence, Erikson sheds light on the source of our human values. Maslow's hierarchy of motivation, however, recognizedvolition in the pursuit of human wants. is aresponse to the denigration of the human spirit that has so often beenimplied in the image of the person drawn by behavioral and socialsciences.
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